Football is as much about what happens off the pitch as it is on it. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the passionate tribalism and competitive spirit that permeates fanbases, constantly looking for new ways to one-up each other. One of the most spirited battles for bragging rights takes place in the realm of away support.
How far a club’s fanbase has to travel, how many brave souls venture on the road, and just how deafening their presence can be when packed into the away section are topics that are never far from conversation in the football world. It’s a subject that stirs up debate, with every fan wanting to claim their club is the most devoted.
But the reality is, it’s a near-impossible task to truly determine which team has the best away support, particularly when every Premier League club nearly almost guarantees a sell-out crowd week in, week out. That’s where we’ve turned to AI. While it may not provide a flawless answer, at least it offers an impartial perspective – free from the biases of passionate rivalries. So, let’s dive in and take a look at the rankings provided by ChatGPT.
Every Premier League stadium for the 2025-26 season has been ranked – including Elland Road, Turf Moor and Stadium of Light.
20 Fulham
Last season’s league finish: 11th
Fulham holds the distinction of selling the most expensive matchday ticket and season ticket in the Premier League. Coupled with their fans’ much-mocked “away day spreads” often shared on social media – complete with fancy food and drink that wouldn’t look out of place at a high-end picnic – they’ve earned a reputation as the most “posh” club in English football.
Unsurprisingly, this image extends to their support. Fulham fans aren’t exactly renowned for being the loudest, often approaching football with the decorum of a theatre outing. While their unique brand of fandom sets them apart from the rest of the league, it doesn’t necessarily work in their favour in rankings like this one. ChatGPT said:
Respectful, loyal, but among the quietest away ends in the league.”
19 Bournemouth
Last season’s league finish: 9th
Less than 15 years ago, Bournemouth were plying their trade in League Two, three promotions away from their current Premier League status. Given that journey, it’s commendable that their away fans don’t find themselves propping up the rankings. In fact, they held their own against local rivals Southampton last term – though Portsmouth might have given them a tougher challenge had they remained in the topflight.
For a club of Bournemouth’s size and with their location on the south coast, the Cherries’ supporters show impressive dedication to backing their team. While maintaining strong numbers week in and week out can be a challenge, their passion is undeniable. Under Andoni Iraola’s guidance, there’s every chance their following – and their fortunes – will only continue to grow. ChatGPT said:
“Travel well for their size, but volume and intimidation are limited.”
18 Brentford
Last season’s league finish: 10th
Photo courtesy of Reuters.
Brentford find themselves in a tough spot as the newest London club to solidify their place as a Premier League regular. Competing for fans in a city dominated by giants like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham is no small feat – it’s the kind of uphill battle that earns respect but rarely rewards in numbers. While Thomas Frank’s former side has delivered entertaining football and punched well above their weight, it hasn’t yet been enough to expand their fanbase much beyond their cozy west London roots. That’s not to say their support is lacking – calling it poor would be unfair.
But not too long ago, Brentford were seen by many neutral fans as their “second team,” a side to quietly admire rather than passionately rally behind. That kind of perception naturally mutes the volume of their noise. However, in many ways, it’s a testament to their progress that they’ve shed that “plucky underdog” image. They’re no longer just a side people root for on the side – they’re a genuine Premier League force, carving out their own identity in the capital’s crowded football scene. ChatGPT said:
“Committed core, but small numbers cap the atmosphere they create away”
From West Ham and Manchester United’s odious ownerships to Brighton and Manchester City’s empires, every Premier League owner has been ranked.
17 Brighton & Hove Albion
Last season’s league finish: 8th
Another south-coast club that travels in numbers but struggles to create much of an atmosphere, according to AI, is Brighton. Their rivals, Crystal Palace, feature much higher, and foten use the Seagull’s smaller following as a point of criticism.
Located just a short train ride south of London and with no other clubs of similar stature within a 30-mile radius, the Seagulls enjoy a sort of regional monopoly, giving them an advantage in terms of travel and support. ChatGPT said:
“Good turnout, generally well-behaved, but rarely dominate an away end.”
16 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last season’s league finish: 16th
From a rapid ascent from League One to the Premier League, to securing Europa League qualification, and now facing the looming threat of relegation, being a Wolves supporter is never a dull affair. While they are consistently ranked among the loudest home fans in the top division, AI believes their away support is better suited to 16th.
