Cascarino believes not having a focal point in front of goal could cost Manchester City in their bid to retain the Premier League title.
The Citizens were held to a 0-0 draw against Southampton in the Premier League last weekend and Cascarino has predicted similar outcome in future matches for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Sergio Aguero was at the heart of City’s attacking line for a decade before he left for free to join Barcelona after the conclusion of the 2020/2021 season.
The Premier League champions were linked with Harry Kane throughout the summer transfer window but could not get their man as Tottenham Hotspur were unwilling to sanction the sale of their prized asset.
“We can only make that judgement really at the end of the season, but I've said all along, if you were prepared to pay £100million and a bit more for Harry Kane you definitely wanted a striker,” said the former Chelsea striker.
“You think you need one, because you made a bid for a striker that didn't go over the line. “The fact that you didn't get that striker, now 'it's not a problem', but it was a problem.
“Pep recognised he needed a centre-forward of a certain type and I think by the end of the season it will cost City the title.
“I think there will be games when a certain type of striker who can get you out of trouble, who can do things that not all your technically brilliant players can do, it's something quite basic that enables you to make the difference in a certain type of game.
“Yesterday [Saturday] was one of the examples that I think that are going to happen a few times during the course of the season. “I think it will hurt City.”
Manchester City will have a daunting task next weekend when they make a trip to face familiar foes Chelsea in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge.
