Two New Signings Set to Debut: Liverpool’s Anticipated Starting XI vs Preston North End
Liverpool’s pre-season campaign begins on Sunday with a poignant friendly away to Preston North End (3pm kick-off). But while football takes center stage, the day will be defined by something far more profound — a tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, both tragically lost in a car accident last week.
⚫ A Day of Tribute
The global football community remains in mourning. For Liverpool, the match at Deepdale is more than a warm-up — it’s a moment to honor a cherished teammate, brother, and champion.
Jota, who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds since his arrival from Wolves in 2020, won four major trophies, including last season’s Premier League title. He was beloved by Kopites for his energy, instinct, and humble character.
Sunday’s match will feature several heartfelt tributes:
A minute’s silence before kick-off
Black armbands worn by both teams
A wreath laid by Preston captain Ben Whiteman before the away fans
A performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”
A special edition matchday programme
The permanent retirement of Jota’s No. 20 shirt at all club levels
Liverpool players, many of whom attended Jota’s funeral in Portugal last week, also paid their respects outside Anfield on Friday alongside the club and Jota’s family.
Head coach Arne Slot has emphasized that the most fitting tribute will be to carry on Jota’s legacy through success on the pitch.
🔄 A New Era Begins
While emotions will run high, Sunday’s fixture also marks the beginning of a new chapter. As reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool have embarked on a major squad overhaul, investing around £200 million this summer.
Major signings include:
Florian Wirtz (£100m, Bayer Leverkusen)
Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m, Bayer Leverkusen)
Milos Kerkez (£40–45m, Bournemouth)
Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m, Valencia)
With players only returning to training this week, Slot is expected to approach the match as a light fitness exercise — but fans are still eager to see some of the club’s new faces.
🔴 Predicted Liverpool XI vs Preston
GK – Alisson Becker
Despite the arrival of Mamardashvili, Alisson remains first-choice and will likely start to provide leadership on a sensitive occasion.
RB – Jeremie Frimpong
The electric full-back could make his Liverpool debut, especially with Conor Bradley recovering from a late-season hamstring injury.
CB – Joe Gomez
After a frustrating, injury-hit campaign, Gomez will be eager to find rhythm early in pre-season.
CB – Virgil van Dijk
As club captain and a close friend of Jota, Van Dijk is expected to lead the team onto the pitch for this emotional tribute match.
LB – Kostas Tsimikas
With Milos Kerkez also recently signed, Slot may choose to ease the new full-back in from the bench while Tsimikas starts.
CM – Wataru Endo
The experienced midfielder has pledged to stay and remains a steady presence in midfield despite likely playing a reduced role in the new campaign.
CM – Alexis Mac Allister
Quietly influential, Mac Allister has earned plaudits from teammates and opposition alike. He was recently nominated for PFA Player of the Year.
RW – Ben Doak
Returning from injury after a promising loan spell at Middlesbrough, Doak is at a career crossroads. Slot may use this game to assess his readiness.
AM – Florian Wirtz
All eyes will be on Liverpool’s record signing. The 22-year-old German is expected to debut, and fans are eager to see his creative spark in action.
LW – Cody Gakpo
With Luis Diaz’s future uncertain amid interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, Gakpo is poised to step up again on the left flank.
ST – Federico Chiesa
With Darwin Nunez potentially leaving and Jayden Danns still returning from a back injury, Chiesa could lead the line in a fluid front three.
📝 Final Thoughts
More than just a pre-season fixture, Liverpool’s clash with Preston will be a powerful memorial — one that fuses football and fraternity in honoring Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
While new signings may make their first impressions, the emotional core of the match will transcend tactics and scorelines.
The Reds are beginning a new season — but they carry Jota’s legacy with them, every step of the way.