Today in football there is more of a call than ever before for fans to be entertained. Perhaps the rise in match day prices is the cause or the years spent by fans watching the likes of Spain and Brazil play beautiful flowing football. The call of England to adopt a more entertaining and free flowing game has beckoned and generally from the Premier League down the Football Leagues, there are more teams playing football on the floor than the old hoof ball that was so common in our football culture.

So, who are the most entertaining teams in the English Premier League over the current season? What team likes to pass and move with fluidity or likes a fast counter attack to set the pulses racing? Or what team isn’t so nice to watch? Perhaps they may favour the more direct approach of getting the ball into the final third of the pitch as quickly as possible.

Entertaining football however, does not guarantee you will win games and some teams play to their strengths, which may not be as pleasing on the eye like a Barcelona team of all-stars, but they get the best out of their players with victories.

I am a fan of the total football style of play that the Dutch made famous in the 1970s but I also respect the Italian catenaccio, which focuses on a more defensive approach to the game. So as I go through the teams in the EPL this season, with a brief description, I will be rating them on the scale 1 to 10 on entertaining value, 1 = dull and 10 = engaging.

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Arsenal – Known for playing football in “the right way” by many fans and pundits alike, Arsene Wenger has nurtured this current Arsenal squad into playing some of the purist football out of any of his sides. However, that is proving to be their downfall as they are often accused of not being able to ‘win ugly’. Despite their trophyless years, at least Arsenal fans can boast playing very entertaining football that involves smart and technical passing and movement as well as fast counter attacks. Entertainment value – 9/10.

Aston Villa – Under the management of Martin O’Neill, Villa were more prone to the direct ball over the top, using the likes of Emile Heskey and John Carew as a target man, with the likes of Ashley Young and Gabby Agbonlahor using their pace on the wings. To some it wasn’t pretty on the eye and since Gerard Houllier’s arrival, Villa are more prone to keeping the ball on the floor using a mixed style of passing. However, the change in managerial style has affected their League form, but they have the potential to be more entertaining than results suggest. Entertainment value – 6/10.

Birmingham City – The Blues are more rigid than fluid, but it has earned them a few good results this season with the League Cup final win over Arsenal the biggest highlight. They have been guilty of relying on the height of Nikola Zigic up front too much for the football purists’ liking but it is rather effective. However, their firm play under Alex McLeish does not make it a hugely enjoyable game of football at times. Entertainment value – 4/10.

Blackburn Rovers – ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce had them playing the direct approach to the game, hard to beat at the back and using set-pieces to their advantage. It worked for Bolton for many seasons and it seemed to be working for Blackburn, until the new owners thought they could do better with promoting coach Steve Kean to the job as manager. Perhaps, the football under the managerial rookie is a bit more versatile, but they’ve still failed to impress many with their football style. Entertainment value – 3/10.

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Blackpool – Ian Holloway didn’t always like his teams to play entertaining football, but a year out of the game, he decided to change his philosophy and his Blackpool side adopted it amazingly by winning promotion to the EPL last season and continuing their good form at the start of the season. Despite not possessing players of superior technical ability, the Seasiders do like to attack and counter attack which always makes for an entertaining game over the course of the season. Although the rest of the Premier League seems to have figured out their one dimensional approach to the game, maybe Holloway should go back to winning ugly again? Entertanment value – 7/10.

Bolton Wanderers – At his previous club, Owen Coyle was praised for getting his side to play open attacking football and he continued that with his Bolton side with the skills of Stuart Holden and Lee Chung-Yong providing great playmakers. However, it’s become a bit of myth that they always play an entertaining style, especially since the turn of the year when implementing a more direct approach that Bolton were known for playing in the past. Entertainment value – 6/10.

Chelsea – Last year’s League winners provided goals, goals, goals but this season’s poor form has seen the goals dry up. However, they still show signs of great counter attacking movement and play that has seen them been an entertaining force over the last few years, more entertaining than when Jose Mourinho was manager, but then they were also more dominant then too. Entertainment value – 8/10.

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Everton – Probably one of the most frustrating teams to watch in the league this season, you just don’t know what Everton side are going to turn up. When they are on form however, they provide a fast tempo and when all their players are fit, the likes of Mikel Arteta can provide some great creativity. However, this season hasn’t been as impressive as a lot of people predicted for David Moyes’ team. Entertainment value – 6/10.

