Good afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for the opening match of Liverpool's pre-season tour as they take on Thailand All-Stars at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok. It is the first game of the post-Steven Gerrard era for the Reds, who will be hoping to build towards a renewed push for Champions League football following last season's disappointing sixth-place finish. Let's start with a look at some team news...

LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Bogdan; Gomez, Toure, Sakho, Wisdom; Lucas, Rossiter, Teixeira, Markovic; Ings, Lambert

LIVERPOOL SECOND HALF XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Maguire; Allen, Henderson, Milner; Ibe, Lallana, Origi

LIVERPOOL SUBS: Cleary, Moreno, Chirivella, Kent, Wilson, Ojo

So, as expected Liverpool have confirmed that they will play two completely different sides over the course of the 90 minutes, with debuts being handed to all five of the new signings on the tour in the process. The starting XI includes Bogdan, Gomez and Ings from the summer arrivals, while there are also spots for the likes of Teixeira and Wisdom, who will be hoping to make inroads into the first team this season should they stay at the club and not be loaned out again.

There is also a start for Rickie Lambert alongside Ings up front, despite the former Southampton man being linked with a move away from the club this summer. It looks more likely now that the veteran could stay, particularly as he was chosen for the tour ahead of Balotelli. The Italian, incidentally, was left at Melwood alongside the likes of Borini, Enrique and Sterling, all of whom are expected to depart this month.

The team for the second half will is a little closer to what the first-choice XI is expected to be next season, with the likes of Mignolet, Clyne, Skrtel and Lovren coming in. Henderson will play his first match since being officially confirmed as the club's captain following the departure of Gerrard, and he will be joined in midfield by James Milner. Ibe - a player who has been tipped to fill the gap soon to be left by Sterling, also starts, while Origi will join Clyne and Milner in making their debuts despite initially joining the club from Lille a year ago.

There are one or two notable absentees, including the other new arrival at Anfield Roberto Firmino. He has been given extra time off due to his participation in the Copa America, as has compatriot Philippe Coutinho. Emre Can and Tiago Ilori were both involved in the Under-21 European Championship so have also been given an extended rest. Today could also be the final day of Sterling as the Liverpool player, with the winger understood to be undergoing a medical ahead of his proposed £49m move to Manchester City.

This will be the first of a five-match pre-season schedule for Liverpool, which will see them travel to Australia, Malaysia and Finland before their opening match of the Premier League season on Sunday, August 9. The Reds will play games in Brisbane and Adelaide during their time Down Under, before taking on a Malaysia XI and then playing HJK Helsinki in Finland.

Their first competitive match of the season sees them travel to the Britannia Stadium, where they will have a score to settle against Stoke. The Potters embarrassed Rodgers's side on the final day of last season, hammering the Reds 6-1 to condemn them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. It will be a new-look Liverpool side that travels there in just under a month's time, but it remains to be seen just how the summer arrivals will settle into the side.

The arrivals of the likes of Firmino, Milner and Clyne have got plenty of Liverpool fans optimistic about their chances of challenging for a Champions League place once again, but there is a danger that they have brought in too many new faces. It was a similar story last season when they splashed the cash from the Luis Suarez transfer and brought in a big overhaul of players that struggled to gel during the opening stages of the campaign. Rodgers, who came under heavy pressure during spells last term, can't really afford a similarly poor start this time around.

The fixture computer has not been too kind to Liverpool in that respect, however, with the Reds facing a particularly difficult opening on the road. Their first seven away games of the Premier League season see them take on Stoke, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City, so they will have done very well if they can string together a good winning streak in that spell. On the bright side, most of their toughest games will be out of the way relatively early in the season, but a poor start could leave their campaign in tatters before it has really begun.

As mentioned, they made an inauspicious start to last season before storming back during the second half of the campaign. At one stage it looked like they would pull off an unlikely comeback in the race for Champions League football, but consecutive defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United saw things unravel again. They won just one of their final seven matches of the season - including defeat in the FA Cup semi-final to Aston Villa and that 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Stoke.

This is Liverpool's fifth pre-season visit to Thailand since 2001, but it is the first time that they have faced the All-Stars - a team made up of players from affiliated clubs in the Thai Premier League. The last time Liverpool were here was 2013, when they beat the national team 3-0 in this very stadium. However, none of their goalscorers from that day - Coutinho, Aspas and Gerrard - are on the tour this time around.

