Arne Slot paid tribute to Jota as a unique human being (Nick Potts/PA)
The Premier League champions are at Deepdale on Sunday to begin preparations for the new season, a little over a week after the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Liverpool confirmed on Friday that they have retired Jota’s No20 shirt number in honour and memory of the Portugal star, and both clubs will pay tribute to the player ahead of kick-off on Sunday.
On the pitch, club-record signing Florian Wirtz is in line to make his first appearance for the club since his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen. He could line up in attacking midfield with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on either side. Federico Chiesa will be hoping for a chance to impress.
Further back, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will be looking to make his long-awaited debut, having agreed to join Liverpool last summer. He would be behind a back four which could consist of new full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to start.
Another goalkeeper in Freddie Woodman could also be involved, less than two weeks after swapping Deepdale for Anfield. Youngster James McConnell and Amara Nallo will be in line for minutes.
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