Liverpool travel to Preston North End for a pre-season friendly - the Reds' first match since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota
An aerial view of Deepdale, home of Preston North End
Liverpool's first pre-season friendly is against Preston North End at Deepdale
Liverpool conclude their first week of pre-season training with a friendly against Championship side Preston North End at Deepdale. Only days ago there were questions whether the match would even go ahead in the wake of Diogo Jota's tragic death, but after sensitive talks between the two clubs it has been decided to proceed as planned with tributes for the No.20 organised.
Jota, 28, died alongside brother Andre Silva, 25, in a car accident in northern Spain in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, and the siblings were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar two days later with many Liverpool players and staff in attendance. Having postponed original plans to return to training, the Reds eventually began preparations on Tuesday, July 8, at the AXA Training Centre.
The fixture with Preston had been scheduled long before the recent events, but players and staff were consulted this week about whether they wished to take part as they continue to mourn the loss of their teammate and close friend. It was finalised that the game would go ahead on Wednesday, July 9.
Liverpool and their hosts have since also announced tributes that will be paid to Jota and Silva. This will include renditions of Can’t Help Falling In Love and You’ll Never Walk Alone, a commemorative matchday programme, a floral tribute in front of the away supporters in the Bill Shankly Kop, a minute's silence and black armbands worn by both teams.
Here, the ECHO walks you through how you can follow the match.
What time does Preston North End vs Liverpool kick off?
The friendly between Preston and Liverpool is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off on Sunday, July 13 at Deepdale, the home of the Championship club, in Lancashire.
Is Preston North End vs Liverpool being shown live on TV?
The friendly between Preston and Liverpool will be shown live on ITV1, meaning it will be free to watch for all UK viewers. ITV1 can be accessed through Freeview, Sky TV, Virgin Media and EE TV.
The programme is to begin at 2.40pm, 20 minutes before kick-off. Preston and Liverpool have clarified their tributes to Jota and Silva will begin at 2.50pm, 10 minutes before kick-off, so this will be included in ITV's broadcast.
Commentary will be provided by Joe Speight, who will be joined by former Reds defender Stephen Warnock. Fans can expect the final whistle around 4.50pm and ITV's programme will wrap up at 5.10pm.
Preston vs Liverpool will also be shown live on LFCTV, which requires a subscription, on Sky TV and Virgin Media. The club's coverage gets underway at the earlier time of 2.15pm and finishes at 5.15pm.
Is Preston North End vs Liverpool available via live stream?
Yes, for viewers in the UK the friendly between Preston and Liverpool will also be watchable on ITV's streaming service, ITVX. All of the programme details are the same as ITV1 above.
Alternatively, Liverpool themselves will live stream the match, plus tributes to Jota and Silva beforehand, online via their own All Red Video platform. This will be available to subscribers at £4.99 per month, but they are also currently running an offer of a first month for free, cancellable at any time.