Sturridge and Aspas start up front for Reds

Striker Daniel Sturridge was pass fit to start Liverpool’s Barclays Premier League season-opener at home to Stoke after recovering from an ankle injury.

The forward, who was injured on international duty at the end of last season, played 45 minutes against Celtic last weekend, scored twice in a behind-closed-door friendly in midweek and lined up alongside summer signings goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, defender Kolo Toure and forward Iago Aspas.