Preston North End vs Liverpool Friendly: Commentary and Where to Watch on July 13, 2025

Match date: 13 July 2025

Preston North End vs Liverpool Friendly: Commentary and Where to Watch

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Liverpool will kick off their 2025/26 pre-season campaign against Preston North End in a poignant match held at Deepdale Stadium. The game, starting at 15:00 UK time, is highly anticipated not only for the footballing action but also as a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota, whose recent passing has deeply affected the Liverpool community and football fans worldwide.

This friendly fixture will be broadcast across various platforms in the UK, including BBC Radio 5 Live, iFollow (Preston North End’s official streaming service), and select ITV channels. Additionally, fans can catch highlights and commentary through ITV1/HD, STV (Scotland)/HD, and listen in via talkSPORT. The match will also receive coverage on Sky Sports News/HD.

For viewers wanting live visual coverage, ITV offers an extensive commentary team headed by Joe Speight, a respected sports commentator known for his clear and enthusiastic delivery. He will be joined by former professional footballer Stephen Warnock as co-commentator. Warnock brings considerable experience from his playing career as a full-back for clubs including Liverpool and Aston Villa, providing insightful tactical analysis throughout the game.

Preston North End supporters and those wishing for a club-specific perspective can access the game on iFollow, Preston’s official streaming platform. Here, Jonathan Breeze leads as the main commentator with former Preston midfielder John Welsh offering co-commentary. John Welsh, having served Preston both as a player and coach, is well-placed to add detailed local insight.

Radio fans can tune into BBC Radio 5 Live for live audio commentary, featuring coverage by Mike Minay, an experienced sports reporter known for his engaging and descriptive match reporting. Another audio option is talkSPORT, where John Dunn provides updates and commentary for listeners.

Additionally, Sky Sports News will keep football followers informed with reporter Vinny O'Connor delivering pitchside updates and interviews, complementing the broader TV and radio commentary teams.

Tributes and Match Significance

This pre-season friendly carries deep emotional significance. It is Liverpool’s first match since the tragic death of Diogo Jota, a beloved Portuguese forward. A minute’s silence will take place before kick-off, and Liverpool players will wear black armbands in his honour. Fans will also pay tribute by singing his name in the 20th minute, reflecting Jota’s squad number. Both Preston and Liverpool will participate in commemorations, with Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman set to lay a wreath in front of the Liverpool supporters’ section. The atmosphere at Deepdale is expected to be respectful and heartfelt as both teams and fans remember Jota and his impact on football.[1][2][3]

New Liverpool Faces and Squad Preview

This friendly also offers a glimpse at Liverpool’s new signings and emerging talents. Notably, the club record signing Florian Wirtz, dubbed ‘the wonderkid’ for his impressive performances at Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to make his debut wearing the number 59 shirt. Other promising additions like Milos Kerkez, Jeremy Frimpong, and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili could feature, giving fans an early look at how manager Arne Slot intends to shape the squad this season.[3]

Where to Watch or Listen

• BBC Radio 5 Live: Live audio commentary by Mike Minay.
• iFollow (Preston North End): Streaming with Jonathan Breeze and John Welsh.
• ITV (including ITV1, ITV HD, ITV X): Video coverage with Joe Speight and Stephen Warnock, plus highlights.
• STV (Scotland): Broadcast mirroring ITV commentary team.
• talkSPORT: Radio updates by John Dunn.
• Sky Sports News/HD: Live reports from Vinny O'Connor.
• LFCTV/All Red Video: Liverpool’s official channels also offer live streaming options for members.

These options ensure that football fans across the UK can follow the match whether they prefer live TV, streaming, or radio.

Expert Commentary Profiles

Joe Speight has established himself as a leading voice in football broadcasting, previously covering numerous Premier League and international matches for ITV. His partnership with Stephen Warnock adds depth, with Warnock’s professional playing background including appearances for Liverpool and the England national team giving extra insight into the tactical nuances visible during the friendly.

Jonathan Breeze, working with Preston’s iFollow, offers a perspective tailored to local fans. Breeze has extensive experience commentating on League One and Championship matches, making him a familiar voice for Preston supporters, while John Welsh brings first-hand knowledge from his years at the club as a player and coach.

Mike Minay, on BBC Radio 5 Live, contributes clear and lively match commentary, having reported on a broad range of domestic and international football events, enabling listeners to stay engaged with every moment of the game.

This combination of expert broadcasters and commentators across channels provides comprehensive and immersive coverage of this important pre-season fixture.

For more details on Liverpool's 2025 pre-season preparations and tributes to Diogo Jota, visit the official Liverpool FC website. Information about Preston North End and their community initiatives can be found at the Preston North End official site. For broadcast rights and schedules for ITV coverage, check ITV.com.