Premier League 2026/27: Why history is on the side of Chelsea and Tottenham without European football

Chelsea and Tottenham begin the season with new optimism, refreshed squads and without the potential distraction of midweek European football.

For Chelsea, it's a new manager, the British transfer record broken and a change of course with experienced players added to the youngest squad in the Premier League last season.

For Spurs, there's a new way of playing without the spectre of relegation, while Roberto De Zerbi has also benefited from a loosening of the budget.

Neither side will compete in Europe because of poor domestic campaigns last season and that means both may expect an uplift in their points tally and placing in the Premier League table.