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Every Premier League Stadium Ranked by Journalist Who’s Visited All 20

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For every club in England, a football stadium should be somewhere they’re proud to call home and that’s especially the case in the Premier League. Considered the biggest league in the world, it’s only fitting that the venues hosting the most watched games in football are worthy of doing so and look the part.

That’s not always the case and some stadiums are vastly different to others in the English top flight. The division boasts some of the best grounds in football, but there are also a number that could do with some work. Daily Mail journalist Oliver Holt has been to every stadium in the Premier League and he’s ranked them all from worst to best.

20-16

Coventry, Bournemouth, Hull, Arsenal & Ipswich

Arsenal's stadium, the Emirates Stadium REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

The worst stadium in the Premier League, according to Holt, is Coventry’s CBS Arena. He wasn’t impressed when he attended a match between Coventry and Birmingham earlier this decade. “The atmosphere inside the ground was lively enough, partly because the game was a derby of sorts, but it is a soulless, deracinated kind of stadium abutting the M6. It is football in an urban wasteland,” he wrote.

Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium was up next. The venue has the smallest capacity in the Premier League by some distance and Holt said: “It’s a League Two stadium that got overtaken by the success of its side. Its character comes from its small size and the atmosphere it generates because of it.”

Hull City are back in the Premier League after nine years away, but Holt isn’t a massive fan of their stadium, writing: “It is a handsome stadium on the inside but there have been times when I have visited when sections of it were shut down because of ticketing issues. It is an arena that has been made ugly by division.”

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium is among the worst in the Premier League, according to Holt. The ground opened in 2006, but Holt isn’t as keen on it as he is others in the top flight. He said: “The stadium is not as bland as some of the new generation but it still lacks real character.”

Holt described Ipswich Town’s Portman Road as ‘wonderful’, but it still features in his bottom five. He wrote: “It is still a wonderful ground, a ground at the centre of its community, a ground where you can breathe in the legends of Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, great football men who did great things in their time in charge of the club.”

15-11

Manchester City, Brighton, Brentford, Sunderland, Chelsea

Stamford Bridge general view Reuters/Andrew Boyers

Despite all the success, money spent and legacy forged in the last few years for Manchester City, their Etihad Stadium was ranked 15th by Holt. The journalist was a much bigger fan of the club’s earlier ground, Maine Road, and he stated: “I’d probably have Maine Road in the top three in this list if Manchester City still played there. I loved that ground. But the Etihad isn’t Maine Road. City have done their best to breathe personality into it but it’s hard to disguise the fact it’s a characterless, identikit modern stadium.”

Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium ranks above the Etihad. The Seagulls’ rise through the football leagues recently has been a tremendous achievement for the club. It’s rather fitting that their new stadium opened just several years before their fortunes transformed and, when describing the Amex, Holt said: “Neat on the inside, bold on the outside, it is a fitting home for an exceptionally well-run club and a fanbase that never gave up on its team.”

Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium is ranked 13th. One of the newest stadiums in the Premier League, it opened in 2020 and Holt actually prefers it to the club’s former home. Speaking about the Gtech Community Stadium, he admitted: “It is the type of stadium, and club, that makes fans feel they belong.”

Holt loved Sunderland’s former homes: Roker Park and Maine Road. While he doesn’t think their current home, the Stadium of Light, lives up to its predecessors, he’s still a fan. He said: “These are some of the best supporters in the country and the noise the fans make when the biggest occasions present themselves is up there with anyone.”

Just missing out on the top half is Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge. The ground has been home to the Blues since 1977, but has undergone significant transformation over the years. Discussing Stamford Bridge, the journalist said: “All stadiums change and modernise with the years, but there are few stadiums which have changed as dramatically as Stamford Bridge. For many, going to Chelsea, with its towering West Stand and opulent corporate boxes, is a boutique experience not out of place with the hugely affluent area in which it stands.”

10-6

Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Aston Villa & Manchester United

Old Trafford REUTERS/Chris Radburn

Just creeping into the top 10 is Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park. 2024 marked the 100-year anniversary of the ground opening. Holt is a big fan of the ground too. He heaped plenty of praise on it and said: “A trip to Palace is one of the best experiences in the English game. The atmosphere generated by the Holmesdale Road stand, in particular, makes Selhurst Park one of the best grounds in England to watch football.”

Nottingham Forest’s City Ground is next up on Holt’s rankings. From the walk to the ground, to the history within the venue, he’s a big fan of Forest’s home and stated: “Sometimes, just the walk to a stadium is part of what makes it special. It’s the same with the City Ground. When you get closer, you see the majesty of Trent Bridge next to the City Ground, too, and you feel you’re right at the heart of British sport. There’s so much history at the City Ground, so much achievement, so much tradition and such a stunning location. It’s a wonderful place to watch a game.”

