Liverpool can pip Manchester City to the Premier League title.
This is the view of former Reds and City midfielder Didi Hamann, who believes the absence of Rodri could prove pivotal in the title race.
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The Reds sit just a point behind leaders and defending champions Manchester City after their opening nine league games, and fought back to secure a 2-2 draw with rivals Arsenal in their last match.
Liverpool twice came from behind against the Gunners, with Mohamed Salah netting an 81st-minute equaliser to claim a point in a game where they were far from their best.
Elsewhere in the title race, Man City ground out a hard-earned 1-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Southampton.
This comes after they recorded wins by one-goal margins against both Wolves and Fulham in their two previous league games, with the Citizens struggling for control following a season-ending injury to key midfielder Rodri.
And with the Spaniard’s absence clearly affecting Pep Guardiola‘s side, and Hamann believes that this makes the Reds favourites to win the Premier League this season.
Discussing City’s title credentials on talkSPORT Breakfast, he said: “We know they’ve got a lot of quality still in their team.
“The question will be, can they last a season without Rodri? Because he’s the heartbeat of the team.
“If you haven’t got the defensive stability, if you haven’t got the balance in your team, it also affects the offensive play of your club.
“This is why I slightly favour Liverpool. I think Liverpool have got a great chance this season to go one better.”
Having finished second to City in the last two campaigns, many considered Rodri’s injury to be a huge boost to Arsenal’s title bid.
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But for Hamann however, the Gunners’ inability to go all the way in consecutive seasons means they are not contenders in his eyes.
He continued: “Arsenal played out of their skin the last two seasons, couldn’t get the job done, so I don’t think they will be a title winner this season. I think it’ll be between City and Liverpool.
“And at the moment, I’ve got to say I slightly favour Liverpool because of the absence of Rodri.”
The ex-Germany international also pointed to both of his former clubs’ ability to secure points in spite of their performances as a clear sign that they are top clubs.
Prior to their draw with Arsenal, Arne Slot‘s group put in a professional display to overcome RB Leipzig in the Champions League, having also recorded a hard-fought win over Chelsea days before.
On City’s recent results, Hamann said: “That’s the sign of a good team.
“I think it’s similar to Liverpool. I think if you don’t play well and win games, it’s always a very good sign. That’s what they do.”
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Hamann’s former club will certainly see their ability to grind out results put to the test over the next month, as they enter into a difficult stage of the season.
The Reds’ next seven fixtures sees them face Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen and Champions League holders Real Madrid, as well as Premier League clashes with top six sides Brighton and Aston Villa.
Their busy schedule will then reach arguably it’s toughest point on December 1, when they take on City in a potentially huge fixture in deciding the outcome of the title race.