Liverpool have won three and drawn one of their previous four visits to Thailand, which means the All-Stars are aiming to become the first Thai side to beat the Reds. They can afford to be relatively optimistic about their chances too, having only lost 1-0 to Chelsea at the end of May and also held Reading to a 2-2 draw just last week. This is unlikely to be a walk in the park for the visitors, and the humid conditions are sure to play into the home side's hands as well.

Thailand All-Stars played the first of their exhibition games back in 2008, when they actually beat Manchester City 3-1. They can also boast Manchester United's scalp having edged to a 1-0 victory over the Red Devils in 2013, and in all they have won four of their 11 outings over the years.

PREDICTION: Pre-season games are always something of a lottery to call. For Liverpool, it is more about getting the fitness levels up than it is getting the result, although Rodgers will be confident of getting the win. His squad is a good mix of players expected to be in the first team and players with a point to prove, so while this is a friendly game, there is plenty on offer for a number of those Liverpool players today. I'm going to go for a 3-1 victory for the visitors.

KICKOFF: The hosts get us underway in Bangkok in front of a 50,000-seater stadium that is pretty full considering it is a pre-season friendly. Can Liverpool get their tour off to a winning start?

CHANCE! Bright start from Liverpool and they almost open the scoring in some style inside two minutes. They work the ball down the right to Gomez, who cuts the ball back into a dangerous area. Markovic meets it with a clever flick, but it is straight at the keeper, who makes a comfortable save.

Moments after having one flick saved, Markovic opens the scoring for Liverpool. Teixeira slides the ball through after Lambert had managed to hold off one defender, and Markovic shows really good pace to race onto the ball. He then showcases his composure by taking the ball around the keeper and sliding it home into the empty net. Great start for the visitors.

Liverpool are looking very sharp in these opening exchanges, more so than expected considering this is their first pre-season game.

Liverpool almost score a very similar goal to the opener, only this time with the roles reversed. Markovic, who is proving to be a nightmare for the Thai defenders already, slips the ball through the legs of his marker before threading one through towards Teixeira. However, this time the keeper just beats the Liverpool man to the ball, thwarting the chance.

The visitors' front two look to link up here as Lambert latches on to a pass down the left flank before cutting a ball back into the box. Ings attacks it well but is just short of connecting with his outstretched boot.

Decent chance for the hosts to test Bogdan for the first time today as one ball over the top beats the entire Liverpool defence. Wisdom is quick to get back, however, and a poor touch eventually sees the opening go begging for the All-Stars.

Rodgers will be content with the start Liverpool have made to this match. Of course, the level of the opposition needs to come into the equation, but the Reds have knocked the ball about nicely so far and are looking sharp.

Markovic has been particularly involved so far for the visitors, and the winger has impressed both on and off the ball. He seems determined to take his chance of proving himself in this pre-season, chasing the ball back when Thailand are in possession and causing problems when on the ball himself.

The pitch is in really poor condition here, it must be said. There are bobbles all over the place and a simple pass along the floor becomes a lot more difficult to both execute and control as a result.

Lucas is one Liverpool player who has looked a little sloppy so far. He has given the ball away on a few occasions as a result of poor touches, and I don't think the pitch can be to blame. His first-team place is far from guaranteed for next season, so he will be keen to improve over the next 25 minutes or so before he goes off at half time.

In contrast, there have been promising signs from Gomez on the right flank. He can play at centre-back too, but he has not been shy to get forward from right-back so far and Thailand have struggled to deal with those overlapping runs.

A rare shooting opportunity for the hosts here as they win a free kick in a decent position following a clumsy foul from Teixeira...

It's not a bad strike from Jakkapan as he gets his 30-yard effort over the wall, but it just doesn't dip enough the other side and Bogdan is able to watch it over the top.

CHANCES! A couple of big chances for Liverpool in quick succession, but Warut makes a fine double save to keep the deficit at one goal. Rossiter makes a good run down the right channel before unselfishly cutting the ball back to Ings, who really should score from the centre of the box. However, the keeper makes the save, before recovering well to make an even better stop to deny Teixeira from the rebound.

DISALLOWED GOAL! Ings has the ball in the back of the net in his first appearance for Liverpool, but it won't count. It was a messy one from a corner that Ings tucked away with a poacher's finish, but the referee adjudged Sakho to have fouled the keeper. That is a little harsh on the visitors.

The players stop for a brief drinks break midway through the first half due to the heat and humidity they are playing in.

Almost a sensational piece of play from Ings as he takes down a diagonal pass over his shoulder with a beautiful touch. His second touch is just as good as he flicks it over the defender, but he is denied what could have been a truly spectacular goal as a backtracking defender shovels the ball back to the keeper.