Molineux is a fortress for visiting teams, and you’d expect the Old Gold to travel in full force. However, in this case, their away support doesn’t quite measure up to expectations – at least not when compared to what you’d anticipate from such a passionate fanbase. But that’s perhaps down to the fact that, at one stage under Nuno Espirito Santo, Wolverhampton was labelled the “Lisbon of the midlands” – so why would you want to leave? ChatGPT said:
“Can be decent regionally, but away support is inconsistent.”
15 Burnley
Last season’s league finish: Promoted (Championship)
The latest addition to the yo-yo club, Burnley have been up and down the top tiers plenty in recent years. They have been back with the elite in the 2025–26 season, with Scott Parker’s modus operandi centred around making sure that the Clarets manage to stay up this time around.
Perhaps as a result of their club bouncing between leagues, it may be hard for supporters to stay fully invested if they expect the same pattern to keep occurring. Promotion is just as inevitable as relegation, and perhaps a change in those habits could spark some new hope around the club and their supporters. If they can establish themselves as a top-flight team, it may make the difference, according to AI:
“Traditional club with loyalty, though away noise rarely stands out.”
14 Crystal Palace
Last season’s league finish: 12th
Crystal Palace stands out as the only Premier League club with a dedicated ultras section – the Holmesdale Fanatics. This passionate group ensures Selhurst Park is always buzzing with energy. If this ranking were based solely on creativity in chants, displays, and atmosphere, Palace would undoubtedly soar higher. From vibrant tifos to pyro and original songs, the Eagles bring a distinctly European flavour to English football fandom.
However, AI has placed them all the way down in 14th. This may be due to their proximity to other London-based clubs or simply a lack of wider recognition. Yet, much like Nottingham Forest in the next section, this ranking feels like an injustice given their undeniable impact on the matchday experience, regardless of league position. ChatGPT said:
“Holmesdale reputation doesn’t fully carry over on the road; can be hit and miss.”
13 Nottingham Forest
Last season’s league finish: 7th
Photo courtesy of Reuters.
While AI might suggest that Nottingham Forest lack the same Premier League pedigree as some of their rivals, it overlooks the club’s storied history – perhaps explaining why the City Ground faithful have been ranked so low. Yet, few can argue with the sheer passion of Forest’s supporters.
Just last term, every Forest match felt like a throwback to the glory days of the 1970s, with Nuno Espirito Santo bringing echoes of Brian Clough’s swaggering style that once delivered two European Cups. Away from home, particularly at the league’s bigger stadiums, Forest fans relish the chance to make their voices heard. Rarely do they miss the opportunity to drown out the opposition, with chants and taunts that capture the energy of their proud legacy. ChatGPT said:
“Very good on big occasions, less relentless week to week.”
12 West Ham
Last season’s Premier League finish: 14th
Having only fairly recently won the UEFA Europa Conference League under David Moyes, West Ham have long carried a reputation that strikes fear into their opponents. When they travel across Europe, additional policing is often required, a testament to the intense atmosphere their fans create.
Since relocating from the iconic Boleyn Ground in 2016, there has been a growing discontent among Hammers supporters with the London Stadium. This could explain, in part, why they go all-out to make their presence felt on away days instead, channelling their passion into creating an electric atmosphere wherever they go – though their current form means they have dropped down the rankings recently. ChatGPT said:
“Take strong numbers and can be loud, but mood swings heavily affect volume.”
11 Tottenham
Last season’s league finish: 17th
Tottenham Hotspur celebrate a 4-0 win over Manchester City
Tottenham do not have the same modern-day fame, success, or prestige as their rivals Arsenal and, according to AI, this translates into the fact their away support just isn’t as good as their neighbours, either.
Living in the shadow of others, they can sometimes struggle to ensure their voices are heard. No matter how many managers come and go or how long it takes to secure that elusive major trophy, that may continue, and the looming threat of a shock relegation to the Championship has sent the mood spiralling once again. ChatGPT said:
“Large away followings, but often reactive rather than constant.”
Kylian Mbappe is lighting up the 2026 World Cup as he looks to fire France to their second success in world football’s biggest competition since 2018.
The Real Madrid forward is firmly in the Golden Boot race against the likes of Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior, having found the net four times in the group stages. Mbappe was crucial to his nation lifting the trophy in 2018, bursting onto the scene as a teenager.
He then had an incredible tournament four years later in Qatar. Despite his side having to settle for second place, the 27-year-old fired in a hat-trick in the final, something only Sir Geoff Hurst has previously managed.
Kylian Mbappe Wearing Different Shirt to France Teammates
Kyle Ross (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
That treble in the final against Argentina helped Mbappe to the Golden Boot in the 2022 World Cup. The versatile forward netted eight times in total, and was undeserving of being on the losing side.
