Football fans in Preston often find themselves fascinated when their beloved North End come face to face with Premier League giants like Liverpool. It’s a clash of different footballing worlds, historic yet modern, underdog against elite.
Despite playing in different divisions for most of their histories, Preston North End and Liverpool FC share a surprisingly rich head-to-head (H2H) legacy that dates back over a century.
Whether it’s a competitive FA Cup tie or a high-profile pre-season friendly, every meeting brings excitement, pride, and stories worth retelling. This blog explores everything you need to know about the Preston vs Liverpool fixture, from full match statistics and player performances to detailed tactical analysis and historical highlights.
What Is the Historical Head-to-Head Record Between Preston and Liverpool?
The rivalry between Preston North End and Liverpool FC stretches back to the 19th century. Over time, the two clubs have faced each other 67 times in official fixtures. While Liverpool has won more matches, Preston boasts a number of memorable victories, particularly in the earlier decades.
Overall H2H Record
| Statistic | Preston North End | Liverpool FC |
| Total Matches | 67 | 67 |
| Wins | 18 | 34 |
| Draws | 15 | 15 |
| Goals Scored | 95 | 126 |
| First Meeting | 10 February 1894 | FA Cup |
| Most Recent Meeting | 13 July 2025 | Friendly |
While Liverpool clearly holds the upper hand in total victories, Preston’s record includes several standout performances, especially during the golden years of English football in the early 1900s and mid-20th century.
What Happened During the Latest Preston vs Liverpool Match in July 2025?
The most recent fixture between Preston and Liverpool took place on 13 July 2025 at Deepdale in front of a buzzing crowd of 21,289 supporters. It was a pre-season friendly, yet both teams approached the game with intensity.
Liverpool won the match 3-1, but the scoreline only tells part of the story. Preston showed strong discipline and managed to create a few promising chances before being undone by Liverpool’s attacking quality.
Match Summary
| Team | Goalscorers | Final Score |
| Liverpool | Conor Bradley (33′), Darwin Núñez (53′), Cody Gakpo (88′) | 3 |
| Preston North End | Liam Lindsay (83′) | 1 |
Despite the result, Preston’s performance was commendable, especially considering the level of opposition.
Match Formations
| Team | Formation |
| Preston North End | 3-1-4-2 |
| Liverpool FC | 4-2-3-1 |
Who Featured in the Starting Line-ups and Substitutions?
The line-ups showed a mix of youth and experience for both teams. Preston opted for their trusted back three while Liverpool rotated their squad, giving chances to developing players as well as established first-team members.
Preston North End Starting XI
| Position | Player Name |
| Goalkeeper | Daniel Iversen |
| Defenders | Lewis Gibson, Andrew Hughes, Jordan Storey |
| Midfielders | Benjamin Whiteman, Alistair McCann, Stefán Teitur Thórdarson, Pol Valentín |
| Forwards | Milutin Osmajic, Will Keane |
Key Substitutes Used
Kaedyn Kamara, Jeppe Okkels, Daniel Jebbison, and others came off the bench to provide energy and tactical flexibility in the second half.
How Have Preston and Liverpool Fared in Their Recent Meetings?
In modern times, Preston and Liverpool have clashed mostly in friendlies and domestic cup competitions. Despite Liverpool’s superiority on paper, Preston have made each match competitive and compelling.
Recent Matches Since 2009
| Date | Competition | Venue | Result | Attendance |
| 13 Jul 2025 | Friendly | Deepdale | Preston 1 – 3 Liverpool | 21,289 |
| 27 Oct 2021 | EFL Cup (R16) | Deepdale | Preston 0 – 2 Liverpool | 22,131 |
| 19 Jul 2014 | Friendly | Deepdale | Preston 1 – 2 Liverpool | N/A |
| 13 Jul 2013 | Friendly | Deepdale | Preston 0 – 4 Liverpool | N/A |
| 3 Jan 2009 | FA Cup 3rd Round | Deepdale | Preston 0 – 2 Liverpool | 23,046 |
The crowd turnouts and performances show that Preston always rise to the occasion, particularly when hosting Liverpool at Deepdale.
Which Preston Players Have Impressed in These Fixtures?
