The 12 best away days in the EFL Championship named and ranked by AI | OneFootball

Football League World has asked AI to rank the best away days in the second-tier

Cheering your team on at home will always be a brilliant experience, but few sensations beat that of a successful away day.

The trip to the stadium, the pre-match preparations, that unique feeling of knowing you’re in enemy territory, conscious of the large majority desperately vying for their team to beat yours.

Naturally, certain games stick out throughout the year as the away days to look forward to in particular. Whether it’s the environment or better facilities, some occasions will always build more excitement and enthusiasm.

Football League World has asked the popular AI service, ChatGPT, to rank the 12 best away days in the upcoming Championship season, based on the experience of going to the ground and surrounding area. Some travels on the road, no matter the result, can rank as the standout footballing moments across any given season.

Kicking off the list is Deepdale, home of the very first champions of England, Preston North End.

One of the oldest professional grounds in the world has a backdrop of good pubs and bars, with the AI citing this as something that boosts the matchday experience at North End.

However, the distance away from the ground these establishments are forced PNE into mid-table, but it is still ranked as one of the better trips on the Championship map.

11 Stoke City – bet365 Stadium

Situated at an ideal location in the country, Stoke City often provides an easy away day to get to for supporters in the division.

AI highlights the bet365 stadium’s modern facilities and easy motorway access as great positives.

A strong selection of pubs by the Trentham Lakes also helps enhance the experience when visiting the Potters.

The AI does state that the ground’s lack of character when compared to older venues across the Championship is a drawback though.

10 Hull City – MKM Stadium

Hull City may currently be suffering a period of anguish off the pitch, but AI ranks them as the 10th best away day in the second-tier.

The riverside nature of the MKM stadium and easy access via the Hull Paragon station are listed as the best parts about an away day against the Tigers.

A good selection of pubs in the marina area nearby, such as Minerva and The Whalebone, cap off what is listed as a very solid Northern away trip.

9 Bristol City – Ashton Gate

Bristol City have invested heavily to improve the facilities at Ashton Gate in recent times and that has shown in this ranking.

AI has listed the modern and quirky of the ground and surrounding area as the reason for its high position.

The large presence of independent pubs in Southville and Wapping Wharf helps fill out the compact city vibe, with the benefit of being a walkable ground all combining to make Ashton Gate the ninth best away day on the calendar.

Away trips to the capital are often some of the best throughout the year, due to the easy travel links and classy setting.

Loftus Road is described as a classic old-school ground by AI, with the fact that supporters being packed close to the pitch a plus.

Shepherd’s Bush is also specified due to its huge range of pubs, food options and city buzz, which all play a huge part in a memorable visist to QPR.

7 Southampton – St. Mary’s Stadium

Maintaining the recent southern theme, Southampton is next on the list as we approach the play-off positions.

St Mary’s is described by AI as a modern but atmospheric stadium, with its short walk from the lively Oxford Street pub area and docks one of the highlights throughout the Championship season.

The waterfront provides an ideal setting for a pre-match pint, often a quintessential part of the away day experience.

6 West Bromwich Albion – The Hawthorns

As the list enters the top six we move to the Black Country and West Bromwich Albion.

The Hawthorns is well-connected by train and tram, with easy travel links clearly a crucial part of an away day for AI.

A visit to the Vine for a curry can’t be missed, with it a standout part of playing the Baggies.

The traditional working-class football setting with plenty of local boozers nearby makes for an old-school trip, one that fans are sure to look out for each year, according to AI.

5 Derby County – Pride Park

Derby County are set for their second season back in the Championship, which should be a good thing for supporters of the 23 other teams as per the AI.

The large modern ground and its facilities are listed as the main draw, with the easy 10-minute walk from the city centre pubs and train station helping push a trip to Pride Park up the list.

John Eustace’s side also have safe standing installed in the away end alongside good sight lines, which sets them apart from other clubs in the division for the AI.

4 Portsmouth – Fratton Park

Returning to the South Coast, Portsmouth take the No.4 spot on this list for a number of reasons.

AI cites the historic, tight-knit, old-school nature of Fratton Park as unique reasons that push it above most other clubs in the second-tier.

You feel every bit of the local history when visiting Pompey, and that can’t be said for every ground on the calendar.

A top selection of pubs around the Fratton and Southsea area help build the pre-match experience, with solid beer options accompanying them.

Last but not least, the lure of a sumptuous portion of fish and chips can’t be understated, can it? Well, not according to AI.

3 Middlesbrough – Riverside Stadium

As we enter the rostrum, a trip to the North East is up next.

The idyllic riverside setting has a brilliant selection of hearty pubs for away supporters, such as Doctor Brown’s, which AI has paid extra attention to.

A close walk from the train station is once again noted as a plus for the Riverside Stadium, with Middlesbrough one of the best trips on the Championship calendar as per the AI.