Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says the club’s absence from European competition has helped them to the top of the Premier League. The side have a one-point lead over Liverpool and Manchester City and can keep their place at the top with victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Former midfielder Joey Barton is training at Burnley once more, Clarets boss Sean Dyche has confirmed. The experienced Barton was Burnley’s player of the year last season as they secured a return to the Premier League. However, he then opted to take on a new challenge by moving to Scotland to join Rangers as they embarked on their return to top-flight football north of the border.