One thing that football fans often argue about is whose team is bigger. It’s hard to argue with who is better. Just looking at what is unfolding on the pitch more often than not answers that debate, but fans can never seem to agree on which clubs are the biggest. Sure, there are some who can’t be denied, such as Real Madrid, but ask Chelsea and Arsenal fans which team is bigger and there’s sure to be a fierce debate that continues to rage on.

Well, to settle the question, it’s time to turn to AI and ask Grok to rank every Premier League club for the 2026/27 season in terms of size. A number of different factors were taken into account, such as:

• Revenue (2024/25)
• Global fanbase (Via social media followers)
• Historical trophies
• Cultural significance
• Stadium size

Check out the final results below.

20-16

Bournemouth have been named the smallest club in the Premier League

Via Bournemouth

While they’ve been very impressive in recent years, Bournemouth have been named the smallest club in the Premier League by AI. The Cherries have the smallest stadium in England’s top tier by some distance and that’s played into the ranking, with their lack of trophies and global fanbase not helping matters either.

Joining them in the bottom five are Brentford, Hull City, Coventry City and Fulham. The Bees are enjoying their best spell in their history, having finished ninth in the 2025/26 Premier League season. However, their small fanbase and lack of historical success counts against them.

Hull and Coventry, who both gained promotion to the Premier League for this season, haven’t had as much success as Brentford in the past decade, but AI thinks they are bigger than the west London club. Coventry have a 32k seater stadium, while they won the FA Cup in 1987.

Fulham have solidified themselves as a Premier League team again, but according to AI, their lack of silverware and global fanbase is why they rank so low.

15-11

Newcastle United just miss out on the top 10

REUTERS/Pablo Morano

Moving into the top 15, Brighton & Hove Albion, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace are 15th, 14th and 13th respectively. The lack of silverware and massive fanbases is why AI has ranked the trio outside the top 10, despite the Eagles’ recent FA Cup and UEFA Conference League triumphs.

Leeds United, according to AI, are the 12th biggest side in the Premier League. Grok says they have a rich history, while they also boast a ‘decent’ stadium. The Yorkshire club have become English champions three times, while also winning the FA Cup once.

Newcastle United just miss out on the top 10. After over a decade of mediocrity, the Magpies are turning into one of the best sides in England again, but — despite having one of the most passionate fanbases in Britain — that’s not enough to get them in the top 10 just yet. Look away now, Newcastle fans, as the team at number 10 will ruffle some feathers.

Sunderland

Stadium of Light

Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Grok’s reason: “Sunderland’s 6 historical league titles move them up significantly, despite a small modern fanbase.”

In the most surprising pick so far, Grok ranked Sunderland as the 10th biggest club in the Premier League. The Black Cats have spent a number of years outside of the top flight, but returned last year through the playoffs. Ranking them above their vicious rivals Newcastle is quite a choice, but their six top flight titles is what gets them into the top 10 according to AI.

Sunderland have a fanbase deserving of success, and they were rewarded when the Black Cats finished seventh in the 2025/26 Premier League season and qualified for the Europa League.

• Fanbase: Strong regional support, limited globally.
• Titles: 6 league titles (last 1936), 2 FA Cups.
• Revenue: ~€150m (estimated).
• Stadium: Stadium of Light (48,707).

Nottingham Forest

The City Ground

Action Images / Michael Regan via REUTERS

Grok’s reason: “Forest’s two Champions Leagues give them a surprising edge, though their fanbase is smaller.”

Ahead of Sunderland is Nottingham Forest. The Midlands club spent decades outside of the top flight, but returned in 2022 and after a couple of tough years, fighting relegation at the bottom of the table, they’ve become a solid side and have now established themselves back in the Premier League.

Forest were a sleeping giant for far too long, but are now back among the big boys and with two Champions League trophies in their cabinet, they’ve been ranked the ninth-biggest club in England by AI.

• Fanbase: Growing with promotion, historically significant.
• Titles: 1 league title (1978), 2 FA Cups, 2 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: ~€250m
• Stadium: City Ground (30,445).

Tottenham Hotspur

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

Grok’s reason: “Tottenham’s lack of league titles (only 2) drops them, despite a strong fanbase and stadium.”

