The Preston - Lime Street train is cancelled, I think because the train has nowhere to dock at the end, like it can't wait around at Huyton. Preston - Ormskirk - Liverpool central is your best option if that's where you're coming from
Bus replacements Liverpool - Huyton is what National rail told me
Found this:
Northern are advising customers not to travel in the Liverpool and Merseyside region unless absolutely necessary.
A very limited number of services will run between:
Wigan North Western and Huyton. One train each hour will run in each direction; departing Wigan North Western at 31 minutes past each hour and departing Huyton at 15 minutes past each hour.
Manchester Victoria and Huyton. One train each hour will run in each direction; departing Manchester Victoria at 02 minutes past each hour and departing Huyton at 07:53, then at 55 minutes past each hour.
Manchester Oxford Road and Edge Hill
Northern customers may use their tickets on:
Merseyrail services between Ormskirk / Kirkby / Liverpool South Parkway and Liverpool Central
Metrolink between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria
TransPennine Express services on any reasonable route between Liverpool and Manchester
Virgin Trains between Preston and Wigan North Western
Going via Ormskirk still only take around an hour. I'd say that is your best bet.
