A form of entertainment thousands of Londoners endorse;football is thriving in the capital. In fact, some of the beautiful game’s biggest and most respected clubs are based in and around the city, with fans of the sport having plenty of London-based stadiums to visit.
Whether you’re interested in Premier League football or you’re keen to soak up a fan-owned experience in the lower leagues, there are some intriguing options for football lovers. Of course, the cost of these particular offerings tends to vary given the stature of some clubs and the level they’re playing at, but on the whole, England’s capital city has a great selection of football clubs to get behind, be it on a weekend or even for a midweek encounter.
After all, football fans tend to have their preferred clubs that they back religiously, but that doesn’t mean that watching other football teams in action is out of the question. For many football supporters, sampling the package on offer at another stadium certainly appeals. It’s also a great day out. You can meet your family and friends in the morning for breakfast, read any match previews and assess any betting odds associated with the match in question, venture up to your chosen stadium for a pre-match beverage and to soak up the atmosphere, before finding your seat and enjoying an end-to-end feast of football. The commute home isn’t too bad either given the city’s excellent transport links.
This particular offering is a pastime London’s people have enjoyed for centuries. The appeal of football doesn’t appear to be waning either, with London’s football-supporting population helping to create some of the most passionate and dedicated fanbases around. So, if you’re keen to experience these fans in all their glory and watch some competitive action in a glorious venue, then let’s take a look at some of the best options in London right now.
Arsenal’s Emirates home is definitely worth a visit
If you’re tempted by the Premier League’s world-famous package, then investing in a ticket for an Arsenal match is an undoubtedly attraction proposition. Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t just a joy to watch on occasions, with the Gunners more than capable of winning the Premier League this season, but the club with 46 domestic trophies to its name also has a wonderful Emirates Stadium home that is right up there with some of the best sporting venues in the land. Although purchasing a ticket might be a tad more expensive than other world-class venues in the country, it’s worth it given the opportunity to see established stars like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba in the flesh. With the Arsenal faithful also in a buoyant mood given the five-star performances they’re witnessing on a more consistent basis these days, Arsenal’s Emirates home is definitely worth a visit, particularly if you can get your hands on a ticket for a major European encounter or a clash against one of the bigger clubs in the Premier League.
AFC Wimbledon are a fan-owned club with a lovely new home
Away from the bright lights and astonishing transfer fees and wages of the Premier League is a more authentic football-watching experience on offer at AFC Wimbledon. A fan-owned club that was formed in 2002 following the FA’s controversial decision to allow the relocation of Wimbledon Football Club to Milton Keynes, the journey the newly-formed Dons have been on has been quite remarkable. After starting out from scratch and climbing their way up through the leagues, the Wombles are now a League Two club and attract sellout crowds on most weekends. With their home being close to both Wimbledon Station and Earlsfield Station, it’s a fairly straightforward venue to visit. Once you’re inside, you’ll immediately notice the fans’ connection with their beloved club, with murals painted on walls, volunteers everywhere, chants about their formation, and an all-round warm and welcoming vibe that has helped establish the club as one of the most well-liked sides in the entire country. Also offering unique food from local businesses, sampling the action at AFC Wimbledon is definitely worth doing.
Charlton Athletic are on the up under Nathan Jones
Similar in some respects to the mismanagement that led to Wimbledon’s ludicrous relocation to Milton Keynes, Charlton Athletic have had a number of major issues with club owners in recent times. These seemingly never-ending setbacks at the club appear to be a thing of the past now, though, with the club’s new owners in place and Nathan Jones, their recently appointed, turning things around on the pitch. While the League One season hasn’t represented anything of note for the club, the mood around The Valley has improved given the new-found impetus that has been established since the ambitious ownership and the new manager took over at the club. A former Premier League team between 2001 and 2007, Charlton Athletic have fluctuated between the Championship and League One ever since dropping out of England’s top flight, but it’s a club many regard as a sleeping giant. Now, with optimism growing, watching a match at Charlton Athletic is a treat.
Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road home is steeped in history
For those with an interest in Championship football, arguably the most competitive domestic competition around, Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road home is one of London’s top offerings. A venue that is steeped in history and attractive in terms of its all-around design, it’s located fairly close to the centre of London and entices fans on a weekly basis. A club that is currently fighting against relegation from the Championship, tickets generally aren’t hard to obtain, there is always an excellent atmosphere on offer given the tight and compact venue that Loftus Road is, and you’re likely to witness a passionate set of supporters as they aim to play their part in the club’s survival campaign this season.
