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Liverpool transfers: how new signings will fit in - pictures
New-look Liverpool take on Stoke in their first game of the season, but who will be in the team?
Liverpool begin the new Premier League campaign just as they finished the old one - with a trip to Stoke City. But after a summer of intense transfer activity the team that trots out at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday afternoon will be very different to the one that capitulated 6-1 in Steven Gerrard's final match for the Reds in May.
With seven new arrivals already on the books, loan signings back in the fold and with the likes of Gerrard and Raheem Sterling now departed, who will Brendan Rodgers pick in his starting XI?
Here's how the Reds new boys could fare:
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The 27-year-old goalkeeper arrived from Bolton for free transfer this summer after the departure of Brad Jones. He is a solid goalkeeper but is unlikely to oust Simon Mignolet from the number one position, but he can expect some game time in the cup competitions, as the only other keeper in the senior squad is 19-year-old Scot Ryan Fulton.
Prospects: Benchwarmer
Nathaniel Clyne – defender – Southampton – £12.5m
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The England right-back came through the Crystal Palace youth system but made his breakthrough with Southampton. Full back has been a problem position for the Reds in recent times and Clyne will take over from the now departed Glen Johnson, who never quite lived up to his potential at Anfield. This Is Anfield describes Clyne, 24, as an "upgrade" on his predecessor, and notes that his crossing ability may well come in handy.
Prospects: First XI
Joe Gomez - defender - Charlton - £3.5m
The highly-regarded teenager joined from Charlton in the summer, but was not expected to make an instant impact. However, he has appeared in several pre-season friendlies and could oust Alberto Moreno from the left-back position. Manager Brendan Rodgers "is prepared to play the England youth international... at the Britannia Stadium next weekend", reports the Liverpool Echo, although Jordan Ibe could also be vying for the spot. Rodgers has made it clear that he wants a settled back four this term, so if Gomez gets the nod he could be in for the long haul.
Prospects: First team contender
James Milner – midfielder – Man City – free
Persuading James Milner to turn down a new contract at Man City and opt for Liverpool was regarded as a transfer coup early in the summer. But will he be able to force his way into midfield? Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho are the players in possession at the moment. "Milner is a great player and an excellent addition to this squad but - considering the balance of the midfield - Emre Can's defensive capabilities might compliment the other two (who are certain starters) better," says the Daily Mirror.
Prospects: First team contender
Roberto Firmino – forward – Hoffenheim – £29m
The Brazilian made his Liverpool debut against Swindon and played for more than an hour. With Daniel Sturridge set to miss the start of the season Firmino has the opportunity to cement a place in the Reds' fromt three, and after paying £29m for him, Brendan Rodgers will surely give him a run in the team. The only question is whether he will be fit enough to establish himself after an extended break after the Copa America.
Prospects: First XI
Danny Ings – striker – Burnley – Tribunal
Liverpool's first signing of the summer may have had a few doubts about his move as he watched his new manager go out and sign a string of other attackers. Having led the line for Burnley last season he may find that his role at Liverpool is similar to Mario Balotelli's last season. The Mirror fears that he will "struggle for game time", however, the This Is Anfield blog thinks he may benefit from the failure of others. "It will be slightly worrying if he features too heavily, but he is an upgrade on Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini."
Prospects: Benchwarmer
Divock Origi - striker - was on loan at Lille
The 20-year-old managed only nine goals on loan in France last season and has not won over his critics at Liverpool since joining up with the first team this summer. "Origi doesn't look ready to thrive in the first-team yet," says This Is Anfield. "There were many who felt excited about Origi's return this summer, with some even penciling him as a surprise regular next season. That looks extremely premature, however." He and Ings will battle it out for the role of reserve striker.
Prospects: Benchwarmer
Christian Benteke - striker - Aston Villa - £32.5m
The biggest of the summer signings, Benteke announced himself with a 20-yard volley on his debut against Swindon on Sunday, and is certain to spearhead the Liverpool attack this season. The fact that he has been given the number nine shirt, worn by the likes of Robbie Fowler, Ian Rush and Fernando Torres only makes his position stronger. However, those who still regard him as the new Andy Carrollwill point out that the Geordie striker also wore nine.
