Leeds United: Where a 53,000 capacity Elland Road would rank in England's biggest stadiums | OneFootball

FLW looks at where Elland Road would rank in England's biggest stadiums after Leeds United confirmed plans to expand the ground to a 53,000 capacity

Leeds United have officially confirmed their plans to increase the capacity at Elland Road to house no less than 53,000 supporters - but where would the stadium rank among the biggest in the country?

Elland Road can currently hold just over 37,000 fans, who invariably pack the stadium out each matchday and have done for a number of years now. Indeed, it is believed that there are still a further 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.

A potential expansion to Leeds' home ground has been in the pipeline for some time, but chairman Paarag Marathe has now confirmed that the project will head underway.

Maarathe said: "We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community.

"The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented.

"Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road.

"We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input."

In terms of atmosphere and authenticity, many supporters would already contest that Elland Road is up there among the best stadiums to visit in the country. However, the club's expansion plans will also make it one of the largest stadiums, too - and Football League World has decided to summarise just where it would rank.

Where Elland Road would rank compared to the biggest England stadiums after Leeds United expansion

Should the expansion be completed, a revamped Elland Road would be the seventh-largest stadium across England.

It would be larger than grounds such as the Etihad Stadium, St James' Park, Villa Park and Stamford Bridge, which gives context to the magnitude and ambition of Leeds' expansion plans.

A 53,000 capacity Elland Road is ever so slightly bigger than the arena of eight-time Premier League champions Manchester City at 52,900.

Meanwhile, the stadium would be the sixth-largest in terms of club grounds, as Wembley Stadium is also on the list and ranks comfortably as the biggest in England with a capacity of 90,000.

A 53,000 capacity Elland Road would give Leeds United the biggest Championship stadium

Rather unsurprisingly, Leeds would have the biggest stadium in the Championship when the club complete the expansion.

Of course, though, it will be hoped that they are back competing in the top-flight by the time that happens.

A strong start to the current season is offering Leeds every chance of returning to the Premier League at the time of asking, and Elland Road would simply have an even better feel when hosting some of the finest domestic club matches in the country.

At the moment, Sunderland boast the biggest stadium in the Championship, which is impressive given that the Black Cats were in League One not too long ago.

The 48,000-seater Stadium of Light is a vaunted footballing cauldron in its own right, but Leeds will have a bigger stadium when the plans are completed.

Where a 53,000 capacity Elland Road would rank among Leeds United's rivals

It goes without saying that Leeds will still be unable to lay a glove on fierce rivals Manchester United in terms of comparing stadium capacity.

Old Trafford can house up to 74,197 supporters and is the largest club arena in the country.

However, it will give them even more of an edge over Sheffield Wednesday. Hillsborough houses close to 35,000 fans but Elland Road is already bigger right now, and it will have a greater capacity by a margin of nearly 20,000 once the expansion is finished.

Likewise, Leeds already have a bigger stadium over other rivals such as Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town and Millwall.