While goals and results dominate headlines, individual performances offer a deeper story. Players like Liam Lindsay, who scored in the latest match, and Daniel Iversen, who made crucial saves, have stood out.
Standout Preston Performances
| Player | Contribution |
| Liam Lindsay | Scored a late header in 2025 friendly |
| Daniel Iversen | Made five crucial saves vs Liverpool |
| Alistair McCann | Energetic and controlled in midfield |
| Pol Valentín | Provided pace and width on the flanks |
These performances underline the depth and resilience of Preston’s squad, especially when tested against top-tier opponents.
How Have Liverpool Players Performed Against Preston?
Liverpool’s strength lies in their ability to maintain quality even when rotating players. Their recent matches against Preston have showcased this depth.
| Player | Recent Impact vs Preston |
| Conor Bradley | Scored the opener in 2025 friendly |
| Darwin Núñez | Scored and led the line effectively |
| Cody Gakpo | Added flair and a late goal |
| Divock Origi | Memorable goal in 2021 EFL Cup tie |
These players highlight Liverpool’s balance of young talent and international stars.
What Tactical Approaches Have Defined These Matches?
Preston typically play a structured, disciplined style that focuses on disrupting opponents and capitalising on transitions. Liverpool, on the other hand, use a high press and quick transitions through wide areas.
Tactical Analysis Table
| Tactical Element | Preston North End | Liverpool FC |
| Formation | 3-1-4-2 | 4-2-3-1 |
| Possession Style | Direct, compact | Possession-based, wide play |
| Strengths | Defensive shape, pressing moments | Fluid attack, overlapping fullbacks |
| Weaknesses | Vulnerable to quick switches | Susceptible to deep blocks |
The contrasting styles make these matches intriguing, as Preston’s defensive discipline often frustrates Liverpool’s attack before breakthroughs occur.
Which Historical Matches Between Preston and Liverpool Stand Out the Most?
Despite Liverpool’s dominance in recent years, Preston’s past includes some fantastic wins that are still remembered by long-time fans.
Historical Highlights
| Date | Result | Venue |
| 5 Sep 1953 | Liverpool 1 – 5 Preston | Anfield |
| 26 Apr 1952 | Preston 4 – 0 Liverpool | Deepdale |
| 11 Dec 1948 | Preston 3 – 2 Liverpool | Deepdale |
| 22 Nov 1919 | Preston 2 – 1 Liverpool | Deepdale |
| 30 Mar 1912 | Preston 2 – 1 Liverpool | Deepdale |
These historic results are a testament to Preston’s stature in English football’s formative years.
What Are the Venue-Specific Stats at Deepdale and Anfield?
Where the game is played has often influenced the result. Preston has historically performed better at Deepdale, while Liverpool dominate at Anfield.
Venue Performance Comparison
| Venue | Matches | Preston Wins | Liverpool Wins | Draws |
| Deepdale | 34 | 12 | 13 | 9 |
| Anfield | 33 | 6 | 21 | 6 |
Home advantage has played a role, especially during earlier decades when travel and atmosphere had an even bigger impact on performance.
Is Another Preston vs Liverpool Match on the Horizon?
At the moment, there are no scheduled competitive fixtures between Preston and Liverpool. However, future FA Cup or EFL Cup draws could very well bring these two teams together again. Preston’s performance in recent seasons indicates they are capable of challenging top clubs, especially in knockout formats.
Given the growing strength of the squad and managerial improvements, Preston fans can be hopeful about making future encounters even more competitive.
FAQs About Preston vs Liverpool
How many matches have been played between the two clubs?
A total of 67 official matches have been played across all competitions.
Who won the most recent match?
Liverpool won 3-1 at Deepdale on 13 July 2025.
When did Preston last defeat Liverpool?
Preston’s last win came in 1961 in a Second Division match.
What’s the biggest margin of victory for Preston?
A 5-1 win at Anfield in 1953 stands as Preston’s biggest win against Liverpool.
Do the teams regularly play against each other?
No. They mostly meet in cup competitions or friendlies due to being in different leagues.
Where can fans find match highlights?
Highlights are typically available on BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and official club websites.
Which Preston players are key for future matchups?
Liam Lindsay, Daniel Iversen, and Milutin Osmajic are expected to play key roles.
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