EPL 2016/17: 5 reasons why Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League

Modified Nov 28, 2016 18:13 GMT

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Chelsea look like genuine title contenders

#5 Lack of European Football

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Pedro of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides fifth goal with his Chelsea team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge on November 5, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) — Chelsea’s lack of European football will help them immensely in the league

This is going to be the X-factor in Chelsea’s title challenge. While they have missed out on the revenue they would’ve earned by qualifying for the Champions League, Chelsea can take solace from the fact that their lack of European Football leaves them without any mid-week games to deal with.

This means that Antonio Conte will have more time on the training field to prepare his men for their weekend assignments and that they will also go into these games with fresher legs than the other title contenders. Two great examples of teams who have cashed in on this benefit in recent times are Liverpool in 2013-14 and Leicester City last year.

Edited by Staff Editor