Henderson: Stoke trip the perfect start

Jordan Henderson: Liverpool midfielder relishing return to Stoke

Jordan Henderson says a trip to Stoke is the perfect start to the season for Liverpool after the way they finished last term at the Britannia.

Liverpool were thrashed 6-1 by Stoke on the final day of the 2014-15 campaign but have a quick chance to make amends in north Staffordshire this weekend.

"There couldn't be a better place for us to start and put what happened there last season to bed once and for all," Henderson said.

"The lads who were playing that day will remember it for quite some time. It was a horrible day for everyone involved.

"We have a determination to do better and to improve as a team. We are focusing on the future and that is the first game at Stoke. They are a good team but so are we.

"We will be stronger with the new players that we have got. We are a young team but we have brought in quality. I think the quality we have added will make a big difference.

"I still think we need to work on a couple of things this week before Stoke but we will go there with a lot of confidence and belief that we can get a good result."

Martin Skrtel, who is expected to partner Dejan Lovren at the heart of the Liverpool defence, is also relishing the chance to put right last season's humiliation.

"That was a very bad day for each of us," Skrtel told the Liverpool Echo.

"It was embarrassing, not just because of the result but also because of the way we played.

"Obviously we can use that as motivation to drive us on into this season. However, this will be a different game and a different season.

"I am pretty sure we will be stronger and better this time. We have to forget about the last game there and start from the beginning again.

"You cannot do anything about who you are given to play in the first game. You have to accept it.

"We have to start the season somewhere so we must make sure we go to Stoke, start well and have a different outcome."

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Lambert waiting to spill Liverpool beans

Rickie Lambert: Joined West Brom from Liverpool on Friday

West Brom new boy Rickie Lambert says he has "a lot of feelings" about his time at Liverpool but is keeping his powder dry - for now.

Lambert completed a £3million move to Albion on Friday and scored twice in a friendly win over Bristol Rovers just hours later.

The 33-year-old started just seven Premier League games after joining from Southampton last summer - and has hinted he was not happy with his lack of chances.

He told The Sun: "I've got a lot of feelings, to be honest.

"But I'm not going to get into it right now. I don't think it's the right time.

"There is plenty of time to say exactly how I feel but at the minute, I'm just enjoying the fact I'm a West Brom player."

Lambert's lack of playing time for the Reds saw him lose his place in the England squad, but he has set his sights on winning a recall ahead of the Euro 2016 finals next summer.

"I will never give up," Lambert added. "My character and personality won't allow it. No one expects me to achieve that but you have to believe in yourself.

"If I have a season like I did at Southampton, there's no reason why I can't get back in.

"You've got to remember, it's only two years since I scored 15 league goals and then 13 goals in a season.

"I've just got to make sure I get back to that.

"I feel like I'm going to play here. If I do, I'll get chances. And if I get the chances, I think I will score goals."

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Mark Lawrenson feels Liverpool need a new left-back after doubting Alberto Moreno

Alberto Moreno: Has struggled in the big games, says Lawrenson

Mark Lawrenson has urged Liverpool to sign a new left-back - and feels Alberto Moreno has looked like "a little boy lost" in the big games.

The Reds have invested heavily in their squad this summer, with Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino big-money arrivals, while Nathanial Clyne, James Milner and Danny Ings have further supplemented their squad.

But Lawrenson feels Brendan Rodgers must still strengthen the left side of defence, with Moreno likely to start the campaign in the position, and with Jose Enrique likely to move on.

Speaking in his column for the Liverpool Echo, Lawrenson said: "There were some rumours knocking around last week that Barcelona were sniffing around Alberto Moreno.

"I'd be surprised if they want to take the Spaniard, given how, since the New Year, has been really, really struggling for form.

"Moreno started the season well after coming in from Sevilla and scored that fine goal at White Hart Lane, but it all fell apart in the second half of the season.

"Worryingly, quite often he has looked a little boy lost in the big games."

Lawrenson added: "Moreno deserves another chance. But we need more competition in his position, because it's clear Brendan Rodgers no longer has any real faith in Jose Enrique.

"Joe Gomez is a possibility for Liverpool at left-back

You could argue left-back is the only position where the squad has an obvious weakness in terms of strength in depth.

Joe Gomez can play in the role but, to be honest, you wouldn't want to be relying on someone so young and new so early in the campaign.

"Generally, though, nearly all of the people in other positions are under pressure for their place. You don't want anyone sitting in the dressing room believing they are going to be playing every week."

There's been a few concerns expressed about Benteke's fitness going into the new campaign, but Lawrenson feels the £32.5million signing must start in Sunday's opener with Stoke.

"I’d be amazed if, should he stay fit, Benteke doesn’t start against Stoke City next weekend," he added.

"If Brendan Rodgers doesn’t think Benteke is sharp enough, then how is he going to get that?

"By playing games. And, with the friendlies now all over bar the trip to Swindon Town, the only way the big striker is going to get that fitness, and build an understanding with his new team-mates, is by being out on the field.

"Benteke may well love playing against Stoke. It’s a chance for him to become an instant hero.

"And if you’ve paid that much for a forward, you may as well play him from the off.

"Imagine if Rodgers starts with Danny Ings or Divock Origi up front and Liverpool are losing 2-0 with Benteke on the bench. People will just wonder why Benteke didn’t start.

"It’s best to chuck him in and see how he goes."

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Brendan Rodgers unsure over Liverpool defence, praises Christian Benteke

Brendan Rodgers has revealed he is still unsure over Liverpool's defensive set-up, but praised Christian Benteke after the 2-0 victory over Swindon.

Martin Skrtel seems certain to reprise his role at the heart of the Reds' defence for the Premier League opener against Stoke on Sunday, but his partner on the day and for the season remains a mystery.

Dejan Lovren was criticised for his performances in his debut season at Anfield last campaign, but he was handed a starting role by Rodgers in the 2-0 friendly win over HJK Helsinki on Saturday.

Mamadou Sakho was then given the opportunity to impress 24 hours later against Swindon alongside captain Kolo Toure, but Rodgers remains uncertain over who will start alongside Skrtel this season.

Speaking before Sunday's friendly win, Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo: "It's not something I've totally decided upon yet. I'll sit down with the staff and we'll look at it next week.

"The key is getting consistency in that area of the field.

"Your two centre-halves are critical. They are the tactical decision makers in the game. That balance is important for us this season.

"We had too many defensive changes last year and that's not something that I like. Hopefully this season we'll be more consistent as a back four."

A stunning volley from Benteke on his first appearance in a Reds shirt and a late Sheyi Ojo goal rounded off Liverpool's pre-season preparations in style in Wiltshire, and Rodgers was full of praise for new signings Benteke and Roberto Firmino.

Concerning his two most-expensive summer purchases, the Northern Irishman said: "They are obviously a couple of weeks behind, but we can see their quality.

"Christian's goal was incredible. It was wonderful technique from the big guy

"Firmino's quality on the ball is positive. In and around the box he looked a threat, like he could score and create."

Rodgers added that Brazilian Firmino was "OK" after suffering a slight knock, while he "more or less" knows the make-up of his side against Stoke. Benteke will be in contention to make his full debut after the manager confirmed he would know "by the end of the week" whether the striker would be in his starting XI.

Rodgers also revealed midfielder Joe Allen was a doubt for next weekend's trip to Britannia Stadium after suffering a suspected hamstring strain.

"Joe Allen's injury doesn't look a good one - he felt his hamstring."

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