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With Champions League, UEFA Cup and Barclaycard Premiership places still to play for, the "Barclaycard Dressing Room Top Ten" reveals the crucial role music plays as teams try to get a psychological edge over their opponents.
Music psychologist Dr. Neil Todd of Manchester University claims 'psyching up' to the heavy beats and rhythms of music such as 'Lose Yourself' by Eminem can be key to giving players a 'mental edge' before a game.
Barclaycard Premiership clubs were asked about what music they listen to in the build-up to a match. Although beat-heavy rap and R&B music dominates the chart, rock holds it own with the likes of Oasis, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and U2 all in the top five.
Barclaycard Premiership Dressing Room Top 10:
1 Eminem - 8 Mile
2 U2 - The Best of 1990 - 2000
3 Nelly - Nellyville
4 Oasis - Heathen Chemistry
5 Red Hot Chilli Peppers - By The Way
6 Justin Timberlake - Justified
7 Robbie Williams - Escapology
8 Kylie - Fever
9 J-lo - J to Tha L-O
10 Jay-Z - The Blueprint 2
2 U2 - The Best of 1990 - 2000
3 Nelly - Nellyville
4 Oasis - Heathen Chemistry
5 Red Hot Chilli Peppers - By The Way
6 Justin Timberlake - Justified
7 Robbie Williams - Escapology
8 Kylie - Fever
9 J-lo - J to Tha L-O
10 Jay-Z - The Blueprint 2
Other key findings:
Kevin Campbell favours 70's hit Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations as Everton look to finish an excellent season with a place in Europe.
Newcastle United favoured Tyneside rocker Mark Knopfler as they bid successfully for a Champions League spot.
Southampton's James Beattie, who has 23 goals so far this season and is in the Race for the Barclaycard Golden Boot, has played his own compilation of trance and dance music all season to help motivate the team before games.
Dr. Todd asserts that because successful footballers require a mental toughness to stand up against setbacks and a powerful will to win, music is an important tool before a game.
He said: "Eminem's music may play a role rather like The Haka in helping players reach an aroused competitive state. Some players will be motivated by the determined, repetitive dance rhythms combined with cutting lyrics that are often themed around reclaiming pride and self-confidence in the face of difficult circumstances. Songs such as 'Lose Yourself' are a good example of this.
"U2's music may work in a different way - lively, positive and uplifting songs such as 'It's A Beautiful Day' can help create a positive frame of mind also have a physiological effect by inducing a sense of euphoria by activating the brain's dopamine system. The release of adrenaline prior to a match has the additional effect of raising heart rate helping prepare the body before a game."
Barclaycard sponsorship director, Nic Gault said: "From Chaz and Dave to Paul Gascoigne's 'Fog on the Tyne', music has always gone hand in hand with football. This research shows that it could also be making a significant difference to a team's tempo and rhythm on the pitch."
