Three reasons why Chelsea could prove to be title contenders if they beat Liverpool

#2. Europa League will not take its toll on the players

Willian celebrating his goal against PAOK in the 1-0 victory

One of the main contributors to Chelsea's title win two years ago, involved the lack of European football which allowed the Blues to have a direct hit at the Premier League title. The squad had a week to rest and prepare ahead of each game, allowing them to play at maximum intensity for the whole nine months. Maurizio Sarri's are not free of European commitments this time around, with Chelsea having to play in the Europa League on Thursday nights. Although the Europa League reduces the recovery time for those travelling, it should not prove too taxing early on, given the lower calibre of opposition the Blues have to face in the initial rounds.

Chelsea's group contains PAOK, BATE Borisov and MOL Vidi; all respectable teams that do not have much chance of eliminating the Blues from the competition at this stage. Manchester City and Liverpool, on the other hand, have to contend with the more demanding and rigorous Champions League, with the Reds having to negotiate a nightmare group.

Although Liverpool made it all the way to the final in Ukraine, they faced a relatively comfortable run to the last two, with Manchester City the only side that looked capable of troubling Jurgen Klopp's side. Chelsea's players are likely to be fresh and energised come March or April, with Sarri able to rest key men against weaker opposition until the Europa League's latter stages.