Chelsea and Newcastle United finished in the Premier League’s final Champions League spots last season, but can either club launch a surprise title bid next year?
The Blues ended up fourth in last term’s Premier League, securing Champions League qualification on the final day. As for Newcastle, they finished in fifth place to sneak into Europe’s elite club competition.
However, Arne Slot’s impressive Liverpool side romped to the division title.
Chelsea fans predict a quick start to next season after the Premier League fixtures were released, with the league campaign starting at home to Crystal Palace in their opening game.
Danny Murphy can’t picture Chelsea or Newcastle in a Premier League title race
During a conversation on talkSPORT, Danny Murphy was asked who will get closer to winning the Premier League title next season out of Chelsea or Newcastle.
The former Premier League midfielder doesn’t expect either club to be ready for a title bid, though. Murphy said: “I don’t think either. Next season, no. In terms of who will finish above the other one that will depend on Newcastle’s recruitment I think.
“Both have got long seasons ahead with Champions League games. Chelsea have got a bigger squad so you could argue they are a bit more prepared in terms of strength in depth. But if Newcastle have a good spend, they’ll be competitive. I don’t think either will challenge for the title.”
In reality, it would be a surprise if Chelsea or Newcastle manage to fight for the league title. Instead, Liverpool, Arsenal or Manchester City look like the most likely challengers again.
Chelsea and Newcastle are currently fighting to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton this summer, but we don’t think the Brazilian forward is the type of player ready to spearhead the attack of a title-winning side.
Without a doubt, the Chelsea squad lacks experience and know-how compared to their biggest rivals because of the transfer policy to recruit mostly youngsters.
Back in December 2024, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca predicted Chelsea will eventually dominate English football. He said: “I told the owners; For me, because of the age of the squad, Chelsea can dominate English football in four, five years.”
The reality is it’s going to take time and patience in the current group to grow together.
Chelsea were tipped as potential title contenders in the first half of last season before Maresca silenced those claims. If they start strongly again in the 2025/26 campaign, it will be interesting to see if the Blues manager takes the same approach.
