Two debuts as New signings starts: Liverpool possible starting line-up vs Preston North End…

Two new signings are set to debut: Liverpool’s anticipated starting line-up against Preston North End.

Liverpool is set to face Preston in their first friendly match of the pre-season.

The pre-season journey for Liverpool kicks off as they head to Preston North End on Sunday (3pm kick-off).

In reality, the events on the field will take a backseat to more pressing matters. The primary focus will be on honoring Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident last week.

The entire football community, not just Liverpool, has been in mourning since the incident.

Jota was cherished by the Kopites, netting 65 goals in 182 appearances after his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020.

He secured four major trophies during his time at Anfield, including the Premier League title last season.

Numerous tributes to Jota and Silva will take place at Preston’s Deepdale stadium, featuring a performance of You’ll Never Walk Alone, black armbands worn by both teams, and a wreath laid by Lilywhites captain Ben Whiteman in front of the away supporters.

A minute’s silence will also be observed, and Preston has produced a special commemorative matchday programme. It is certain that Jota’s song will resonate throughout the day as well.

This will be an emotional day for everyone involved, particularly for Jota’s Liverpool teammates and colleagues, who attended his funeral in Portugal last week.

The squad also paid their respects to the brothers alongside their family outside Anfield on Friday, with the club announcing that Jota’s No.20 shirt will be retired at all levels.

Head coach Arne Slot and his players understand that the best tribute to Jota is to continue achieving success on the field and to dedicate any future trophies to him.

As the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool aims to defend their title in the 2025-26 season.

The Reds have invested approximately £200 million in transfers during the summer window, bringing in Florian Wirtz for a club-record £100 million, along with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Slot views the Preston match merely as a training opportunity and a chance for his players – who just resumed training at the beginning of the week – to shake off the rust. It remains uncertain who will participate against North End, but we have attempted to forecast what the starting line-up might resemble.

Liverpool predicted line-up vs Preston

GK – Alisson Becker

Despite Mamardashvili’s acquisition for up to £29 million, Alisson is anticipated to retain his position as the first-choice goalkeeper.

RB – Jeremie Frimpong

The £29.5 million recruit from Bayer Leverkusen could receive his first opportunity in a Liverpool jersey. He will be eager to demonstrate his capabilities. Additionally, Conor Bradley suffered a hamstring injury towards the end of last season, so he may still be managed with caution.

CB – Joe Gomez

As Liverpool’s longest-serving player, Gomez faced a challenging second half of the 2024-25 season due to a recurring hamstring issue that necessitated surgery. He did manage to recover in the final match and will be keen to gain some momentum during pre-season.

CB – Virgil van Dijk

Slot may prefer his captain to lead the team onto the pitch for what promises to be an emotional day at Deepdale. There is no one more suited for the role.

LB – Kostas Tsimikas

The Liverpool manager might opt not to start both new full-backs in this match, which could see Milos Kerkez come off the bench.

Furthermore, the shortage of centre-backs might lead to Andy Robertson playing centrally later in the match, allowing Tsimikas to start from the outset.

CM – Wataru Endo

The Japanese international has made it clear that he will not be departing Liverpool this summer, even though he is likely to play a limited role. His mindset is what makes him a favorite among fans.

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

Often underappreciated by many, but not by his manager, teammates, or opponents.

Mac Allister has received a nomination for PFA Player of the Year, underscoring his talent.

RW – Ben Doak

The Scottish player finds himself at a pivotal moment this summer. He had a successful loan period at Middlesbrough last season until an injury in January sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.

Doak has been rumored to be leaving this summer, and Slot may want to evaluate him closely before deciding on the young player’s future. Much will hinge on his recovery from the injury, however.

AM – Florian Wirtz

Fans will be eager to witness the club’s record signing in action. Wirtz is seen as a once-in-a-generation talent, with Liverpool outmaneuvering Bayern Munich and Manchester City to secure his transfer.

LW – Cody Gakpo

In light of the uncertainty surrounding Luis Diaz’s future, Gakpo might be the one to start on the wing.

The two players shared responsibilities during the title-winning season, with Gakpo netting 18 goals across all competitions.

ST – Federico Chiesa

With Darwin Nunez’s future in doubt, Slot may prefer not to utilize the Uruguayan striker extensively, if at all.

Chiesa could step in as a makeshift striker, or there is a possibility of Jayden Danns taking the lead if he has fully recovered from the back injury that prevented him from playing after his loan move to Sunderland in January.