Pre-season matches kick off for Liverpool on Sunday, but the focus on the pitch is overshadowed by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident. Jota’s significant contributions to Liverpool have left players feeling emotional as they return to training following the loss of their friends and teammates. Nevertheless, the Reds are set to begin their season with an away match against Preston North End, later traveling to Hong Kong to face AC Milan.
Though the game won’t take place at Anfield, Liverpool plans to honor Jota and Silva through tributes, including both teams wearing black armbands. There will be a pre-match tribute streamed on YouTube and available on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Match Viewing Details:
- Date: Sunday, July 13th | Time: 9:45 AM
- Location: Deepdale, Preston, UK
- Pre-Game Coverage: LFCTV and Liverpool’s YouTube channel
- Live Stream: CBS Sports Golazo Network
Tribute Plans:
Before the match starts, Liverpool will perform their anthem, "You’ll Never Walk Alone," and lay wreaths in tribute. A minute of silence will be observed, and Preston will produce a special commemorative program for the match day. Liverpool has also announced the retirement of Jota’s number 20 jersey across all levels of the club in his honor.
New Faces on the Team:
Liverpool has made some notable signings, including Florian Wirtz and Jeremy Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, who are expected to debut in this match. Wirtz carries a hefty price tag, while Frimpong is expected to fill in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has left for Real Madrid. With the Champions League approaching, manager Arne Slot is looking to add depth to the squad, and Milos Kerkez may also make his debut after joining from Bournemouth.
Prediction:
Despite the emotional circumstances, Liverpool’s squad depth should help secure a victory in their first preseason match. Wirtz is expected to score, justifying his hefty transfer fee right from the start. Prediction: Preston 0, Liverpool 4.
Additional Coverage:
Fans can stay updated with CBS Sports Golazo Network, which features various programs like "Morning Footy," "The Third Attack," and “Scoreline,” delivering the latest news and highlights from the soccer world. The channel offers free streaming through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
What’s on Paramount+?
In addition to top-notch sports coverage, Paramount+ offers a vast library with over 40,000 episodes and films from across networks like CBS and Nickelodeon. There’s something to binge-watch for everyone, from "The Mayor of Kingstown" to classics like "Frasier."
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer fans as it highlights the human side of the sport, emphasizing the camaraderie and shared grief that goes beyond the game. The tributes not only honor lost talents but also reflect the resilience of the soccer community, reminding us that the sport can unite us even in times of sorrow.