Sours are considered one of the ‘big six’ in England, but according to AI, they’re actually only the eighth-biggest team in the Premier League, which is sure to raise some eyebrows.

They may have flirted with relegation in recent years, but if Roberto De Zerbi can live up to the hype and lead them to success, it will be hard to deny them a spot higher on this list.

• Fanbase: 6th in social media rankings, solid global appeal.
• Titles: 2 league titles, 8 FA Cups, 2024/25 Europa League.
• Revenue: €672.6m
• Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,850).

Everton

Hill Dickinson

REUTERS/Ed Sykes

Grok’s reason: “Everton’s 9 league titles boost them above Tottenham, but their fanbase is smaller globally.”

Having been in the top flight of English football for over 70 years, Everton have been competing with the best for the majority of their history, and it’s easy to see why they’re considered one of the biggest teams in the Premier League. The Toffees have had some incredible moments over the years and while it’s been some time since they got their hands on a major trophy, it’s their success in the past that has them ranked so highly by Grok.

With David Moyes back at the helm, the club finished the 2025/26 safely in mid-table and with their brand-new stadium, the future looks bright for Everton.

• Fanbase: Loyal Merseyside support, moderate global reach.
• Titles: 9 league titles (last 1987), 5 FA Cups.
• Revenue: €234.0m
• Stadium: Hill Dickinson (~52,888).

Aston Villa

Villa Park

REUTERS/Peter Powell

Grok’s reason: Villa’s historical titles (7 leagues, 1 UCL) jump them up, despite a smaller fanbase and revenue.

The last few years have seen Aston Villa transform under Unai Emery from a side fighting against relegation to one competing with the best at the top of the table and representing England in European competitions.

It looked at one point in the 2025/26 campaign that The Villans would compete for the Premier League title, but they eventually had to settle for a fourth-place finish. Still, that secured them a return to the Champions League, and they also enjoyed success in Europe as they were crowned Europa League champions, further increasing the gap between them and Everton in this ranking.

• Fanbase: Moderate but growing, less global than the “Big Six.”
• Titles: 7 league titles (last 1981), 7 FA Cups, 1 Champions League, 1 Europa League
• Revenue: €450.2m
• Stadium: Villa Park (42,095).

Manchester City

Etihad Stadium

Lee Smith via Reuters

Grok’s reason: “City’s recent dominance (7 Premier Leagues) is offset by a smaller global fanbase compared to Arsenal and Chelsea.”

Despite their recent dominance in England, Manchester City have only been ranked as the fifth-biggest team in the Premier League and, according to AI, that’s because their fanbase across the globe is significantly smaller than those of the teams currently listed above them.

Now under the watchful eye of Enzo Maresca, if they can get back on top and re-establish themselves as the best team in the country for a sustained period, their fanbase should grow and they might eventually climb this ranking.

• Fanbase: 3rd in social media rankings, growing but smaller than top four.
• Titles: 10 league titles (7 Premier League), 8 FA Cups, 1 Champions League.
• Revenue: €829.3m
• Stadium: Etihad (53,400).

Chelsea

Stamford Bridge

REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images

Grok’s reason: “Chelsea’s modern success (2 UCLs, 5 Premier Leagues) and global fanbase outweigh their smaller stadium.”

There has been plenty of back and forth about whether Arsenal or Chelsea is ultimately the biggest club in London, but AI has settled that debate and listed the Blues as the fourth-biggest team in the Premier League, with the Gunners sitting ahead of them. The Blues’ two Champions League trophies isn’t enough to get them above their opponents.

Xabi Alonso was appointed Chelsea’s manager in the summer of 2026 and, with talks of upgrading, or even leaving, Stamford Bridge in the future, they might climb this list somewhere down the line.

• Fanbase: 2nd in social media rankings, huge international following.
• Titles: 6 league titles (5 Premier League), 8 FA Cups, 2 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: €584.1m
• Stadium: Stamford Bridge (40,343).

Arsenal

Emirates Stadium

Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

Grok’s reason: “Arsenal’s 14 FA Cups (most in England) and large fanbase elevate them above City, despite fewer recent titles.”

Ranking just above Chelsea is their London rivals Arsenal. Their historical success, particularly in the FA Cup, and the size of their following and fanbase is what has seen them ranked above Chelsea and Manchester City by Grok.