Fulham have called Craven Cottage home since 1896, almost their entire existence. The ground is next on Holt’s list and he described it as a ‘jewel’ in English football heritage. He said: “Craven Cottage is one of the jewels of English football heritage, and Fulham’s stadium on the banks of the Thames has achieved the difficult task of modernising the ground without losing its character. It is a joy to visit.”

Aston Villa’s Villa Park is ranked sixth. The ground has played host to Champions League fixtures in recent seasons and hasn’t looked out of place in the competition. “Villa Park remains one of the great arenas in the English game,” Holt said.

The final stadium in this section is Old Trafford. Home to Manchester United, the ground has come under scrutiny lately for its poor conditions and the Red Devils announced plans to build a new stadium in the future, but the journalist is still a big fan. He said: “Yes, the roof leaks and, yes, Old Trafford could do with a bit of love and attention but there is a magic about this stadium that can never fade. It’s a wonderful place, one of the stadiums that can lay claim to nurturing a chunk of the heart of the English game.”

5-1

Leeds, Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton & Liverpool

Liverpool's stadium, Anfield REUTERS/Phil Noble

Another team set to leave their current stadium is Everton. The Toffees will depart Goodison Park at the end of this campaign, but Holt thinks it’s the fourth-best ground in the Premier League. He described it as authentic and praised the ‘lovely’ Main Stand, saying: “I’ve always loved Goodison Park and its lovely Main Stand and its fierce, fierce intensity. It feels like just about the most authentic stadium and passionate crowd there is in the top flight.”

Entering the top three, Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park is up next. Opening in 1892, the ground has seen the club go through the joys and sorrows of football, but better times are finally on the cards for the Magpies again. The ground is so iconic, it gives Holt goosebumps. He said: “Every time I arrive in the city and see St James’ Park staring down from its vantage point above it, it sends shivers down my spine. Its position is a symbol of its importance to the city. Inside, it generates one of the best atmospheres in the country, its fans are amongst the most loyal and the Gallowgate End is one of the most revered sections in our football history.”

One of the newest stadiums in football, Tottenham Hotspur moved into the new stadium, named after the club itself, in 2019 and it’s quickly become one of the best grounds in the world. Holt has it second on his list of Premier League venues, saying: “The best of the new generation of English football stadiums. There is an ambition about it that so many other new-builds lack. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy gets plenty of criticism for the failures of the club on the pitch but the new stadium is still a stunning legacy.”

Holt was a big fan of Everton’s former home, Goodison Park, but he thinks their new ground, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, is even better. He described the 52,769-seater stadium, which opened in 2025, as ‘spectacular’.

The best stadium in the Premier League, at least according to Holt, is Liverpool’s Anfield. Few grounds are quite as synonymous with a football club quite like the Reds’ iconic venue is. Speaking about Anfield, Holt simply said: “I have never been anywhere like it for the passion and the noise it has generated.”

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Data Analysts Calculate Every Club’s Chance of Winning 26/27 Premier League

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Data analysts have crunched the numbers and calculated all 20 Premier League clubs’ chances of winning the title in the 2026/27 season.

The new campaign is now just a few days away. It kicks off on Friday, August 21, when reigning champions Arsenal welcome newly-promoted Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who demolished Manchester City 3-0 to win the Community Shield, will be hoping they can retain their title.

Ahead of the new season, stats gurus Football Meets Data has calculated every side’s chance of lifting the trophy when the 2026/27 campaign concludes on Sunday, May 30, 2027.

20-11 (>1%)

David Moyes via Reuters

Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League triumph in the 2015/16 campaign shows that any team in English football can shock the world and lift the trophy against all odds.

Championship playoff winners Hull City have been given a miniscule 0.1% chance, as have Championship winners Coventry City and Sunderland.

The Black Cats have been given such a low chance despite finishing 7th in the 2025/26 campaign and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.

Ipswich Town, who will be managed by Gary O’Neil this season following Kieran McKenna’s departure, have a 0.2% chance. Fulham have a 0.3% chance of becoming English champions for the first time, with Leeds and Crystal Palace (both 0.4%) following.

Nottingham Forest, now managed by Oliver Glasner, have been given a 0.6% chance of glory, the same as Keith Andrews’ Brentford. While nine-time English champions Everton have been given a 0.8% chance of winning the title.