A couple of shooting chances for the hosts as they win a corner off Toure. The ball is played in low towards the edge of the area but is missed by the first man before the second sees his effort well blocked by Sakho.

CHANCE! Again Warut comes to the rescue for the hosts with another fine save, although once again Liverpool should have scored. Lambert pops up on the right flank and sends a cross into the middle that is a fraction too high for Ings. However, Rossiter is behind him and plants his header straight at the keeper. A yard either side and that would have been a goal.

Liverpool have slowed since their bright start to this match. They still haven't been caused any major problems by the hosts, but in the opening 10 minutes they looked to be carving through them at will, whereas that is not the case any more.

Just under 10 minutes left of this half now, which means just under 10 minutes left for these Liverpool players out there. It will be all change at the break, and a few of the players haven't exactly shown why they should be considered for the first match of the Premier League season so far.

Wisdom hasn't really got forward at all down the left flank for Liverpool, which is surprising given how big a role the full-backs play in Rodgers's formation. Gomez has been positive on the opposite flank, but Wisdom doesn't look entirely happy playing out there on the left.

This is very comfortable for Liverpool at the moment - perhaps a little too comfortable. They aren't playing with much pace anymore which, even accounting for the heat, is fairly surprising considering everyone knows they will be taken off at half time.

Liverpool double their lead in the closing stages of the half, and it is a really good header from Sakho. The defending is woeful from the hosts and Sakho is allowed to rise unchallenged, but he directs a powerful downward header in past the man on the post.

The hosts respond with a corner of their own and it goes all the way through to the edge of the box, but Piyachart's effort is wild and goes high and wide of the target.

So far, so good for Liverpool then as they take a 2-0 lead into half time of their opening pre-season clash. Goals at either end of the half are the difference so far, although there is a clear gulf in class between the two teams on show here. Liverpool have looked very comfortable for the most part of the half, and the vast majority of the starting XI can feel happy with their performance in that opening 45 minutes.

The Reds made a very bright start to the match and were ahead within three minutes when Teixeira's through-ball was met by Markovic, who took it around the keeper before slotting it home into the empty net. The defending left a bit to be desired, but it was a composed finish from the winger, who looked very sharp in the opening exchanges.

Liverpool had to wait until the 42nd minute to double their advantage as Sakho nodded the ball in off the post from a corner. Once again, the defending was non-existent as Sakho rose unchallenged, but there was still lots to do. His downward header had plenty of power on it, so much so that it beat the man on the post, and it gave the Reds a deserved second goal.

They actually had the ball in the back of the net a third time in that first half, and it was debutant Danny Ings who scored it. The ball dropped loose in the area after Thailand had failed to clear a corner, and Ings pounced on it with a poacher's finish. However, the referee disallowed the goal due to what he saw as a foul on the keeper from Sakho, although the replays showed that there was very little in it.

Things would be even worse for the hosts if not for their keeper Warut, who has made a few really good saves to keep the score down. Ings and Teixeira were both denied by a fine double stop within seconds of each other, while Rossiter also should have scored with a header straight at the keeper shortly after the half-hour mark. Warut made a more comfortable save in the opening stages of the match too, collecting Markovic's clever flick moments before the opening goal.

A reminder that Liverpool will completely change their team for this second half. The XI that will come out for the next 45 minutes is: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Maguire; Allen, Henderson, Milner; Ibe, Lallana, Origi

KICKOFF: Liverpool get us back underway in Bangkok, and the heavens have opened for the second half. It is absolutely pouring it down now as the likes of Clyne, Milner and Origi begin their Liverpool careers.

It is a different Liverpool XI out on the field now, but they have quickly fallen into a similar rhythm of domination. Meanwhile, thunder and lightning is joining the torrential downpour around the stadium.

More good play from Warut as he makes a brave stop to deny Lallana a good chance. It was Milner who created the opening with a curling cross towards the feet of Lallana, but the Thai keeper threw himself in the way to make a crucial interception.

The conditions in the first half would have been tough to play in due to the heat and humidity, but this looks like it is causing the players even more problems. More and more of them are losing their footing in this rain.

Liverpool get a third goal of the afternoon as Lallana sends a crisp strike into the bottom corner. It comes from a magnificent pass from Henderson, who pulls off a rabona to send the ball into the path of the former Southampton skipper. Lallana's first touch isn't great, but he has the time to drag it back into a good position before drilling it into the bottom corner.

Henderson almost acts the playmaker again as he collects the ball from Lallana before sliding one through towards Origi, but the striker is denied a clear chance by a last-gasp interception.

THAILAND SUBS: The hosts make a few changes, including one between the sticks as Anusit replaces Warut.