He tends to step up on the big stage when his country needs him. Some eagle-eyed fans may have spotted a difference in the shirt Mbappe is wearing this summer compared to the rest of Didier Deschamps’ men.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are all expected to finish among the top goalscorers in this summer’s tournament.
The reason for that is his Golden Boot victory in 2022. Any active player who has won the individual award at the World Cup is allowed to wear a special patch on the sleeve of their shirt.
England’s Harry Kane and Colombia’s James Rodriguez are the only other players at the tournament this summer allowed to wear the patch, after winning the 2018 and 2014 Golden Boots, respectively.
The award has never been won back-to-back in the competition’s history. But with France being among the strong favourites and expected to go far, there’s every chance their talisman can scoop the honour once again. After all, he’s only four goals away from being the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
Mbappe: Lionel Messi Still the Best
Reuters/Maria Lysaker
While Mbappe is hunting his old Paris Saint-Germain teammate Lionel Messi down in the current Golden Boot race and the all-time scoring charts, he still concedes he has a lot to do to overtake the Argentine.
It was no surprise to Les Bleus’ number nine that Messi has continued to deliver on the big stage. He said (per ESPN): “I already knew Messi was going to keep scoring goals. He always does. He’s ahead of me and I’m behind him. I’ll keep scoring to help my national team go as far as possible.”
Following the greatest footballer of all time smashed a hat-trick against Algeria, Mbappe declared him still the best in the world. He claimed:
“It’s clear that Messi is the best in the world, and so is Cristiano [Ronaldo]. For 16 years, he [Messi] has shown his extraordinary talent. I’m just trying to do what I know how to do: show my talent on the biggest stage possible and help my national team.”
Newcastle United have lined up a deal to sign a midfielder this summer, as the Magpies face the possibility of losing some key players in the coming weeks.
A deal for the former seems the most likely, meaning Newcastle are on the market for replacements, and one target is now seemingly in the club’s sights.
Newcastle Add Felix Nmecha To Shortlist
According to a report from journalist Craig Hope, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha is on Newcastle’s shortlist as a transfer target for this summer.
The Magpies are described as “long-term admirers” of the 25-year-old, who has impressed in the Bundesliga as well as in the World Cup with Germany in recent weeks.
Nmecha has a release clause in his deal worth £73.5 million, though that doesn’t come into effect until next summer. That said, the report claims that there is hope a move can be negotiated for lower than that price.
There is likely to be some competition for Nmecha’s signature, as Manchester United have been linked with a transfer, along with fellow Premier League rivals Liverpool.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle can get an agreement with both Dortmund and the Germany international over a potential transfer in the coming weeks as a result.
Newcastle are facing a tough summer transfer window, with Anthony Gordon’s exit set to be just the first of a few key moves away from the club.
Given the struggles in the Premier League last season, the Magpies will be keen to not be in a weaker position next campaign when it comes to the options available.
However, it may be the sales that help ensure that is the case. Selling some important players in favour of huge transfer fees could allow it to be reinvested in a way that will add a better balance of quality across the whole squad.
Newcastle United are in the market for a striker, as one star looks set to leave the club this summer.
That, in theory, should allow the team to become stronger. But that will only happen if the right transfer replacements are found for the right price.
That was the theory in practice last summer, with Alexander Isak’s sale generating a club-record fee, but resulting in the wrong options being signed to take his place.
Newcastle cannot allow a repeat of that, especially in the midfield engine room, which has been among the key areas of strength under Howe.
Yan Diomande’s early coach Faissal Chehade explains why Liverpool could be the perfect fit, and why his ceiling may be Ballon d’Or level.
Chehade, who worked with Diomande at Leganés, reveals on Market Madness what stood out from the very beginning: the confidence, the one-v-one ability, the training-ground moments that made coaches take notice, and the mentality behind his rise from rejection across Europe to becoming one of the most talked-about young players in world football.
He also breaks down why Leipzig was the right step, why Liverpool could give Diomande the platform to become “the main man,” and why he believes the winger has the potential to reach the very top of the game.
Chapters:
0:09 — Yan Diomande’s First Coach Reveals the Talent
2:07 — The Training Goal That Made Everyone Stop
3:36 — Why Yan Diomande Was Rejected Across Europe
4:21 — Why Leipzig Was the Perfect Move for Diomande
4:55 — Why Liverpool Could Be Yan Diomande’s Perfect Fit
8:02 — Yan Diomande’s Ballon d’Or Ceiling Explained
