3 reasons why Liverpool will not win the Premier League this season

#2 Balancing Champions League once it returns - easier said than done

Robert Lewandowski and Bayern Munich await in the last-16 in February

As the heading says, balancing Champions League knockout competition with Premier League fixtures is easier said than done, once it arrives in mid-February. Playing against Europe's elite clubs and trying to balance that with your match preparation in England's top-flight - not to mention other competitions - is difficult.

It's why English sides that get further in the Champions League usually see their league form suffer as a result.

Liverpool surprised many critics by getting to last year's Final in Kiev, only to lose 3-1 against Spanish giants Real Madrid. They finished fourth in the league with 70 points, five ahead of Chelsea and another seven more than sixth-placed Arsenal.

Liverpool defied the odds to get into the Champions League Final, but fell short with a 3-1 defeat by Real

Both those London clubs struggled last season and have since recovered somewhat under new management in Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery, but if you delve deeper into the statistics from Liverpool's form last season, you'll understand why they didn't achieve better in the league.

12 draws in 38 matches was only bettered by newly-promoted Brighton, Southampton and West Brom - the latter of whom were ultimately relegated, finishing in 20th place. Seven of Liverpool's draws, and three of their five league defeats, came either in or after the Christmas period. That speaks volumes.

If you compare it to Leicester's unexpected title win in 15/16, it makes sense. All of their rivals were occupied with Champions League competition in midweek, while they watched on at home and prepared for the next Premier League game. Not being involved in any other cup competitions also helped, allowing their players adequate rest and recuperation after Saturday or Sunday fixtures, looking forward to their next opposition.

Liverpool don't have that luxury, and given just how close they were to lifting the Champions League last term, they'll be equally bullish about their chances this season. Drawn to face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who've been far from their best - but always tend to pick up after Germany's winter break and will not fear Liverpool either.