In an emotionally-charged first game back since the devastating deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, Premier League champions Liverpool kicked off their pre-season period with professionalism and panache at Preston North End.

Arne Slot took his crop to Deepdale on the afternoon of July 13, where touching tributes to the Jota brothers preceded kickoff, and the reigning English champions subsequently got the job done with minimal fuss.

A makeshift lineup comprising established regulars and embryonic talents alike marched to a 3-1 triumph against the Championship side, one that began with Conor Bradley crashing home at the back post to bag Liverpool's first pre-season strike.

Darwin Nunez also got in on the act and paid homage to Jota with his trademark gaming celebration, and even though Preston's Liam Lindsay pulled one back for the second-tier side, Cody Gakpo restored the Reds' two-goal cushion late on.

Following Liverpool's opening success, Sports Mole provides an in-depth guide to the rest of their pre-season period, including details on their opponents, how to tune into the matches and if their record-breaking new signing Floeian Wirtz could be involved.

Who will Liverpool play in pre-season?

As was the case in 2024, Liverpool kicked off their summer preparations against Championship outfit Preston North End, who prevailed 1-0 at the Reds' training ground this time last year.

However, the 2025 exhibition clash saw Liverpool gain revenge with a 3-1 triumph, and Slot's squad will soon now embark on a brief tour of Asia.

The Reds' first stopover on the other side of the planet is Hong Kong, where they will take on AC Milan in the Standard Chartered Trophy on July 26, with kickoff scheduled for 12.30pm UK time.

Four days later, Liverpool travel to Japan for the J. League World Challenge against Yokohama F. Marinos, aiming to become the third English team in a row to win the exhibition game after Manchester City in 2023 and Tottenham Hotspur in 2024.

Back on home shores, Liverpool conclude their summer preparations with two matches in the space of a few hours, taking on Athletic Bilbao in a pair of Anfield contests at 5pm and 8pm on August 4.

Liverpool 2025-26 pre-season schedule:

July 13: Preston North End 1-3 Liverpool (3pm | Deepdale)

July 26: Liverpool vs. AC Milan (12.30pm | Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong)

July 30: Yokohama F. Marinos vs. Liverpool (11.30am | Nissan Stadium, Japan)

August 4: Liverpool vs. Athletic Bilbao (5pm | Anfield)

August 4: Liverpool vs. Athletic Bilbao (8pm | Anfield)

Can I watch Liverpool's pre-season matches?

Details on how to watch the remainder Liverpool's pre-season matches have not yet been confirmed, but the fixtures are expected to be available to stream through the club's official channels.

Liverpool's ALL RED Video service includes LFCTV and LFCTVGo, where the matches would be broadcast, and is available on Apple, Android and Fire TV.

Will Wirtz make his Liverpool debut in pre-season?

While even more signings are anticipated at Anfield between now and the end of the summer window, all eyes will no doubt be on whether Wirtz will make his unofficial Liverpool debut during the friendly period.

The £100m man flew back to Germany for a brief holiday after penning his Reds contract, but he landed back in the UK in time for the start of pre-season training.

As a result, the former Bayer Leverkusen starlet will almost certainly play his first Liverpool minutes this month, although it was not a complete shock to see him spared against Preston.

Instead, the Germany international could earn his Liverpool baptism in the fixture with Milan on July 26, while Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez will certainly have their own parts to play on the Asia tour too.

Written by
Ben Knapton