Sunderland and Fulham concerns dropped EPL tracker capacity below 97 per cent

6 November – Week 10 produces the lowest average stadium capacity of the season so far, with Premier League grounds operating at 96.36% full — the first time the figure has fallen below 97% since Inside World Football began tracking attendance data in August 2023.

However, the title is located at the bottom of the table. Fulham (89.27%) and Sunderland (85.15%) have gone from attendance problems to major concerns. Both clubs are now clearly different from what is still a strong presence on the live English football scene.

For Fulham, this issue is deeply rooted. Even in the 3-0 home win over Wolves, there were 3,176 empty seats at Craven Cottage — a poor result for a stadium with a capacity of 29,589. Pricing remains a key factor; with season tickets priced at over £3,000, Fulham continue to operate at the sharp end of the league’s affordability debate.

Sunderland’s challenge is of a different scale. The 48,707-seat Stadium of Light is one of England’s largest, but the historic club is struggling to fill it.

A crowd of over 40,000 for the newly promoted side sounds impressive on paper, but the reality on the pitch is more patchy, with many red seats visible even for competitive games as the club sits fourth in the standings.

On the other hand, West Ham and Nottingham Forest both recorded 99%+ capacity, continuing their strong support at home despite mixed performances on the pitch. West Ham’s 3-1 win over Newcastle gave the London Stadium fans a boost, while Forest held in-form Manchester United to a draw at the City Ground.

Liverpool also returned to winning ways, beating Aston Villa 2-0 in front of an Anfield that was 98.58% full. The slight drop in attendance could be read as a gentle message to Arne Slot’s side following poor results. They travel to Manchester City this weekend – a game that promises to be a real test as the reigning Premier League champions look to catch early leaders Arsenal.

Overall, while the Premier League’s attendance remains the highest in the world, the Matchday 10 figures serve as a reminder that even in football’s most commercially successful league, fan engagement and pricing remain a delicate balancing act.

Contact the author of this story, Harry Ewing, at strength.l1762431411Labto1762431411ofdlr1762431411become1762431411sni@g1762431411there he is.1762431411yrrah1762431411