Stoke vs. Liverpool: Brendan Rodgers Names James Milner Vice-Captain in Presser

A difficult start to the 2015-16 Premier League season awaits Liverpool, who travel to Stoke City on Sunday with Jordan Henderson donning the captain's armband and James Milner named as his deputy.

That was the announcement Reds manager Brendan Rodgers made on Friday, per the Telegraph's Chris Bascombe. James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo provided quotes on why Milner was elected vice-captain:

It's been less than three months since Liverpool were humbled 6-1 by the Potters in their final game of the 2014-15 campaign, which gives them a chance to claim redemption on Sunday.

However, Rodgers insists the opening fixture of this campaign will tell a different tale, admitting he and his side were deserving of any criticism launched in their direction following that result:

It's been a whirlwind summer at Anfield in terms of transfer activity—Raheem Sterling completed a high-profile exit from the club, while Christian Benteke arrived to aid the scoring drought up front.

After finishing in sixth place last term, the Northern Irishman is confident the Merseysiders will be capable of a top-four challenge this season:

Despite the embarrassment suffered upon making the last trip to face Mark Hughes' men, Rodgers is relishing Sunday's chance at redemption, says BBC Sport's Juliette Ferrington:

Having challenged Manchester City fiercely for the Premier League title two years ago, it was a disappointment for all at Anfield to see their club fail to measure the same threat last term.

That drop-off even led to speculation Rodgers could be relieved of his duties, per Metro's Simon Osborn. However, the manager is growing used to the pressure of his environment, per presenter Melissa Reddy:

A superb goal against Swindon Town has seen Benteke lift the spirits of Liverpool supporters everywhere, with Daniel Sturridge's injury issues causing concern after Luis Suarez's departure last summer.

Rodgers gave an update on Sturridge's bid to make a return to full fitness, proclaiming it could be another month before supporters see the fan favourite back in action, per This Is Anfield:

But Rodgers believes Benteke's strike may be a sign of more things to come from the Belgium international, whom he says "has massive potential," according to Pearce:

With three weeks remaining in the summer transfer window, there might still be rapid change in the playing personnel at Anfield, with the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle citing reports from the Mirror and La Gazzetta dello Sport, respectively, linking Italian duo Mario Balotelli and Fabio Borini with exits.

However, when quizzed on any potential departures from the club, Rodgers was unwilling to pick out individual names:

After managing only 16 league starts during the 2014-15 season, Joe Allen has again suffered an injury setback, as Rodgers confirmed the central midfielder will miss the beginning of the new campaign:

With so much change afoot for the Merseyside giants, Liverpool fans will be quietly anxious to get the season under way and see just how the new additions are fitting into their new setup.

The Reds start their 2015-16 season under the leadership of Henderson and Milner, with fans hoping the England duo can lead them on to bigger and better things in a new Anfield era.