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into one of the world’s best teams once again, and they finally ended their Premier League title drought in 2025/26 when they outlasted Man City. They’ll need to keep winning titles, both domestically and in Europe, if they are to move up this list, though.

• Fanbase: 5th in social media rankings, strong global appeal (Africa, Asia).
• Titles: 14 league titles (4 Premier League), 14 FA Cups, no Champions League.
• Revenue: €821.7m
• Stadium: Emirates (60,704).

Liverpool

Anfield

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Grok’s reason: “Liverpool’s fanbase is slightly smaller than United’s, but their 6 Champions Leagues and recent success push them close.”

After a long period away from the very top of English football, Jurgen Klopp took Liverpool back to being one of the best sides in the world. Arne Slot then delivered their second ever Premier League title.

No club in England has won more silverware than the Reds over the years, but with a smaller stadium and a smaller fanbase, they fall behind Manchester United in AI’s rankings of the biggest clubs in the Premier League.

• Fanbase: 4th in social media rankings, massive global following (Asia, Americas).
• Titles: 20 league titles (2 Premier League, 2024/25), 8 FA Cups, 6 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: €836.1m
• Stadium: Anfield (61,276).

Manchester United

Old Trafford

REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Grok’s reason: “United’s unmatched global fanbase and extensive trophy cabinet (20 leagues, 3 UCLs) keep them first.”

It’s been a rough 13 or so years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as Manchester United manager. The Red Devils have failed to even come close to winning the Premier League title again following his departure and things have been downright embarrassing at times, such as the 2024/25 season when they finished 15th in the Premier League. Things now look on the up for United, though, with Michael Carrick at the helm.

Their stadium, Old Trafford, has seen better days too, but the sheer size of their fanbase is enough to land them the number one spot here. That and their incredible trophy cabinet, with 20 league titles and three Champions League trophies to boast about among others.

• Fanbase: 87m+ Facebook followers, top in Premier League.
• Titles: 20 league titles (13 Premier League), 12 FA Cups, 3 Champions Leagues.
• Revenue: €793.1m
• Stadium: Old Trafford (74,310).

Alisson Becker has become one of Andoni Iraola’s vice-captains but don’t expect to see the Liverpool goalkeeper wearing the armband.

The Brazilian shot-stopper’s future had been the subject of speculation ahead of the summer but he’s staying put to help Iraola at the start of the Spaniard’s reign. This will be his ninth season at Anfield, having become arguably the greatest number one in the club’s history.

Iraola is turning to Alisson and using the 33-year-old’s experience as part of his leadership team. He’s joined Dominik Szoboszlai and Joe Gomez in serving as deputy skippers to club captain Virgil van Dijk.

Why Alisson is Unlikely to Wear Captain’s Armband

Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

Alisson has won every major trophy on offer during his time on Merseyside and played a key role in the club’s success during this period. He’s a popular figure on the pitch and in the dressing room and has been just as influential as Van Dijk, who will captain the Reds for a fourth consecutive season.

Should Van Dijk be unavailable, Alisson could captain his team but he wouldn’t be allowed to wear the armband. That’s due to Premier League rules as explained by Liverpool reporter James Pearce on X:

“[Premier League] rules on only the captain being able to speak to referees means Alisson won’t wear the armband if Van Dijk isn’t on the field. That honour would go to Szoboszlai or Gomez.”

Therefore, in the event that Alisson is handed leadership responsibilities, he wouldn’t be the proper captain and that’s due to an initiative brought in by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). ‘Only the Captain’ guidelines were introduced into the Laws of the Game ahead of last season, and the Premier League has opted to use them to minimize dissent surrounding the referee.

Top-flight bosses have focused on addressing players’ treatment of referees, which means goalkeepers are now unlikely to be appointed captains. They very rarely leave their areas and while its proven beneficial for officials, it rules out many shot-stoppers dreams of captaining their teams.

How Alisson Can Still Captain Liverpool

If Van Dijk, Gomez, and Szoboszlai were all absent, Alisson could theoretically wear the armband. The guidelines state that referees must be made aware of a nominated outfield player they can approach throughout a game:

“Where the goalkeeper is the captain, the referee must be told, no later than at the coin toss before kick-off, which player is nominated to approach the referee instead of the goalkeeper.”

