Liverpool`s preseason schedule kicks off on Sunday, but the focus is heavily impacted by the tragic news of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva`s deaths in a car accident. Players returning to training have expressed deep emotion over the loss of their friend and teammate, highlighting Diogo Jota`s significant influence at the club. Despite the difficult circumstances, the team must prepare for the season ahead. The Reds begin with an away friendly against Preston North End before traveling to Hong Kong for a match against Milan.
Although the match isn`t at Anfield, Liverpool will hold several tributes to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva before and during the friendly. Both teams will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect. Pre-match tribute events will be broadcast live on YouTube and also available via the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Here`s information on how to watch the match and other key points:
How to Watch Preston vs. Liverpool
- Date: Sunday, July 13 | Time: 9:45 a.m. ET
- Location: Deepdale — Preston, England
- Pregame coverage: LFCTV and Liverpool YouTube
- Match live stream: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Planned Tributes
Before kickoff, the club`s anthem, You`ll Never Walk Alone, will be performed, and Liverpool will lay a wreath. A minute of silence will be observed, and tributes will be shown on the stadium screens. Preston has also produced a special commemorative matchday program for the occasion. Liverpool has announced that Diogo Jota`s number 20 jersey will be retired across all club levels in his honor.
Potential New Signings Debut
Following the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, there have been notable changes in the Liverpool squad. Both players could potentially make their first appearances in this friendly. Wirtz, signed for a club-record fee, will be keen to make an immediate impact, while Frimpong steps into a key role after Trent Alexander-Arnold`s departure to Real Madrid. Milos Kerkez, who joined from Bournemouth, is another player who could feature for the first time. While Andrew Robertson remains with the club, manager Arne Slot will need significant depth, particularly with Champions League commitments ahead.
Match Prediction
Even with the emotional backdrop, Liverpool`s squad strength should ensure a winning start to their preseason campaign. Expect Florian Wirtz to find the net in his debut, immediately starting to justify his record price tag. Prediction: Preston 0, Liverpool 4