Again Origi is very close to latching on to a good chance. Henderson starts the move by pinging a long ball out to Lallana, who takes it down and flicks it into the path of the overlapping Maguire. He loses his footing but is quickly back up to get the loose ball, drilling it right across the face of goal and only a yard or so in front of Origi.

Liverpool are looking just as comfortable in this second half as they were in the first, and it seems like a matter of when, rather than if they add to their lead here.

It will be interesting to see what role Rodgers uses Milner in this season. The new signing has popped up all over midfield so far, and his versatility opens up a lot of options for the Liverpool boss.

One thing Rodgers won't want in this match is an injury, so he will be wincing at the sight of Lallana going down here. The midfielder slips and falls awkwardly when trying to close down his man, and he is very slow to get back to his feet. He is eventually up, though, and looks like he should be fine to continue.

CLOSE! Liverpool move forward quickly through Henderson, who has acres of space in midfield and a man either side of him. He chooses to pass it to Ibe, who in turn looks for the underlapping run of Clyne. The ball eventually pops back out to Henderson on the edge of the box, and the skipper's attempted dink lands just on the roof of the net. Clever effort from Henderson there.

The rain is starting to get heavier again now, and the ball is holding up on the pitch as a result. The pitch was poor even without this rain, but right now it must be very difficult to play on.

OFF THE POST! Origi comes within inches of scoring on his Liverpool debut, exchanging passes with Lallana before digging out a shot from the quagmire of a pitch. His effort is drilled towards the bottom corner, but strikes the outside of the post with the keeper beaten.

CHANCE! Origi comes close again, but this time he probably should have scored! The Belgian finds himself in space inside the hosts' area, but Anusit pulls off a really good stop to deny the striker a debut goal.

CHANCE! This time Origi turns provider to set up another debutant, but Milner is denied a goal but a fine last-ditch block. It was a clever flick from Origi to send Milner through on goal, but the former Man City man just couldn't finish.

OFF THE POST! Origi just can't get the ball in the back of the net! Once again the Belgian is denied by the woodwork, this time via an acrobatic volley which struck the upright after he pounced on a defensive error from the hosts.

This pitch is bordering on unplayable at the moment. There is so much standing water on it that the ball is getting caught up within yards and waves are being sent from the players whenever they change direction.

YELLOW CARD! Joe Allen becomes the first name in the book today for a foul on Tana.

Still only three goals for Liverpool as they enter the final 10 minutes. It has been a decent run-out for Brendan Rodgers's side and, as I mentioned before kickoff, it is more about the fitness levels than the result, but they probably should be leading by more than three here given their domination.

Ibe looks to inject some pace into proceedings again by racing down the right flank, but he is denied by two Thai defenders just as he broke into the box.

Milner latches on to a pass on the left flank and is bundled over by a defender right on the edge of the box, sending him face first into the mid. The referee gives the decision against the Liverpool man, however, and the replays show that it was actually a good decision.

CHANCE! Another chance for Liverpool to grab a fourth, but again Anusit is equal to it. Maguire tears down the left flank and feeds a low pass into the middle that is just behind Origi. Henderson is coming in behind him, however, and his low strike is turned wide by the keeper.

Having hit the woodwork twice, Origi finally has his goal and it is another thumping header. This one is even better than Sakho's in the first half, partly because a defender actually jumped with Origi this time. He gets plenty of power behind his header, sending an unstoppable effort into the top corner.

Chance for Liverpool to break in search of a fifth, and again it is Origi who leads the charge. He carries the ball a long way before finding Lallana, but a poor piece of control sees him lose the ball and then foul the defender in his attempts to get it back.

The referee brings an end to the match and it is a comfortable win for Liverpool to open up their pre-season campaign. Two goals in either half see them run out emphatic winners in Bangkok, and now it will be on to Australia for the Reds. Rodgers will see this as an encouraging start from his side, who looked sharp and bright despite a terrible pitch and some very testing conditions.

The opening goal came after just three minutes when Markovic rounded the keeper and slid home, while Sakho doubled that lead towards the end of the opening 45 minutes with a fine header into the bottom corner. All 11 players were changed at the break and it didn't take long for the second Liverpool XI to add to the advantage as Lallana picked out the bottom corner. Origi then opened his Liverpool account late on with a fine header of his own to cap off the win.

That is all we have time for this afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for Liverpool's opening pre-season clash as they cruise to a 4-0 win over Thailand All-Stars. Next up for the Reds will be two games in Australia as they continue to gear up to the start of the new Premier League season. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to check back in for coverage throughout pre-season. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!