Fulham – Mark Hughes may have been unlucky with injuries to his strikers for the most part of the season, but his side have not made headlines for entertaining the masses. Despite the likes of Clint Dempsey and Damien Duff providing individual attractive moments of football, their rigid and hard to beat style of play is less compelling. Entertainment value – 4/10.

Liverpool – They were horrible to watch under Roy Hodgson at the start of the season, playing “sideways” football but the arrival of legend Kenny Dalglish and Steve Clarke as coach have seen the Reds play more entertaining football. A pass and move style that the club are famous for in the past and with the commitment of the squad, every Liverpool game is often fun to watch. Entertainment value – 8/10.

Manchester City – The illustrious roster City now possess have received criticism all season for their ‘negative’ style of play under Roberto Mancini, but he currently has them in 4th place and in the FA Cup final, with a team still getting used to playing together. When the likes of Adam Johnson is in the team, they seem to have a more attacking edge to their play and with more time, they could be playing more attractive football next season. Entertainment value – 7/10.

Manchester United – The current league leaders may have received criticism this season, for not playing the free flowing attacking football past United sides were known for. However, with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Nani in the side, plus Ryan Giggs still on top of his game, United certainly aren’t boring. Maybe this season, they’ve had to be more rigid in their play, grinding out results rather than constant attacks –  it’s certainly working for them. Despite this, they’ve scored more goals at home than any other team this season. Entertainment value – 8/10.

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Newcastle United –  The early form under Chris Hughton looked good, with the likes of Andy Carroll up top, with Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton bossing midfield. The change in manager and the sale of Carroll saw them become a bit more flexible in their play. Pardew does like them to play attacking football at times when games allow. The 4-4 comeback draw against Arsenal was certainly a joy to watch! Entertainment value – 7/10.

Stoke City – Another myth this season is that Stoke City are merchants of the long ball. Yes, they do use the long throw of Rory Delap to their advantage, and yes their centre-half is their top goal scorer this season, but compared to the first season Stoke were in the EPL, they do mix it up a bit more. The likes of Matthew Etherington and Jonathan Walters have seem them play a bit more football on the floor, but they are a traditional English side, high tempo and direct, using the wide areas. Entertainment value – 5/10.

Sunderland – In the first half of the season, I’d say Sunderland were a good attacking outfit but since their drop in form, you have to wonder what’s gone wrong for Steve Bruce’s side. Perhaps the sale of Darren Bent has had a disadvantage on the side but they still like to attack opponents as opposed to sitting back and defending, which has to be admired. Let’s not forget they won at Stamford Bridge 3-0 earlier this season! Entertainment value – 6/10.

Tottenham Hotspur – There seems to be split opinions on how well Spurs play their football. On one extreme it’s super attacking play with high tempo with the skills of Van der Vaart, Bale and Modric; on the other side, it’s long diagonal balls to the likes of Crouch up top. The truth is, it’s both and that’s why Harry Redknapp has got this Spurs side competing in the League and in Europe. Perhaps they’d be more impressive on the eye if the strikers were on form this season, but the likes of Bale and Lennon attacking down the wings is entertaining alone. Entertainment value – 8/10.

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West Bromwich Albion – Known for playing good football under Roberto Di Matteo, it was always the defensive side to the game that was in question. Roy Hodgson seems to have sorted that out since he took over at the Hawthorns, going several games unbeaten. The good form has also seen them play some decent attacking football, which may surprise some Liverpool fans. Entertainment value – 7/10.

West Ham United – More frustrating rather than entertaining. The West Ham squad on paper is impressive but apart from the odd few good performances this season, the Hammers have been far from entertaining or effective. At times they do try and play football on the floor, using quick passes across the pitch but there has always seemed to be a lack of fluidity to their play this season. There was better football to watch under Zola. Entertainment value – 4/10.

Wigan Athletic – Now out of the relegation zone when most people (including me) thought they were doomed to the Championship. Roberto Martinez has always got his Wigan team to play football on the floor, in a flowing manner that lets his players express themselves. Unfortunately it’s not won them many games this season, but now in form his side could actually stay up in the Premier League this season, and be entertaining while they do it. Entertainment value – 8/10.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Another side that have improved on their football since last season. A bit less direct than last year, Wolves have been more entertaining than people give them credit for this season, especially at home. Although their fast attacking play with the likes of Matt Jarvis whipping crosses in the box is good to watch, inconsistency is why they’re currently at the bottom of the League Table. Entertainment value – 5/10.

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