Jota tributes will dominate first friendly of summer schedule

LIVERPOOL return to action today for the first time since they got their hands on the Premier League trophy on May 25.

- By THEO SQUIRES

But while it was a party atmosphere at Anfield that day, it will be a much more sombre, emotional scene when they walk out at Preston North End.

The Reds are facing the Championship outfit in their first match since the passing of striker Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, on July 3.

It was only decided that Liverpool's trip to Deepdale would go ahead following consultation with players and staff following their postponed return to the AXA Training Centre for the start of preseason.

While the game will act as poignant occasion in memory of Jota and Silva, with multiple tributes planned ahead of kickoff, supporters will also be given their first opportunity to see Arne Slot's new-look side in action with the likes of club-record sign Florian Wirtz set to make his unofficial debut.

The ECHO will be in attendance at Deepdale, providing you with all your normal pre-match, in-game and post-match buildup, live updates, reaction and analysis.

And ahead of the game, we've taken a look at what to keep an eye out for as Liverpool make their playing return...

Jota tributes

It would be amiss not to start with both clubs' plans to pay tribute to Jota and Silva following their tragic deaths.

Supporters attending the match have been asked to be in their seats by 2.45pm ahead of the 3pm kickoff as a mark of respect to the brothers, with tributes then getting underway at roughly 2.50pm.

Claudia Rose Maguire - wife of former Preston player Sean - will first sing a rendition of Can't Help Falling In Love, which will then be followed by Liverpool's anthem of You'll Never Walk Alone.

While the latter is sung, North End captain Ben Whiteman will lay a wreath in front of the visiting supporters in the Bill Shankly Kop, ahead of a minute's silence just before kickoff.

During the minute's silence, digital tributes will be displayed on the big screen and across LEDs at Deepdale.