TalkSPORT pundit weighs in on City's title chances
Adam Catterall of talkSPORT has thrown his weight behind Manchester City's bid to reclaim the Premier League crown, but with one significant caveat: the fitness and presence of Rodri could be the deciding factor.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Catterall backed the Blues to challenge Arsenal for the title. Yet he warned that the outcome could look very different if the Spanish midfielder were to suffer an injury or depart the Etihad.
The timing is notable. City are still in pre-season, with the new campaign yet to get underway, and the usual chatter about who finishes where is already in full swing. Arsenal, as reigning champions, are the side everyone is aiming to catch.
Catterall's point is straightforward: keep Rodri fit and in sky blue, and City have a genuine shot at reclaiming the trophy. Let him slip away or spend a spell on the sidelines, and the picture shifts.
Whether the season actually unfolds that way remains to be seen. But if Catterall is right, the title race might just hinge on the health and happiness of one Spaniard in the middle of the pitch.