10 August 2023 , 08:46
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Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City's thin squad could be their undoing in the Premier League title race.
Pep Guardiola's side come into the season as defending champions, buoyed by winning the treble, and are looking to win a fourth title on the bounce, which has never before been achieved. They remain firm favourites such has been their dominance in recent years.
They've landed some big names in recent months whilst some have left, notably Ilkay Gundogan. Carragher has dispelled the "myth" that City's riches have afforded them a deep squad and believes, should several of their big names spend time on the sidelines, it could open the door for their rivals.
He said on the Overlap: "Sometimes, there’s a team who comes from nowhere to challenge, and for City, I think the only thing that can stop them is that they are involved in other stuff – going away to the Club World Cup might have an effect on them. When I looked at City in the Community Shield as well, there’s been a myth around them that they have a massive squad – they’ve never had a massive squad, always 15 or 16 players who are top-class.
"They always have a few kids on the bench as well. If they have a few injuries, how would they cope with that? Arsenal look a lot stronger, as do Chelsea and Liverpool. But – it’s Pep Guardiola, he’s set the bar that high, and his teams never really get lower than 90 points. It’s a big ask for anyone.”
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Carragher's point is underlined by the fact City had James McAtee, Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer all on the bench for Sunday's Community Shield. The latter, who came off the bench to score for Guardiola's side, is expected to play a much larger role this season.
Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez have both left the blue half of Manchester (Offside via Getty Images)City's rivals have all added quality in an attempt to close the gap. Arsenal, who were their closest challengers last term, have bought in the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz but will also have to juggle playing in the Champions League this season.
Liverpool's frontline is heavily stocked and Jurgen Klopp will be looking to get his squad firing once more, although they have seen several midfield stalwarts leave. The Reds remain the only team other than City to win the title since 2017 but will need to replace the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Manchester United have spent big once more as Erik ten Hag looks to build on last season. They ended their silverware wait and addressed problem positions with the signings of Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana.