European football has always been a test of strength and endurance for English clubs. In the 2025/26 season, a record nine Premier League sides will compete in European events. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur enter the UEFA Champions League, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest join the UEFA Europa League, while Crystal Palace steps into the UEFA Conference League. 

However, the question arises. Does such a busy schedule lift clubs to new heights, or does it hold them back in their home league race? History shows that balancing both goals has been rare, with only a few clubs able to claim the Premier League and European crowns in the same season.

The weight of a packed season

European runs add both glamour and burden. For teams chasing trophies abroad, the number of matches can grow heavy. A club that reaches the late rounds could face up to 55 matches in one season, with 38 league fixtures, domestic cup ties, and 15 to 17 European games. 

In contrast, Leicester City’s title win in 2015/16 came during a calm schedule, as they played only 43 matches and avoided Europe altogether. The gap in match load shows how rest and recovery may aid some sides while travel and midweek contests stretch others thin.

Player view: Rhythm vs fatigue

Former England defender Matthew Upson sees the matter from a player’s point of view. He recalls enjoying a steady rhythm when playing twice a week, as the pace of matches built sharpness and fitness. For players, more games often mean more chances for medals and less risk of losing match shape. 

However, Upson admits that the number of matches near the winter break can become too much, pushing the need for bigger squads. Rotation is important, as rest ensures energy for others.

History of league success without Europe

Leicester’s miracle run in 2015/16 is a clear sign that freedom from Europe can fuel success. Chelsea matched the feat the following year. Even in the early Premier League years, clubs such as Manchester United in 1992/93 and Blackburn Rovers in 1994/95 had little European strain when they took the title. 

Since England received four Champions League spots after the 2001/02 season, it is rare for Premier League clubs to reach the top-four spots in the domestic league without experience in continental football leagues like the UCL and the Europa League. Still, the dream of ruling both at home and abroad is not impossible. 

Manchester United did so in 1998/99 and 2007/08, while Manchester City reached the same glory in 2022/23. Liverpool’s older double wins in 1976/77 and 1983/84 remain part of English football pride. These rare feats prove that, while hard, it is not beyond reach.

The strain of extra matches

The current season has already shown how fast the calendar can grow. Crystal Palace had played seven matches before mid-September, including qualifiers and the Community Shield, and may reach 29 by Christmas. 

By contrast, sides like Bournemouth, Leeds United, Manchester United, Sunderland, and West Ham United could play only 18 by that point, with no Europe and early cup exits. More games mean more risks, from injuries to poor form, but fewer games can also lead to longer waits between matches, which may stall rhythm.

Upson stresses that breaks can help if the training mood is good. If form dips and morale sinks, long gaps can hurt more than they help. Players then face long days at the training ground with no quick chance to fix their troubles on the pitch.

Europe can hurt league form

For some clubs, the push for Europe has come at a sharp cost in the league. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League last season by beating Manchester United in the final, yet they slumped to 17th in the Premier League. 

Meanwhile, United ended only one spot higher. Spurs won their first European competition since 1984, but their underperformance in the Premier League still led to Ange Postecoglou's exit.

Burnley’s 2018/19 season showed another case. They played six UEFA Europa League qualifiers by August, failed to reach the group stage, and ended 15th in the league, far worse than the year before. 

Newcastle in 2012/13 advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals but slumped to 16th in the league. Both Blackburn in 1998/99 and Ipswich Town in 2001/02 were relegated while in European contests. The toll of travel, fatigue, and split focus has often left sides vulnerable.

Strange without Europe

For some giants, a season without European ties feels unusual. Manchester United, for example, last played a campaign without Europe in 2014/15. This year marks only their second such season since the 1990s. 

Already out of the Carabao Cup, they may finish with their lowest match total in the Premier League era unless they make a deep FA Cup run. A lighter schedule may bring rest, but can also rob players of the stage they are used to.

The balance of risk and reward

European football remains a dream and a danger. The lure of silverware and the honour of continental glory drive clubs to chase it, even as the Premier League demands steady focus week after week. 

Clubs outside Europe gain longer rest and simpler schedules, while those in Europe face fatigue but gain chances at history. The question lingers each season. Is it better to stay fresh and fight at home, or to risk a heavy load in pursuit of a greater prize?

The true cost of glory

The story of English clubs in Europe has always been about balance. Some sides have thrived, finding ways to claim both home and abroad. Others have struggled, paying the price of split focus with poor league finishes or even relegation. 

This season, with nine clubs carrying the extra weight, the test will be greater than ever. By spring, the answer may be clearer. Is the dream of Europe worth the risk of losing ground in the Premier League?

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Three teams are in a stalemate in the English Premier League (EPL) table—Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa. This standoff has led to fans asking the big question: who has the bigger edge over the other? Explore their recent performances and other fine details to determine which can best the other two. 

Newcastle’s current situation

From April 3 to May 18, 2025, Newcastle won six out of nine of their EPL matches. They also lost two matches and drew one. Some might say their results are volatile, but it is a good display of skill and still means they can win most of their matches. 

Despite this, they still have five players out of play, and one suffers from an Adductor Strain injury—Alexander Isak. The earliest player to return to the field is Kieran Trippier, who is set to return on May 25, 2025. 

Chelsea’s hiccup

Chelsea’s recent win streak was impressive, but their hiccup with Newcastle can mean two things: they’re likely to lose again if they face off, or they’ll exact revenge upon meeting each other on the field. 

However, looking at their previous EPL matches, the lead over their opponents is only one to two points. One can say that they are not fully in control of the field, but many factors can affect this, including powerful opponents or tough playing conditions. 

Aston Villa’s consistency

So far, Aston Villa has had the most consistent performance among the three. Newcastle was a problematic opponent for Chelsea, but to Aston Villa, they destroyed them 4-1. Their only stutter was against Manchester City, where they lost 2-1.  

Considering their performances, they are one of the top performers among the three, but their ‘Goals Forâ€?are the lowest at 58 points. Compared to the other two, who already breached 60 points, they might lag once given the chance to fight Newcastle and Chelsea. 

Who’s likely to lead?

Despite poor recent performances, Newcastle still has a higher chance of topping Chelsea and Aston Villa. Aston Villa might take it for the second, and Chelsea might come last. These assumptions are based on recent English Premier League data, so there is no guarantee that it would happen. 

Expect the unexpected

Football matches are some of the most unpredictable games, so there is no surefire way of knowing who will beat whom. However, based on data, current form, and past results, a calculated deduction can be achieved. 

So far, Newcastle is still in the lead, maintaining a consistent performance that keeps them ahead of the competition. Their recent victories and strong squad dynamics suggest they could hold their position if the momentum continues.

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The May 18th match secured Arsenal’s Champions League position after defeating Newcastle 1-0. The Player of the Match, Declan Rice, took the shot and gave the winning score to his team. The victory was celebrated by fans at the Emirates Stadium, who knew how important the result was for the season.

David Raya and Declan Rice were considered heroes of the game. During the first half, Arsenal’s David Raya maintained a tight defence and denied the visitors scoring opportunities. 

Raya made a series of impressive saves, stopping shots from Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento, and Harvey Barnes, before making a brilliant double save from Dan Burn and Sven Botman after a corner.

Rice scored a goal early in the second half with a smooth, first-touch shot into the bottom corner, after getting a pass from Martin Odegaard near the edge of the penalty area. This score was the winning goal, giving Arsenal the victory. 

This match gave Arsenal five points ahead of Newcastle. With this victory, they are tied to the current Champions League second-placer, Barcelona, with both securing 19 points. 

Without Alexander Isak, Newcastle found it hard to make good chances and challenge Arsenal’s defence, leading to their almost inevitable defeat. 

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