Some of the Premier League’s biggest names are currently waiting on either brand new stadiums or redevelopments of existing venues, however it is not just English footballs richest that are doing so, with clubs throughout the Football League expecting to play their home fixtures in front of record crowds in the coming years. With Manchester City having opened their new south stand last season, increasing the capacity at the Etihad and making it the third largest club ground in England, others are now too seemingly understanding the importance of such growth. Liverpool are currently bust rebuilding Anfield, while West Ham will shortly move into their new home at the Olympic Stadium, in what is an exciting time for those of you who enjoy attending matches across the country.
At the top end of the game, with a current capacity of just under 42,000, Chelsea now plan to demolish the existing ground and replace it with a state of the art 60,000-seater stadium. With billionaire owner Roman Abramovich helping to fund the project, construction is already underway, with a completion date yet to be announced. Chelsea will be looking for a new home during the construction period, with Wembley Stadium looking increasingly likely. Meanwhile in North London, after a lengthy legal battle with their neighbours, Tottenham have wasted little time in pressing on with their plans for a new home. With foundations having already been laid on Tottenham High Road, the yet to be named stadium will, when completed, surpass the capacity of fierce rivals and neighbours Arsenal, at around 61,000 seats. With the stadium expected to open in 2018, Spurs will want to ensure their Champions League involvement until them, and are 21/20 with bookmakers Betway to finish in the top four once again this season. With the new Premier League campaign yet to get underway, for those placing a sports bet this weekend, a number of pre-season fixtures provide the perfect opportunity to win big.
Elsewhere in the country, neighbouring Bristol rivals City and Rovers are both waiting patiently for their new look home parks, with Asthon Gate currently under major redevelopment, and Rovers looking to build a new home on the Memorial Ground. Championship side City expect work to be completed in time for the upcoming season, with a capacity of 27,000 making it one of the most impressive arenas in the division. Despite such changes, Lee Johnson’s men are 40/1 with Betway to gain promotion to the Premier League come 2017.
Finally, after spending years in the doldrums of English football, AFC Wimbledon can look forward to a brand new 11,000 seater stadium come 2018. Having gained promotion from League Two last time around, the club can look forward to welcoming teams such as Bolton and Charlton to their current ground, and are 28/1 with Betway to gain promotion for the second time in as many seasons.