Power Ranking Each EPL Team's Fanbase

By (Featured Columnist) on January 23, 2013

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The Premier League has all kinds of fanbases. We're here to figure out the best set of fans in this EPL season.

So here's how we'll do it this time around. We'll have five figures—teams average home attendance, stadium capacity, attendance percentage as well as their home and away record.

Attendance percentage is an interesting factor as club stadium capacities vary so we'll keep that in mind.

We'll start off basing this list on attendance percentage and home record with away record slightly in the mix and the "it" factor making a big contribution.

The "it" factor is the passion and loyalty of the fanbases which reflects in the atmosphere they create at home and the boost, if any, they seemingly give at away games.

Teams may have great records and be top of the league but that could be more down to the team than the fans. That's where the "it" factor comes in.

Here's how this year's EPL fanbases stack up.

 

*Unless otherwise stated all attendance statistics taken from ITV statistics.

*Unless otherwise stated all team record statistics taken from ESPN Soccernet.

20. Wigan

Hi-res-153563490_display_image
Stu Forster/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 18706 

Stadium Capacity: 25138

Attendance Percentage: 74.4%

Home Record: 2 Wins, 3 Draws, 7 Losses

Away Record: 3 Wins, 1 Draw, 7 Losses

 

Wigan has poor home and away records and lousy fan attendance for home games, the worst in the league by far.

This lot in the picture don't seem like the most passionate either. That means little to no atmosphere.

All of that is a recipe for the poorest fanbase in the league.

 



19. Queens Park Rangers

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Julian Finney/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 17851

Stadium Capacity: 19148

Attendance Percentage: 93.2%

Home Record: 1 Win, 5 Draws, 5 Losses

Away Record: 1 Win, 4 Draws, 7 Losses

In terms of overall positive results QPR has done better than Wigan, just.

They equal Aston Villa in terms of overall positive results, though they aren't getting the same amount of points.

Add in the fact the fans are extremely more loyal, as evidenced by attendance, and passionate than the previous two and they come in at No. 19.

 

 



18. Reading

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David Rogers/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 24049

Stadium Capacity: 24200

Attendance Percentage: 99.3%

Home Record: 3 Wins, 5 Draws, 3 Losses

Away Record: 1 Win, 2 Draws, 9 Losses

As Sky Sports reported, Brian McDermott had high praise for the fans after a recent comeback victory against West Bromwich Albion.

They turn up in good numbers too but haven't been able to keep their side out of relegation.

Reading fans have seen the club get back to the EPL after four years and have shown pretty good support throughout.

17. Aston Villa

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Michael Regan/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 34084

Stadium Capacity: 42551

Attendance Percentage: 80.1%

Home Record: 2 Wins, 4 Draws, 5 Losses

Away Record: 2 Wins, 4 Draws, 6 Losses

Aston Villa fans seem slightly more appreciative of their side than Wigan.

They attend games at a better rate and judging by their home record one could say they give the side a better push. 

Even their away statistics are similar meaning the traveling group give their side a little boost as well.

If they had better attendance they'd certainly be higher up.

16. Fulham

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Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 25548

Stadium Capacity: 25700

Attendance Percentage: 99.4%

Home Record: 4 Wins, 3 Draws, 4 Losses

Away Record: 2 Wins, 4 Draws, 6 Losses

Fulham has a pretty solid record and attendance percentage, which is why they're above the teams they are.

Fans of the London club create a decent atmosphere but it could be a lot better. 

15. Sunderland

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Michael Regan/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 40171

Stadium Capacity: 49000

Attendance Percentage: 81.9%

Home Record: 4 Wins, 3 Draws, 4 Losses

Away Record: 3 Wins, 4 Draws, 5 Losses

Are Sunderland fans better than those below them? The statistics point to that. 

A better home and away record in terms of points produced is a significant factor. 

It shows that while the Black Cats fans may be fewer in number than QPR's in terms of attendance percentage in relation to capacity, they are extremely supportive.

One could argue that it's because there are more Sunderland fans overrall.

It's hard to argue against their passion when you read in the Daily Mail about them filling up the away allocation for a game against Southampton as opposed to a game against one of the big boys.

