With one of Man City’s cornerstones set to miss most of the Premier League season, could Liverpool capitalise?

World-class Manchester City midfielder Rodri looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Spaniard sustained a potential ACL injury in City’s recent clash with fellow title challengers Arsenal. Given Rodri’s critical role in Guardiola’s system, his absence could open the door for Liverpool to win the league this season.

Liverpool’s start under new manager Arne Slot has surprised pundits and fans. The Dutchman has already got his side performing to a high level. Many believed it would take time for him to implement his style at Liverpool after taking over from a titan like Jürgen Klopp.

Slot’s side have already put in several excellent performances, including an impressive win in the Champions League away at AC Milan. While it’s still very early, if Liverpool can maintain their current level, they have a realistic chance to challenge for the Premier League.

The Redmen are currently third favourites behind City and Arsenal. If reports about Rodri’s injury prove to be correct, it’s not unrealistic to think City could drop off from their imperious best.

Liverpool are definitely among the sides poised to capitalise if it happens. As mentioned already, Arne Slot has quickly ingrained his style of play on the squad. Liverpool could also benefit from going slightly under the radar. Most opposition fans would expect Arsenal to be the side to take advantage of any potential drop-off from City.

There are issues that could affect Liverpool’s form as the season unfolds. The ongoing speculation around the futures of key players Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah is one such problem. The club needs to help Slot by resolving both situations as quickly as possible.

Another factor that could stop Liverpool from capitalising is a lack of squad depth in key positions. The shocking lack of summer transfer activity exacerbates that concern. Like the Rodri situation at City, an injury to one key player will dramatically affect Liverpool’s prospects this season.

One of Manchester City’s most significant advantages over other clubs in recent seasons was the ability to rotate without a drop in quality. Rodri’s absence will drastically reduce Pep Guardiola’s ability to rotate effectively this season.

The transfer activity of each contender in the January window will also have a major effect on the Premier League title race. Given the lack of summer business, Liverpool must reinforce the squad if Slot has them anywhere near the top of the table come January.

Despite it being his first season in charge of Liverpool, Arne Slot has already proven he can get the team playing well. If Rodri’s injury results in City dropping off, there’s no reason Liverpool can’t challenge for the title in Slot’s debut season.