Premiership Football
Guide To Football's Most Competitive League
The English Premiership League is the richest and most popular football competition in the world. Every week a fair chunk of the sport-loving public in Britain and legions of fans overseas follow the latest results and the fortunes of their favourite teams.
Experiencing a live Premiership match is an essential part of the sporting calendar of Britain, and this guide introduces the leading teams, advises on how to buy tickets, and provides links to team and football websites worth checking out.
The Top Teams
Arsenal are one of the consistent high-flyers of the Premiership, and have won a cabinet full of trophies in the last decade. Located in north London (Arsenal tube station on the Piccadilly Line), tickets to home games are hard to come by.
Website: www.arsenal.co.uk
Tickets: Try well in advance of games against less-fancied teams. Telephone 020 7704 4000.
Prediction: 2nd.
Aston Villa are Birmingham's most successful team, and are due for some success after years of under-performing. Some tickets are put on public sale.
Website: www.avfc.co.uk
Tickets: 0121 327 5353.
Prediction: 8th.
Chelsea are one of London's 'glamour clubs', with a starting lineup that has more of an international than English flavour. Despite the flash stadium (a short walk from Fulham Broadway station) and big names, Chelsea have failed to mount a creditable title challenge for some years.
Website: www.chelseafc.co.uk
Tickets: Not a lot for sale to the public, but worth a try. Tickets can reach £40. Call 020 7385 5545.
Prediction: 5th.
Leeds United are one of several strong contenders, and have finished well in recent years. A limited number of tickets go on sale three weeks prior to a match.
Website: www.lufc.com
Tickets: Call 0113 226 1000.
Prediction: 4th.
Liverpool were quite simply a phenomenom in 2001, winning the UEFA, FA, and Worthington Cups. You'll Never Walk Alone at Anfield is spine-chilling.
Website: www.liverpoolfc.tv
Tickets: Telephone sales start 23 days prior to a match, and are very hard to obtain for big clashes. Call 0151 260 8680.
Prediction: 1st!
Manchester United are the most popular side in the world, buoyed by seven championships in the last nine seasons and a strong record in Europe. Beckham, Keane, and van Nistelrooy will no doubt feature prominently throughout the season, but can the magic continue?
Website: www.manutd.com
Tickets: No chance!
Prediction: 3rd.
Tottenham Hotspur has a rich tradition, but since the early '90's have fallen on hard times. With former hero Glenn Hoddle now in charge - and the arrival in 2001 of Teddy Sheringham and Gus Poyet to bolster a feeble attack - perhaps this is the start of a Spurs revival? Nearest tubes are Manor House (Piccadilly Line) and Seven Sisters (Victoria Line).
Website: www.spurs.co.uk
Tickets: Tickets are available three weeks in advance from 08700 112222.
Prediction: 7th.
West Ham United are London's leading 'East End' team, and had a disappointing run in 2001. Hard to see much improvement this time around, but Paolo Di Canio is one of the most exciting players in the league. Upton Park is a short stroll from Upton Park tube on the District Line.
Website: www.whufc.com
Tickets: Try 020 8548 2700.
Prediction: 9th.
More Information
Follow the action at www.footballnews.co.uk.
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