Football
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Chelsea, Liverpool at an advantage in Premier League race - Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher says Chelsea and Liverpool will have an advantage in the 2016-17 Premier League campaign because of their lack of European football next season.

Chelsea's disastrous defence of their 2014-15 title saw Jose Mourinho sacked in December while the Blues stumbled to a 10th-place finish in the league. Meanwhile, Liverpool missed their chance at direct Champions League qualification by losing to Sevilla in the Europa League final last week.

The absence of European dates means the two clubs can fully focus on their Premier League fixtures next season, which gives them a leg up on the other title contenders, says Carragher.

"A big thing for Chelsea and Liverpool, an advantage for them, is no European football," the ex-Liverpool defender told talkSPORT on Thursday.

"It might be a bit much for Liverpool going for the title, but they will certainly be looking at the top four.

"Chelsea always have their sights on the title and it depends on who comes in. But it will be a big advantage for Chelsea and Liverpool having no European football."

Carragher hailed the effect Jurgen Klopp has had on the club, with the German leading the Anfield side to two finals after taking over for Brendan Rodgers in October.

"We have seen the impact he has brought to the club, two cup finals in his first season after less than a year there -- and that is with Brendan Rodgers' team," Carragher said.

"I'm sure there are things he wants to change and the great thing about coming in mid-season as a manager is it gives you that time to assess the players, rather than coming in over the summer and making rash decisions.

"I'm sure over the last six months he has assessed everyone and now is making his moves in the transfer market. He has already signed a goalkeeper [Loris Karius] and I am sure that is the first of many."

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