Attendance is what keeps them down here though despite the "it" factor.

14. Southampton

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Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 30318

Stadium Capacity: 32689

Attendance Percentage: 92.7%

Home Record: 3 Wins, 5 Draws, 4 Losses

Away Record: 2 Wins, 3 Draws 6 Losses

Southampton fans get some props for sticking with the squad after a horrible start to the season.

Attendance has been pretty good and the club is now out of the relegation zone.

What's even more important is the loyalty those fans showed to the club after the recent sacking of Nigel Adkins.

As reported by ESPN Soccernet Southampton fans were understandably angered and ready to protest they instead produced an extremely warm welcome for new boss Mauricio Pochettino. 

That says a lot about how much the fans put the club first. They'll certainly be cheering their new manager on in the bid to stay in the Premier League.

13. West Bromwich Albion

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: West Brom fans during the Barclays Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Everton at The Hawthorns on September 1, 2012 in West Bromwich, England.  (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)
Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 25122

Stadium Capacity: 28003

Attendance Percentage: 89.7%

Home Record: 7 Wins, 2 Draws, 3 Losses

Away Record: 3 Wins, 2 Draws, 6 Losses

West Bromwich Albion is the last team with an attendance percentage under 90. 

Judging by the statistics the support of the fans have had a really positive influence on the team's performances.

West Bromwich Albion has beaten some tough teams at home such as Chelsea, Everton and Liverpool, and the atmosphere in the stands had a lot to do with that.

12.Chelsea

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25:  Fernando Torres of Chelsea (R) celebrates in front of fans with Branislav Ivanovic as he scores their second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on August 25,
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 41365

Stadium Capacity: 42055

Attendance Percentage: 98.3%

Home Record: 6 Wins, 4 Draws, 2 Losses

Away Record: 7 Wins, 2 Draws, 2 Losses

Just like Fulham, a great attendance percentage and a good home and away record doesn't mean fan support is great.

Chelsea's team is expected to be where they are or better, and while the supporters can create a solid atmosphere, they also have a negative effect on the squad.

Rafa Benitez may not have been the ideal choice for many when he stepped in but the fans booing the manager didn't help the situation or the players.

That was evident in their poor run during November and the start of December.

11. Swansea City

SWANSEA, WALES - APRIL 28:  Swansea fans show their appreciation for their manager Brendan Rodgers and the style of football played by the Swans during the Barclays Premier league match between Swansea City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Liberty Stadium o
Stu Forster/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 20312

Stadium Capacity: 20500

Attendance Percentage: 99.0%

Home Record: 4 Wins, 6 Draws, 2 Losses

Away Record: 4 Wins, 3 Draws, 4 Losses

Swansea fans have a lot to cheer about and they turn out in great numbers to do it. 

The fantastic support has helped the club to good results both home and away leading to the club's position in ninth place.

The atmosphere for home games against the bigger teams has been really good.

10. Manchester United

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Manchester United fans support their team during the UEFA Champions League Semi Final second leg match between Manchester United and Schalke at Old Trafford on May 4, 2011 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance:  75508

Stadium Capacity: 75769

Attendance Percentage: 99.6%

Home Record: 10 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss

Away Record: 8 Wins, 2 Draws, 2 Losses

Manchester United has the biggest stadium in the EPL and fans fill it to the brim come gameday.

The atmosphere may not be as electric as some of the other teams in the league which is why the Red Devils start off our top 10.

09. Manchester City

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 19:   Manchester City fans show their support during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton at Etihad Stadium on August 19, 2012 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 46937

Stadium Capacity: 48000

Attendance Percentage: 97.7%

Home Record: 9 Wins, 2 Draws, 1 Loss

Away Record: 6 Wins, 4 Draws, 1 Loss

Manchester City fans have stuck with their team through thick and thin.

Nowadays they get stick for the club's increased profile, but they have had the same passion and fervour for their team.

City fans provide great support and would be higher were it not for the team's above them.

08. Norwich City

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Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 26637

Stadium Capacity: 26034

Attendance Percentage: 102.3%

Home Record: 5 Wins, 3 Draws, 3 Losses

Away Record: 1 Win, 5 Draws, 6 Losses

Norwich fans already create a good atmosphere, and according to these statistics they have the best attendance in the league.