Every Premier League Club’s Chance of Winning the Trophy in 2026/27

Rank

Club

Chance (%)

20

Hull City

0.1

19

Coventry City

0.1

18

Sunderland

0.1

17

Ipswich Town

0.2

16

Fulham

0.3

15

Leeds United

0.4

14

Crystal Palace

0.4

13

Nottingham Forest

0.6

12

Brentford

0.6

11

Everton

0.8

10-1 (

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the FA Community Shield Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs

Bournemouth surprised everyone by finishing sixth in 2025/26, which was enough to see them qualify for Europe for the first time in their 127-year history.

Andoni Iraola, the man who masterminded that success, has since left for Liverpool and been replaced by Marco Rose. The Cherries have a 1% chance of taking another major leap forward and becoming champions.

Brighton have a 1.3% chance, just less than Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur, who have spent a huge amount of money in the summer transfer window after nearly being relegated last campaign.

Chelsea, now under the management of Xabi Alonso, have a 2.8 chance of winning the Premier League. They are sandwiched inbetween Newcastle (1.8% chance) and Aston Villa (3.7%).

Manchester United will be looking to end their wait for a Premier League trophy this season. With Michael Carrick at the helm, they arguably have their best chance (5.1%) of doing that in some time.

Liverpool were incredibly disappointing in 2025/26. They were widely expected to retain their title but finished a distant 25 points behind Arsenal in fifth. Iraola’s side have a 7.9% chance of glory this campaign.

City have the second-best chance (23.2%) to lift the trophy, with Arsenal the overwhelming favourites. The Gunners have a whopping 48.1% chance of being crowned Premier League champions once again in May 2027.

Every Premier League Club’s Chance of Winning the Trophy in 2026/27

Rank

Club

Chance (%)

10

Bournemouth

1.0

9

Brighton

1.3

8

Tottenham Hotspur

1.6

7

Newcastle United

1.8

6

Chelsea

2.8

5

Aston Villa

3.7

4

Manchester United

5.1

3

Liverpool

7.9

2

Manchester City

23.2

1

Arsenal

48.1

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Jeff Bezos Liverpool Deal: Amazon Billionaire’s Involvement Explained

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Jeff Bezos is now inextricably linked with Premier League club Liverpool, after it was officially confirmed that a consortium including the Amazon founder has agreed a deal to acquire roughly a third of the Merseyside outfit, as Fenway Sports Group’s ownership is set to shrink for the first time since 2010.

The news of the Bezos-backed investment follows weeks of reports and speculation that the billionaire was exploring a route into English football, which generated plenty of commentary, including some that emanated from the British political sphere.

Here, GIVEMESPORT takes a look at what is happening, what it means for Liverpool and how it works.

Is Jeff Bezos Buying Liverpool?

Liverpool players with the Premier League trophy REUTERS/Phil Noble

A consortium including Bezos has agreed to buy a significant stake in Liverpool worth one third (33%), whilst FSG will remain majority owners. The news was officially announced via Liverpool’s website under the banner of ‘strategic minority investment’ on Friday August 14, 2026.

The group is led by Amit Bhatia, the son-in-law of steel billionaire Lakshmi Mittal, and also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

Liverpool’s statement explained: “The strategic investment supports Liverpool FC’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from across global business, technology and investment.

“The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch. FSG continues to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool FC.”

💰 Did You Know? Jeff Bezos has a reported net worth of $280 billion. As well as Amazon, his business interests include Blue Origin, a spaceflight start-up, and the newspaper title, the Washington Post.

Bezos has a pattern of exploring sports ownership without following through, as he reportedly looked at both the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders in past years before walking away from each deal. However, he is now committed to the Liverpool investment.

The news of the sale comes at a time when Liverpool enters a period of transition following the departure of forward Mohamed Salah and manager Arne Slot, having won the Premier League in 2025.

What is 1892 Holdings?

1892 Holdings is the name of the consortium behind the investment in Liverpool and it is led by British-Indian business entrepreneur Amit Bhatia, who will become Liverpool’s new vice-chairman.

Investments within the consortium come from Bhatia and the Mittal Family Trusts (the Mittal family are successful steel tycoons).

Bezos’ involvement comes through K5 Sports (part of the K5 Global investment group), with the Amazon founder being K5 Sports’ lead investor.

Further investment will come via EE Capital, which is described in Liverpool’s statement as “the family office” of Elaine and Eduardo Saverin.

The name ‘1892 Holdings’ is a nod to the year that Liverpool Football Club was founded.

How Much Money Could Be Involved?

Lauren Sanchez Jeff Bezos 2019 Wimbledon Adrian Dennis/Pool via REUTERS

The figures being reported are eye-watering even by modern football standards. The consortium’s investment reportedly values the club at around $5.9 billion (£4.3bn), which would rank among the largest football club valuations ever recorded. A one-third stake at that valuation would put the transaction in the region of $1.9 billion (£1.4bn).

