EPL 2017/18: Five reasons why Chelsea will finish outside the top four

#2 Champions League football

Champions League could stretch Chelsea's squad depth

Last season, there was lack of Champions League football and the absence of it was one reason for their league success when sides like Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City were busy playing European games.

And because of their lack of depth, the Champions League games can pile up exhaustion among the players. In fact, with the absence of the European competition last season, Chelsea had a wider squad to select from. This season, with the presence of it, they have a smaller squad.

There have numerous seasons when we have seen campaigns of clubs unravelling due to the excessive number of games they play. Ask Spurs from last season. They’ll give you a concrete answer.