Liverpool & Leeds should brace for a huge shock once the World Cup is over – Our View

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Liverpool and Leeds could be set to receive a huge shock after the World Cup ends as club football begins almost immediately after Sunday’s final.

The Reds are in action on Thursday 22nd December in a Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, while Leeds must wait until Wednesday 28th December for their first game back having already been knocked out of the Carabao Cup after a 1-0 loss to Wolves.

So, why are Liverpool and Leeds in for a shock? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, as aforesaid, both Liverpool and Leeds take on Manchester City almost immediately after the World Cup, where a refreshed, hungry Erling Haaland awaits both Jürgen Klopp and Jesse Marsch.

Across all competitions, the frightening Norway international remarkably scored 23 goals in just his first 18 appearances for Manchester City in the first half of the campaign, showing what he can do after a full pre-season.

Now, Haaland has been afforded another pre-season of sorts after Norway failed to qualify for the World Cup, which should strike fear into Liverpool and Leeds.

In our view, it wouldn’t surprise us whatsoever if the 22-year-old fired Manchester City to victory in the upcoming games against the Reds and the Whites, as he will be absolutely desperate to get back to his goalscoring antics.

In truth, the Manchester City No.9 is probably having withdrawal symptoms.

Haaland has already embarrassed a number of top-flight sides almost singlehandedly, scoring a hattrick against Manchester United, while also netting three goals in wins over Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.

Leeds in better position than Liverpool

Marsch at least has ten days between the end of the World Cup final and the visit of Manchester City to prepare for Haaland, while also having most of his stars available for selection.

However, Liverpool have just four days between the tournament’s finale and the trip to the Etihad Stadium, giving Klopp less time to prepare.

The German will also have to cope without Ibrahima Konate, who is expected to start for France in the showpiece event against Argentina.

Whatever happens, it won’t just be Liverpool and Leeds that feel the wrath of Haaland, who we fully expect to go on and shatter Mohamed Salah’s record of 32 goals in a 38-game Premier League campaign with 18 already under his belt in just 13 appearances.