#3 A blessing in disguise
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A major factor that helped Leicester City script the greatest underdog league victory was having to play only one game per week for most match days owing to their non-qualification for European competitions. This meant the players had seven days between games to recover and plan for the next game without midweek European exertions. This was a major factor as well in Liverpool’s failed title fight in 2013-14 where Liverpool swept aside teams week after week with no midweek fixtures in most weeks.
With Leicester City and Tottenham having the demands of the Champions League to deal with in the coming season, they might face difficulties reaching the highs of last season as they enter relatively unchartered territories. This, in turn, can affect their respective bids for the title.
Liverpool losing the Capital One Cup final and the Europa League final, coupled with finishing 8th in the EPL last season means the Reds have not qualified for European football this season. This gives the Reds an advantage over its title rivals in terms of rest, recovery and preparation for the next game.
Further, the high energy demands of Klopp’s famed “ gegenpressing“ style will be helped by the team playing one game per week for this would allow the team to sustain intensity for the entire game and also reduces the chance of injury. In the end, this could very well prove to be a blessing in disguise for Liverpool to clinch the title.
