Good afternoon! Liverpool have to wait a little longer for the start of the new season than some of their rivals, as they face Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday. It's an opponent that Brendan Rodgers will be wary of, having watched his side suffer a 6-1 thrashing on the final day of the last campaign. He'll be speaking to the media shortly.

The 2014-15 season wasn't one that Liverpool fans will look back on too fondly. From the arrival of Mario Balotelli and the departure of Steven Gerrard, to missing out of the Champions League spots and the Raheem Sterling transfer saga, the Reds will more than likely be glad to see the start of a fresh season. There are plenty of new signings at Anfield too, with James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Christian Benteke and Nathaniel Clyne among the summer arrivals.

Liverpool's pre-season campaign has been relatively successful, although they haven't faced as many big names as some of their rivals. While Chelsea and Manchester United have been taking on the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, Liverpool chalked up wins over Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United and HJK Helsinki, with their only draw coming against Malaysia XI.

Of course, Liverpool have a new captain for this season, with Jordan Henderson confirmed as Steven Gerrard's successor, following the former England international's move to Los Angeles Galaxy. The midfielder skippered the side quite a bit last season as Gerrard struggled with a couple of knocks then spent time on the bench. The club hasn't officially appointed a new vice-captain yet, so it will be interesting to see if that's something Rodgers reveals this afternoon.

With Rodgers due in the press centre at the club's Melwood training ground any minute, there's just time to remind you that we'll have live coverage of this match from an hour prior to kickoff, as well as team news, reaction from the managers and players at full time and loads more, so make sure you're with us on Sunday.

While we await the arrival of Rodgers, here's a look at new boy Roberto Firmino in action at Melwood. Club and Brazil teammate Philippe Coutinho is a big fan:

"He's an awesome player," @Phil_Coutinho says of @Roberto_Firmino. "I hope he can score many goals and help us." #LFC pic.twitter.com/9sgUS6EZzh

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 7, 2015

Right then, the manager is ready to face the media, so let's see what he has to say this afternoon.

Rodgers starts by praising the club's pre-season form: "It's been a very good pre-season. I'm delighted with the response of the players coming back. They're all top players, it's about adapting. From what I've seen, I'm excited for the new season."

On the arrival of Belgian striker Christian Benteke from Aston Villa, the manager said: "Benteke is the type who fits perfectly for us. He has massive potential. He can play the power game and his movement is very clever. For me, he can play in any type of game. He's going to be a huge player for us."

Rodgers is asked about potential departures before the end of the transfer window, and he insists: "Nothing on outgoings at this stage, every player knows exactly where they stand. It's unfair to talk about any individuals."

Next, the manager is asked if the club owes the fans after last season's 6-1 drubbing: "100%. A score like that should never happen. We owe them. We will certainly be better than we were at Stoke last season, we lacked everything that day."

On the club's aims for this season, Rodgers reveals: "Our first objective is to get into the top four. We know we have to be better all the way across the field in terms of goals. This season we will look to put up a greater fight, and the goal is to arrive in the top four. The first eight games are vital. A good start for us will be important."

Turning his attention back to the last meeting at the Britannia, Rodgers adds: "It was a unique game. We all knew it was unacceptable and whatever stick we got for it we deserved. For me, it's the perfect fixture for us first up, I was happy that came out."

Rodgers confirms that Joe Allen is out for three to four weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in a pre-season match against Swindon Town.

Rodgers announces that James Milner will be the club's vice-captain: "When there was the possibility he was available, we were surprised, but hopeful we could get him. His talent is undeniable. He works tirelessly, he's in two-and-a-half hours before we train. He has great character and will be a great ally for Jordan Henderson. He is a great character in the dressing room, he will be vice captain."

Rodgers finishes with a couple of brief updates on the club's other injured players. He confirms that Flanagan is on target to return before Christmas, while Daniel Sturridge is aiming to be back at the start of September.

So, a lot of information from a quite chatty Brendan Rodgers this afternoon. The Liverpool manager has most of his squad fit and healthy for the start of the season, and is happy with the club's preparations for the start of the new term. The appointment of James Milner as the club's new vice-captain is no real surprise, although he's new to the Anfield side he's an experienced player.

That's all from Brendan Rodgers for now, but make sure you join us again on Sunday to see if Liverpool can make amends for their 6-1 defeat at the end of last season. Until then, thanks for joining me this afternoon. Goodbye.