Chelsea and Tottenham set to Battle for Champions League Qualification
The battle for the fourth Champions League qualification spot was one of the more exciting narratives of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur were in contention to clinch the coveted slot and the Midlands club eventually got the job done.
While Villa will be delighted to return to UEFA’s top tier competition, their involvement could impact their ability to finish in the top four of the Premier League again.
Tottenham are expected to build on a promising first season under manager Ange Postecoglou, while Chelsea have been tipped to improve after a disappointing campaign.
Chelsea have more quality in their squad and are still strengthening, but Tottenham will believe they can throw a spanner in the works and grab fourth place.
Chelsea Look Primed for a Big Season
Despite lurching in mid-table mediocrity for most of last term, Chelsea ended with a flourish that helped them secure a respectable sixth-place finish.
However, the club inexplicably dismissed manager Mauricio Pochettino and hired Enzo Maresca. There are reasons to believe his style will benefit Chelsea’s squad.
In Maresca’s sole season at Leicester City, he got his squad playing an exciting possession-based style which led them to promotion from the Championship.
His controlled football will suit Chelsea’s midfield better than Pochettino’s haphazard style, which prioritises outrunning opponents.
The balanced trio of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez could take the Premier League by storm next season.
With several other crucial players returning to action after battling injury setbacks last term, Chelsea should be much stronger this time around.
The combination of a fully fit squad and a manager who potentially fits the squad profile better could propel Chelsea back into the top four of the Premier League.
Tottenham will be Chelsea’s Biggest Threat
Spurs were in the top-four race until Matchday 37 last season but missed out as Villa beat them to the spot by two points.
Tottenham’s campaign ended on a deflating note, considering they were in the title race and leading the way at one point. A 4-1 defeat against Cheslea in November marked the beginning of the end of Tottenham’s title aspirations.
Tottenham’s capitulation culminated in a fifth-place finish, even though Postecoglou can take pride in returning the club to the Europa League in his first season.
The former Australia national team manager has implemented his philosophy at the club and could give Spurs an edge in the race for the top four.
Bookmakers currently favour Chelsea for a top-four finish over Tottenham, but the affable Aussie may help Spurs upset the odds next season.
Postecoglou’s famous attacking brand of football could make them the value bet at odds of 9/4 on Australian betting sites to finish in the top four.
Aussie bettors will be keen to back their compatriot given his previous track record of success and Spurs could easily deliver a winning return for them.
Summer Transfers are Crucial for Both Clubs
Chelsea and Tottenham need reinforcements this summer. Both clubs are in the market for a centre-forward, although Tottenham’s need is greater.
The Blues currently have Nicolas Jackson in their ranks, and he is fancied to build on a promising first season with the club.
Cheslea also need a left-back, left-sided forward and a goalkeeper, and their transfer department is guaranteed to be working overtime this summer.
Dewsbury-Hall’s arrival at Chelsea will allow midfielder Conor Gallagher to move this summer, and he could be in line to join Tottenham.
Tottenham have already made several other moves in the transfer window including an exciting swoop for Leeds United starlet Archie Gray.
However, their most pressing need is up front, with the club yet to replace England captain Harry Kane who joined Bayern Munich last summer.
Spurs could force their way into the top four if they acquire a prolific striker, but failing to do so would undoubtedly hand the initiative to Chelsea.
