MATCH TICKET INFO

Here at TLFG we get lots of requests about getting tickets for matches, understandably so.

However, getting into matches at London's top clubs is really hard unless you are a member and/or rich.

Going to a Premier League match at Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace or Tottenham Hotspur is next to impossible for a non-member unless you have a contact who can get you one or you're prepared to pay £100+ for a hospitality package.

The same is not the case at West Ham United who usually have some availability until quite late in the day and you can occasionally have some joy at Fulham too, although the biggest games will probably be restricted to members.

Visiting the top clubs shouldn't be completely ruled out though as there is often availability for matches in the early rounds of the FA Cup, EFL Cup and some European ties too.

This is because the big clubs often field weakened teams against lower division clubs and consequently there is less demand.

Aside from the FA Cup semi-finals, FA Cup Final, EFL Cup Final and the Championship play-off final,

matches at Wembley often go on sale to non-members, so visiting the national stadium for an England game or one of the lesser cup finals should be pretty straightforward if you're well organised and book in advance.

Below the Premier League, tickets are available for pretty much anything bar the odd derby or big cup match.

Another way of seeing a game at one of the capital's biggest stadiums is by watching one of the big clubs' youth, reserve or women's teams when they play the occasional game there. Tickets are usually no more than £15 for women's games and much less than that for the others.

Throughout the season clubs at all levels run all kinds of promotions so check their websites for updates. If you know of any deals I may have missed or your club is running a promotion let me know.

SOLD OUT MATCHES/CHEAP TICKETS

I often receive emails from readers asking how to get tickets for matches which have sold out. 

There are all kinds of re-sale websites and agents out there but they inflate the price and sometimes don't even have the tickets so I won't list them.

It's sometimes worth going on a fan forum for the club you want to watch to see if anyone can help you out or visiting a more general one like European Football Weekends.

One other thing to consider is that for some matches, home supporters' areas might be sold out or limited to members only. Therefore it is worth investigating whether the away allocation has also sold out and whether or not they are on general sale. This hack has seen TLFG readers get into matches at places like Arsenal where home tickets are virtually impossible to get without membership or paying well over face value.

I'm also told by overseas readers that they've managed to get tickets from the big clubs by emailing them directly in advance and playing the tourist card. I've done it myself when going to matches abroad so it does seem to work. There is also always the option, if you're visiting from out of town, of going through your hotel concierge who will often be able to source tickets for you but they won't come cheap.

FOOTBALL ON A BUDGET

If you're on a tight budget and still want to see some football then check out some non-league action.

The vast majority of the clubs TLFG covers play at this level and provide good entertainment week-in-week-out at great prices. The overwhelming amount of sides charge £10 or less to get in, with many no more than a fiver. 

Several also offer half-price admission for season-ticket holders and members of Premier League and Football League clubs all year round.

Non-league football is also a great way to get kids into watching the sport live with many clubs letting them in for free. 

Check your local club's website to see what they have to offer.