Liverpool FC: 5 Reasons Why Reds Fans Should Be Excited for the New Season

A new era in Liverpool history will begin on Saturday when the Reds take on Toronto FC at the Rogers Centre in a preseason friendly.

A new boss, new players and players coming back from loan and injury—they're all reasons to be excited for the new season that officially kicks off versus West Brom on August 18th.

1. Brendan Rodgers

Given that Swansea City is a small club, what Brendan Rodgers accomplished there is quite remarkable.

Promotion to the Premier League in his first season, a mid-table finish and a victory over Liverpool on the final day in his second.

It's enough to make you think Jose Mourinho knew what he was doing when he hired Rodgers for his staff at Chelsea.

2. Lucas Leiva

Lucas has been gone long enough that it's almost like he's a new signing.

Liverpool hearts around the world sank when he went down with a knee injury in December against Chelsea.

His passing and movement off the ball were sorely missed on the pitch for the rest of the season.

On a side note, I never thought I would ever write those words when Lucas first arrived at Anfield. Let's just say he's grown on me.

3. Joe Cole

There is no more powerful motivator in sports—save revenge—than redemption.

Joe Cole wants to prove to the fans on Merseyside that he has something left in the tank this season.

Considering some of the work he put in with Chelsea, a motivated Cole could be a lot of fun to watch.

4. Fabio Borini

While possibly an unknown quantity to many LFC fans, Fabio Borini is very well acquainted with new boss Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers previously managed Borini in the youth program at Chelsea and on loan at Swansea City.

From what I've seen, Borini has speed, skill on set pieces and the lethal finishing ability you want in a striker.

Here's hoping his signing is money well spent.

5. Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard Together

When Luis Suarez first signed for Liverpool, I was particularly looking forward to how he and Steven Gerrard would play together.

Thanks to Gerrard's health (or lack thereof) early on, and Suarez's eight-match ban, it's a partnership we didn't get to see much of last season.

With both players healthy and available, Reds fans can expect big things from these two this term.

Given Gerrard's ability to make those around him better, this bodes well for the squad in 2012-13.