Preston v Liverpool: Reds Tune Up in 2025 Friendly

Preston v Liverpool meet at Deepdale on 13 July 2025 for a Club Friendlies clash that promises far more than summer fitness. The historic Lancashire ground will be packed as Preston North End test themselves against Jürgen Klopp’s trophy-hunters, setting the tone for both clubs’ new campaigns.

Why Preston v Liverpool Matters in Pre-Season

Although labelled a friendly, Preston v Liverpool offers priceless competitive minutes. Preston boss Ryan Lowe wants his Championship outfit to sharpen pressing patterns against elite opposition, while Klopp will measure his squad’s rhythm after a gruelling Asian tour. Victory is secondary; conditioning, tactical tweaks and youth integration headline the agenda.

Team News: Reds Rotate, Lilywhites at Full Strength

Liverpool’s travelling party mixes established stars with emerging talents. Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to captain, with Ibrahima Konaté anchoring defence. New €45 million signing João Neves could debut in midfield, flanked by Curtis Jones and Wataru Endō. Up front, Mohamed Salah is scheduled for a 30-minute cameo, giving Darwin Núñez and teenager Lewis Koumas extended auditions.

Preston arrive virtually injury-free. Towering striker Emil Riis has recovered from knee surgery and will spearhead attack alongside Will Keane. Whizz-kid Felipe Rodríguez, freshly signed from Sporting Gijón, should start on the left, with Brad Potts and Ali McCann patrolling midfield. Lowe may deploy a back five to counter Liverpool’s width.

Tactical Focus

Expect Preston v Liverpool to open at a brisk tempo. Klopp’s men will press high in their familiar 3-2-2-3 build-up, pushing Alexander-Arnold into midfield and relying on Andy Robertson for overlap. Preston will likely concede possession, compress centrally and spring direct counters through Riis’s hold-up play and Rodríguez’s pace.

Key Battles to Watch

1. João Neves vs. Ben Whiteman: The Portuguese prodigy’s metronomic passing meets a seasoned Championship disruptor.
2. Robertson vs. Potts: Overlapping runs against tireless tracking define the flank.
3. Konaté vs. Riis: Raw power collides as both look to dominate aerially.

Form Guide Heading into Preston v Liverpool

Liverpool finished 2024–25 as Premier League runners-up, losing just twice after January. A 4-0 rout of Yokohama F. Marinos last week showed sharpness. Preston stumbled to 15th in the Championship but ended the season with four wins in five, hinting at upward momentum.

Deepdale Atmosphere and Historical Context

Deepdale—one of football’s oldest continuous venues—has not hosted Liverpool since a 2010 FA Cup tie won 2-0 by the Reds. The clubs share intertwined heritage; Bill Shankly played for Preston before forging the modern Liverpool dynasty. Supporters will honour that link with mosaics and banners pre-kick-off.

Projected Starting XIs

Preston (3-5-2): Woodman; Storey, Lindsay, Cunningham; Potts, McCann, Whiteman, Browne, Rodríguez; Riis, Keane.
Liverpool (3-2-2-3): Kelleher; Konaté, Quansah, Robertson; Alexander-Arnold, Endō; Neves, Jones; Díaz, Núñez, Salah.

Match Stats and Numbers

• This is only the third Preston v Liverpool friendly since 1998.
• Liverpool scored 102 goals in all competitions last season; Preston managed 59.
• Deepdale’s capacity crowd of 23,404 is expected to generate £1 million in local revenue.

Broadcast and Ticket Info

Kick-off is 15:00 BST. UK viewers can stream via LFCTV GO, while international audiences have Goal Sports News’ multilingual feed. Tickets sold out within 72 hours, but official resale opens 11 July via Preston’s website.

Players to Watch in Preston v Liverpool

Darwin Núñez: The Uruguayan aims to convert pre-season form into a starting berth come August.
Felipe Rodríguez: At just 19, the Spaniard’s dribbling could unsettle Liverpool’s higher line.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Operating as hybrid midfielder, his range will dictate tempo.

What Both Managers Said

Ryan Lowe: “Facing Liverpool shows us where we must raise the bar. I want bravery on the ball and aggression off it.”
Jürgen Klopp: “Deepdale is special. The challenge helps our young lads learn real-game intensity.”

Injury and Suspension Update

Preston miss only right-back Calvin Ramsay, ineligible against his parent club. Liverpool rest long-term absentee Thiago, while Stefan Bajčetić continues rehabilitation but could feature later in July.

How the Weather Could Influence Preston v Liverpool

A mild 19 °C afternoon with light breeze favours high pressing. Slick surface after morning showers may quicken passing, suiting Liverpool’s vertical exchanges yet inviting errors under Preston’s counter-press.

Prediction

Preston v Liverpool often defies script, but depth tips balance. Expect a competitive first hour before Klopp’s bench quality tells. Forecast: Liverpool 3-1 Preston.

Opinion: Friendly With Real Stakes

Pre-season fixtures can drift, yet this Preston v Liverpool encounter feels meaningful. The Reds need to embed tactical evolution early, while Preston crave belief before a promotion push. Fans should relish a contest that blends nostalgia with future ambition—proof that even July football can offer genuine narrative sparks.