Placed against the rest of the Premier League’s recent ownership curn, the figure still stands out compared to other recent sales. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS paid roughly $1.6 billion for a 28% stake in Manchester United in 2024, implying a valuation near $6 billion. Chelsea’s 2002 forced sale to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital went for £2.5 billion, plus a pledged £1.75 billion in further investment. Newcastle’s Saudi-backed takeover cost roughly £305 million for an 85% stake.

Beyond football, the figure sits comfortably alongside recent US sports sales: the Denver Broncos went for a then-record $4.65 billion in 2022, while Bezos himself once walked away from a Washington Commanders bid pegged at around $6 billion. He’s long been seen as a natural buyer for a major franchise given his massive fortune.

Rank

Club

League

Valuation

1

Real Madrid

La Liga (Spain)

$9.5 billion

2

Barcelona

La Liga (Spain

$7.5 billion

3

Manchester United

Premier League (England)

$7.2 billion

4

Liverpool

Premier League (England)

$6.2 billion

5

Paris Saint-Germain

Ligue 1 (France)

$5.8 billion

Data from Forbes’ 2026 Soccer Valuations

What is Involved in These Deals?

Liverpool owner John W. Henry watching on from the stands

A “stake sale” like this is fairly simple; it’s not new money going into Liverpool’s bank account for transfers or infrastructure. It’s a purchase of part of FSG’s existing ownership, meaning FSG gets a payout and hands over a portion of control, whilst day-to-day running of the club stays largely as it is, at least initially.

FSG, led by John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, has been the controlling shareholder since 2010, backed by minority investors including RedBird Capital Partners and Dynasty Equity, plus LeBron James’ small personal stake, going all the way back to 2011.

A Bezos-backed consortium buying roughly a third of the club would become one of the largest voices in that ownership structure without necessarily taking day-to-day control, similar in spirit to how Ratcliffe’s minority stake still handed him command of football operations at Manchester United.

Liverpool Premier League Fixtures

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What Khabib Told Islam Makhachev Before Final Round vs Ian Machado Garry

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On Saturday night, Islam Makhachev further cemented his name in the UFC history books with a win over Ian Machado Garry that made it 17 straight wins, the longest win-streak in the company’s history.

Prior to the bout, Makhachev was tied on 16 straight wins with fellow UFC legend and former middleweight champion Anderson Silva. However, the Brazilian’s streak was ended when he was knocked out in round two by Chris Weidman during the main event of UFC 162.

Since Makhachev’s record-breaking bout, he has revealed to the press what his longtime friend and UFC legend, Khabib Nurmagomedov, told him as they prepared in his corner for the final round of the title fight.

Islam Makhachev Defeats Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330

Islam Makhachev vs Ian Machado Garry Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Heading into the final round, many people had the bout tied at two rounds a piece, with Makhachev taking the opening two and Garry taking the following two. However, it was later revealed that two of the judges had awarded round four to the champion, despite the overwhelming public opinion that it was a Garry round.

The pressure was building for Makhachev as his opponent was building all the confidence thanks to his incredible takedown defence in rounds two and three, along with his magnificent submission defence in rounds one and four.

Garry had spent almost the entirety of round one against the cage after he failed to defend his opponent’s first takedown attempt. After that, Makhachev wasn’t able to find much success, and it was Garry whose confidence on his feet was growing as his hands dropped, and he began to let more shots go.

However, despite Garry’s success, the stat sheet tells us that Makhachev was able to pin the challenger down for 12-and-a-half of the 25 total minutes they shared in the Octagon, which included seven successful takedown attempts.

What Khabib Told Makhachev Before Round Five

When asked what Khabib Nurmagomedov told him in his corner, Makhachev said: “I feel I won three rounds before the last round, you know, but Khabib in our corner said ‘you have to win the last round.'”

Makhachev also gave an insight into his game plan as he said: “In the last round, I felt I could take him down and do something more because the third and fourth round weren’t very tough, and I had the power to go and show a good performance at the end of the fight.”

The champion was able to control the majority of the final round as he was able to claim the back of Garry with two minutes and 40 seconds left of the round after attempting multiple takedowns in the two minutes prior.

Makhachev spent the remainder of the round with his arms locked around his opponent, who was completely unable to break the Dagestani’s grip, and secured himself the unanimous victory, which was scored 49-46 by two judges and 48-47 by one judge.

As a result, Makhachev extended his win streak to 17 fights and retained the UFC welterweight championship, despite a valiant effort from Ian Machado Garry.

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