The thinking is that ‘stronger collaboration between the referee and the team captains can help instill fairness and mutual respect.’ The move to have captains only approach referees requires them to do so ‘respectfully and conduct themselves as such.’

They are given the responsibility to ensure their teammates ‘remain a reasonable distance from the referee and do not interfere in the interaction between the referee and the team captain(s).’

While the guidelines could prove problematic for goalkeepers, Crystal Palace appointed Dean Henderson as their captain following Marc Guehi’s exit in January. Clubs are clearly still open to using shot-stoppers in the role despite the limitations that come with it.

Arsenal kickstarted the defence of their Premier League title with an emphatic 3-0 win over Coventry City that has raised doubts over the future of one of Mikel Arteta’s champions.

Kai Havertz got the ball rolling with a tidy finish in the 15th minute to give the hosts a deserved lead before Bukayo Saka made it two-nil eight minutes later. Gunners captain Martin Odegaard continued his fine form with another impressive goal following his brilliance in the Community Shield.

With Bruno Guimaraes sidelined with a slight knock, there was only one new signing for the Emirates faithful to cast their eye on tonight. It’s fair to say that Christos Tzolis impressed out on the left flank with a performance that could mean curtains for one of his teammates.

Arsenal 3-0 Coventry – Tzolis Stars in Season Opener

REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Tzolis was unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet but he certainly tried to bag his first goal in Arsenal colours. This wasn’t the 24-year-old’s Premier League debut as he made 14 top-flight appearances at Norwich City where he didn’t quite manage to make a name for himself.

Having taken the risk with a move to Club Brugge in Belgium, he caught the eye of Arteta’s scouts, who swooped for £34 million. Many saw his acquisition as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard, certain he’d be handed a rotational role much like the Belgian during his Emirates spell.

On tonight’s evidence, the Gunners might not need to move for a marquee left-wing signing. Every time he got on the ball he looked like making something happen and he looked right at home in attack alongside Havertz and Saka.

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Tzolis earned huge applause when coming off for Eberechi Eze in the 76th minute and a tap on the back from Arteta. We may just have found an early contender for signing of the season if he continues his superb start.

Gabriel Martinelli, meanwhile, didn’t even make Arteta’s substitutes’ bench as doubts grow over his future. The Brazilian winger has been linked with an exit and even turned down the chance to join Turkish giants Galatasaray after the clubs agreed on a £38.4 million deal.

‘Electric’ Tzolis – Arsenal Fans Fear For Martinelli

Tzolis’ display has only pushed Martinelli closer to the exit door and with just weeks left in the transfer window he might need to concede that his Arsenal career is over. While he has enjoyed a relatively successful spell in North London, he hasn’t quite managed to realise his potential.

That’s certainly the verdict of most fans who are already in awe of their new Greek winger. One of the club’s supporters wrote on X: “See as Tzolis dey ball. Sorry, it’s over for Martinelli…”

Another supporter added: “After watching how good Tzolis, Martinelli isn’t playing for us again, is he??”

This was echoed by one fan: “Tzolis cooking means it’s over Martinelli nation. feel bad for what’s happening with him. we will miss Martinelli last minute bangers.”

Arsenal insider HandofArsenal was blown away by the Greece international: “Wait a minute. What the hell have we signed. Tzolis is electric. No for real though, he has been directly involved in both goals and been very productive. Feels like he has been told they doubt you, go show them. Early days but looks a smart buy in a crazy market. Thoughts?”

One fan added: “Tzolis might actually be the best LW in the league. Yep. We definitely complain too much.”

Another pointed out the club’s failed pursuit of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior: “Why did we even try to sign Vinicius Jr? For commercial reasons? Because Tzolis doesn’t belong anywhere outside the starting XI. “

One replied: “I’m on the edge of my seat watching Tzolis. He looks ELECTRIC.”

Tzolis may well have convinced Arteta and his bosses to put the brakes on looking for a new high-profile left-winger. That’s unless they can move Martinelli on because if the Brazilian does stay put his chances of displacing the champions’ new Greek sensation looks extremely slim.