Liverpool's clash with Preston will go ahead this weekend following talks between the two clubs in what will be their first game since the death of Diogo Jota
10:44, 09 Jul 2025
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United at Anfield on September 24, 2023 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool are set to play their first game after Diogo Jota's death(Image: Dave Howarth - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool's game with Preston this weekend will still go ahead, following talks between both clubs.
The match will be Liverpool's first since the death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in Spain last week. The shocking loss of Jota left the sporting world stunned, and has seen Liverpool go into mourning for the Portuguese superstar.
Arne Slot's squad returned to pre-season training on Tuesday, and there was a sombre mood in the camp. And the tragic events cast doubts over whether the pre-season friendly at Deepdale on Sunday would still go ahead.
But following constant dialogue between both clubs, it has been decided to fulfil the fixture.
Arne Slot, head coach and his wife paying tribute to Diogo Jota
Liverpool have been in mourning since the death of Jota(Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Preston officials will hold a meeting with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes on Wednesday and the club's communications department, to discuss how best to mark the occasion.
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The Championship club want to pay a fitting tribute to the life and career of Jota.
But Preston will be guided by Liverpool on what the best way will be to honour Jota, at what promises to be an emotional occasion. The game is a sell-out, and will be shown live on ITV.
According to the Liverpool ECHO, a deal was agreed in principle before the end of June that the game would be broadcast.
It's stressed that ITV's broadcasting of the match is an unfortunate coincidence, with the match now carrying a far greater meaning and public interest.
The game's broadcast was confirmed in the Radio Times TV guide, which reads: "Preston North End v Liverpool (Kick-off 3.00pm). All the action from the friendly at Deepdale.
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"Preston finished 15th in the Championship last term and will look forward to testing themselves against the reigning Premier League champions.
"Who have further strengthened their squad over the summer by signing the likes of full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong and attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz".