Football Ground Map
Football Ground Map
The popular cliche might revolve around a windy day in Stoke, but the Potters have not been in the Premier League for over half a decade. As a result, there is a vacancy for the toughest Premier League away day outside the big six.
It's a void that has been filled by different teams over the years. Sean Dyche's Burnley made Turf Moor an intimidating place to go. Pre-Stoke's reign, a day out at Sam Allardyce's Bolton was an unpleasant, and often unrewarding, experience.
After taking turns to qualify for the Champions League in the last two seasons, Newcastle and Aston Villa are surely the leading candidates for this honour. Outside of the top three, the Magpies and Villains amassed the most home points last season.
For those interested in placing a Premier League bet, top four betting is an option. Newcastle and Villa are priced at 5/2 and 7/2, respectively. Home advantage is obviously a major factor in their respective credentials this season. Brighton, too, have some significant scalps on their home ground over the last few years, with wins over Tottenham, Newcastle, and Villa last season.
When it comes to odds on Premier League relegation, creating a home fortress is an aim for so many teams at risk of relegation – it helped Stoke, Burnley, and others stave off the drop for long periods. In 2024-25, bookies have clearly taken home advantage into account when pricing teams up. Brentford, for instance, are 11/2 to go down despite finishing 16th last season.
With a capacity of 52,000, Newcastle's St James' Park has long been a daunting away day. Since the change of ownership, Newcastle's loyal fanbase has been rejuvenated after years of discontent under Mike Ashley.
Newcastle were third in expected goal difference at home in 2023-24, and amassed 40 points on their way to seventh in the table. Their expected goal difference at home was also only bettered by Manchester City in 2022-23 as the club went on to qualify for the Champions League.
This feels like the easiest answer to the question, but it would be unfair on Eddie Howe's team to compare them to Tony Pulis' Stoke or Sam Allardyce's Bolton.
The same goes for Aston Villa under Unai Emery. Villa had 40 points at home in 2023-24. On their way to a fourth-placed finish, the Villains hammered Brighton, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park. They beat Manchester City and Arsenal within a few December days, and notched draws with Chelsea and Liverpool in April and May.
Aston Villa displayed their Champions League trophy in the Villa Park tunnel ahead of their match vs. Arsenal
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) August 24, 2024
(@AVFCOfficial) pic.twitter.com/8k6KNgHWez
No one is looking forward to a trip to Villa Park in 2024-25, but the demands of Champions League football could change that. The atmosphere, too, is rarely as raucous as some of the more bruising Premier League away days.
Brentford and Nottingham Forest fit the on-pitch profile we are looking for here. Both teams are physical, and both are roared on by partisan, hostile support.
Their home records last season were mediocre. Results aren't everything here, though, as the bruising nature of the matches and the imposing atmospheres are a key component to an away fixture being daunting.
If we go back to 2022-23, only six teams recorded more home points than Brentford.
If it's results you're after, Brighton have a case here. Their home performance over the last two seasons is among the best outside the traditional big six. The Seagulls have already beaten Manchester United at the Amex this season.
The tireless work of our amazing ground staff means @The_AmexStadium is ready to welcome you back tomorrow and host another season of #PL football.
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) August 23, 2024
See you all soon, Albion fans! pic.twitter.com/HHqworbYEr
It really depends how you define the toughest away day. Aston Villa and Brighton are formidable on-pitch opponents. Brentford and Nottingham Forest are closer to the oft-repeated Potteries cliche.
Newcastle, perhaps, are a combination of both with their massive, dedicated crowd and a team capable of a top-four finish.
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