Win's against Arsenal and Manchester United showcased the great atmosphere these supporters can produce.

That's what gets them over some of the other teams below them. 

07. West Ham United

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 19:  West Ham fans celebrate after Carlon Cole scores the opening goal during the npower Championship Playoff Final between West Ham United and Blackpool at Wembley Stadium on May 19, 2012 in London, England.  (Photo by Richard Heath
Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 34631

Stadium Capacity: 35647

Attendance Percentage: 97.1%

Home Record: 5 Wins, 4 Draws, 3 Losses

Away Record: 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 6 Losses

West Ham is back in the Premier League, and their fans couldn't be happier.

Whether they are winning or losing these supporters bring lots of noise and dedication.

06. Tottenham Hotspur

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25:  Tottenham Hotspur welcome their team prior to the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and BSC Young Boys at White Hart Lane on August 25, 2010 in London, England.  (Photo by Clive Rose/Ge
Clive Rose/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 35965

Stadium Capacity: 36310

Attendance Percentage: 99.0%

Home Record: 6 Wins, 4 Draws, 2 Losses

Away Record: 6 Wins, 1 Draw, 4 Losses

Tottenham fans are arguably the most passionate of the London bunch.

Like any set of fans, they'll have gripes about their team from time to time but support them wholeheartedly come game time.

White Hart Lane has seen some good atmosphere this season, and that will continue as the team challenges for a top four spot.

05. Everton

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Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 36874

Stadium Capacity: 40394

Attendance Percentage: 91.2%

Home Record: 5 Wins, 5 Draws, 1 Loss

Away Record: 4 Wins, 6 Draws, 2 Losses

Everton fans could do a bit better in packing the stands, but an attendance percentage over 90 is solid.

Where the support lacks in numbers, though, it makes up in sheer passion which is only matched or surpassed by a few clubs in the league.

As the side continues to chase a Champions league spot attendance may grow and things may get even louder at Goodison Park.

04. Arsenal

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 24:  Fans react during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Aston Villal at Emirates Stadium on March 24, 2012 in London, England.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Julian Finney/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 60096

Stadium Capacity: 60432

Attendance Percentage:  99.4%

Home Record: 5 Wins, 2 Draws, 3 Losses

Away Record: 4 Wins, 5 Draws, 3 Losses

Why is Arsenal above the likes of Tottenham and Everton? 

Gooners have pay some ridiculous ticket prices and still show up 99.4 percent of the time.

The away support is fantastic as well.

While the absolute passion and atmosphere may not be at the same level as other fanbases it is still pretty darn good. It's just that the team isn't.

03. Newcastle United

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Stu Forster/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 49637

Stadium Capacity: 52387

Attendance Percentage: 94.7%

Home Record: 5 Wins, 1 Draw, 6 Losses

Away Record: 0 Wins, 5 Draws, 6 Losses

Should Newcastle be this high given their record and an attendance percentage worse than others below them?

Yes.

The "it" factor plays a big role here for the Toon Army as they bring fantastic support for their side.

The team may be playing below their level but Newcastle fans will continue to support them with a passion.

02. Stoke City

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Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 27090

Stadium Capacity: 28384

Attendance Percentage: 95.4%

Home Record: 5 Wins, 5 Draws, 1 Loss

Away Record: 1 Win, 6 Draws, 5 Losses

Stoke has lost only once at home thanks to a stout defense and raucous fan support.

The Brittania stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the EPL and the fans play a big role in that with the atmosphere they create.

01. Liverpool

Hi-res-151147514_display_image
Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Average Home Attendance: 44674

Stadium Capacity: 45362

Attendance Percentage: 98.4%

Home Record: 6 Wins, 3 Draws, 3 Losses

Away Record: 3 Wins, 4 Draws, 4 Losses

You'll Never Walk Alone. That's about as simple as it gets.

Liverpool fans didn't have much to cheer about early in the season but have always been behind their side.

They show up for games and create a wonderful atmosphere each season and this one is no different. 

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