Liverpool are braced for a hugely emotional afternoon as they play the first game since the car crash that claimed the life of their striker Diogo Jota.
When the opening pre-season fixture against Preston was announced, it was anticipated it would be a joyous affair and the first opportunity for fans to see the newly-crowned Premier League champions.
The fixture at Deepdale, however, will be a totally different occasion after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in an accident in Northern Spain on July 3.
A minute’s silence will be observed before kick-off at 3pm and digital tributes will be displayed on the screen and across pitch side LEDs. Both sets of players will wear black armbands.
Liverpool are braced for an emotional afternoon as they play the first game since the car crash
Liverpool have announced that they will retire Diogo Jota’s number 20 from all of their teams
The Deepdale fixture will be a different occasion after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva died
Preston’s team will lay a wreath in front of the away end and You’ll Never Walk Alone will be sung ahead of the game for the brothers. Liverpool retired Jota’s Number 20 shirt after consulting with his widow, Rute, and his family.
