Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has backed Man City to finish top of the Premier League table.
Despite the departure of Pep Guardiola, Carragher says the strength of the first-team squad means Enzo Maresca‘s side should be favourites for the title, but only if they keep Rodri:
“I think City [will win the league]. The reason I think City is that I think they were still close last year. I know Pep’s gone, I get that. When you’ve had the same manager for ten years, the flip side of what people will say is that it’s hard to come after him.”
“Just something a little bit new, a little bit fresh. I think if Rodri left for Real Madrid, then I wouldn’t be saying that, but in terms of where they are right now…”
What is the latest on Rodri’s future?
The 30-year-old has a contract offer on the table from Cityzens, but he has chosen not to sign it. With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, a departure before the transfer window closes is a strong possibility.
Real Madrid have reportedly submitted an opening bid for Rodri, which is said to be well below his £60m asking price, but the news that Barcelona could enter the race for the player could lead to his valuation being met by one of the two La Liga clubs.
What are the current odds of Man City winning the title?
Bookmakers have Maresca’s men as second favourites behind reigning champions Arsenal. They have been priced between 11/4 and 3/1, with the Gunners given odds between 6/4 and 13/8.
Liverpool are third among the other runners and riders, with betting firms placing them between 5/1 and 6/1 to finish in 1st place. Chelsea and Manchester United are pretty much joint fourth favourites (with odds between 13/2 and 8/1).
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