AI grades all 24 EFL Championship grounds on how tough they are for away teams | OneFootball

Strong home form and atmospheres are so often key in the Championship

It has often been stated that the Championship is home to some of the most authentic stadiums and atmospheres throughout English, and even European football.

Despite gaining much more global recognition as a division, the second tier hasn't lost it's originality and tradition when it comes to the hostility provided by home supporters across all 24 of their respective stadiums.

It must be said, though, that numerous factors can aid whether a home crowd is able to fully intimidate the opposition players, as home form is often crucial to determining the overall fortunes of any side across the gruelling 46-game campaign and, potentially, the post-season lottery and drama provided by the play-offs.

There is a unique blend when it comes to the sizes of clubs and their respective stadiums in the Championship in 2025/26, and some sides have clearly taken advantage of this more than others.

With that being said, Football League World asked AI-based chatbot, ChatGPT, to provide a 24-1 ranking on which stadiums are the toughest for opposition sides to play at, starting with the so-called 'easiest'.

It may come as little surprise that Oxford United's Kassam Stadium is the least intimidating in the Championship, says AI.

At a capacity of 12,500, it is the smallest in the division and only boasts three stands, which is a major factor in this decision, as well as very little density amongst supporters all around the stadium.

23 ? ? Wrexham - Stok Cae Ras

A perhaps controversial pick is that of Wrexham's Stok Cae Ras, which ranks 23rd.

Despite the fact that attendances, and naturally, the atmosphere in North Wales has rapidly improved due to three successive promotions, AI believes that the stadium's current capacity of approximately 13,341 will not intimidate many who are seasoned campaigners at Championship level.

22 ? ? Charlton Athletic - The Valley

Another intriguing pick from AI is that The Valley, home of Charlton Athletic, is the third-least hostile ground in the Championship.

Despite the fact the Addicks have been largely impressive in South London under the management of Nathan Jones, the computer believes that whilst the atmosphere can often start well, noise can dwindle as matches progress, particularly if the hosts aren't in control or are behind.

21 ? ? Queens Park Rangers - Loftus Road

Next up are their London rivals, Queens Park Rangers, who play at the 18,360-capacity Loftus Road.

AI has praised some facets of the stadium's design which can help generate a hostile atmosphere, such as supporters being particularly close to the pitch. However, the small capacity and mindset of Rangers supporters - results depending - outweigh this in a negative way.

20 ? ? Watford - Vicarage Road

AI has selected Watford's ground of Vicarage Road as the fifth-least intimidating.

The stadium, of course, has been modernised over time, aligning with the Hornets' recent progression which saw them reach the Premier League.

However, the computer believes that this has negatively impacted the overall hostility, which away supporters are said to notice when they visit this part of Hertfordshire.

19 ? ? Hull City - MKM Stadium

Next up is the MKM Stadium of Hull City.

The Tigers have seen it all since moving to the ground 23 years ago, with the atmosphere particularly strong in their rapid rise from League Two to the Premier League between 2003 and 2008.

However, AI believes that the overall 'bowl' design means that noise can escape, and that City supporters may not sustain an intense level of support for 90 minutes every week.

AI has offered a similar verdict on Swansea City's aptly-named Swansea.Com Stadium.

The ground has previously seen some great occasions, and is particularly noisy in South Wales derbies against Cardiff City. Despite this, it has been claimed that even when the Swans are successful, the atmosphere is still not the strongest in the division.

The computer also believes that opposition sides are rarely troubled by the atmosphere provided by Preston North End supporters at Deepdale.

The Lilywhites' home stadium is often praised for its unique design. However, visiting sides can often be backed by a large allocation in the Sir Tom Finney stand, which can, at times, drown out the home support.

16 ? ? Birmingham City - St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park

At 16th, AI has controversially selected St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park of Birmingham City.

As Bluenoses sing in Keep Right On, they are "often partizan," but AI believes this is only showcased in major encounters against the likes of Aston Villa.

After previously being in disrepair, sell-out signs are often put up in B9 these days, although the club will be moving to the 62,000-seater Powerhouse stadium in the coming years.

15 ? ? Blackburn Rovers - Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers boast one of the league's largest stadiums, with Ewood Park holding up to 31,367 spectators.

However, in recent years, Rovers supporters have been known to stay away due to their club's lack of ambition under The Venky's, which has made for an extremely subdued atmosphere, whilst away sides can, again, be backed in their droves in the Darwen End.