How to watch Preston vs Liverpool for free as Reds play first game since Diogo Jota death

Liverpool are set to face Preston North End in their first match since the tragic loss of Diogo Jota. The pre-season fixture's fate was uncertain following Jota's death last week, but it has now been confirmed that the friendly will proceed as scheduled after sensitive discussions between the two clubs and consultations with Liverpool players and staff.

The 28-year-old Portuguese forward died in a fatal car accident on July 3. He was driving a Lamborghini when a tyre blew out, causing the car to veer off the road in northern Spain and burst into flames. The crash also took the life of Jota's younger brother, Andre Silva. Liverpool's preparations for the forthcoming 2025/26 season were delayed after the tragedy, with most of the squad travelling to Portugal to attend Jota's funeral last weekend. It is understood that tributes to Jota and Andre are being organised for the Preston match, with a small ceremony expected before kick-off. Express Sport provides all the details ahead of kick-off.

When and where is the Preston vs Liverpool match?

The match is scheduled to go ahead on Sunday, July 13, with a 3:00pm UK time kick-off.

It will be held at Preston's Deepdale stadium.

How can I watch the Preston vs Liverpool match?

The match will be broadcast for free on ITV1, with coverage commencing at 2:50pm, just before the start of the game. Fans can also stream the action for free via the ITVX app or opt to watch the match on the official ITV website.

It's understood that the decision to televise the match was made prior to the news of Jota's passing.

Liverpool team news

New signings Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are all eligible for selection and could make their first appearances for Liverpool. The same goes for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who joined the club last year but spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Valencia.

Reds fans will be particularly excited to see Wirtz in action following his record-breaking £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Preston team news

Like Liverpool, Preston have been busy in the transfer market this summer. New recruits Odel Offiah, Daniel Iversen, Thierry Small, Jordan Thompson, Pol Valentin and Daniel Jebbison are all expected to feature and could make their debuts for the Championship side at Deepdale.

Who else will Liverpool play in pre-season?

After facing Preston, Liverpool will travel to Asia for two pre-season friendlies. They'll take on AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26, followed by a match against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on July 30.

To wrap up their summer fixtures, Arne Slot's team will welcome Athletic Club to Anfield on 4 August for an uncommon double-header, with games starting at 5:00pm and 8:00pm. This unique arrangement aims to provide as much playing time as possible to the majority of the senior squad.

Following this, Liverpool will shift focus to competitive matches, facing Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August, before launching their Premier League season at home against Bournemouth.