In brief
With goals, drama and tension certain, the North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is one of the most eagerly awaited and exciting games in British sport.
The fan experience, historical relevance, the actual games, and the level of rivalry are all taken into consideration while evaluating the top 20 British football derbies.
The Manchester derby, the Merseyside derby, and the Old Firm derby are some of the most important football derbies in Britain.
Derby games simply have a certain something extra, don’t they? Enough to make your knees weak and your heart race: from the Premier League’s all-Manchester match to the North London derby, the rivalries are equally exciting, even though teams lower in England’s football hierarchy don’t frequently receive the same attention. Maybe even more so.
This is therefore a rating of the best 20 men’s football derbies in Britain. It’s a really valuable topic, and it goes without saying that each fan’s derby is the one that means the most to them. If that’s the case, then good for you. However, it is a simple fact that certain derbies are superior to others.
Factors that rank
Stadium/fan atmosphere
Historical importance
Top matches
can only appear once because the core geographical derby comes first.
20 Watford vs. Luton Town Beds-Herts derby
Since their respective foundings in the late 19th century, Luton Town and Watford, two teams in the southeast of England that currently play in the Championship, have been the bitterest of rivals. The game has been known as the Beds-Herts derby and has seen many brutal head-to-head encounters because the teams are from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, respectively.
Their varied degrees of success in recent years have lessened the intensity of their animosity, which peaked in the 1980s, but the fans are notoriously cruel. That was best captured in the 1990s when Watford signed Kerry Dixon, a former Luton legend, resulting in a gap between the two teams that was fostered by hate.
Watford vs. Luton Face-to-Face
Luton
versus
Watford
39
Gains
31
23
Draws
23
31
Losses
39
Dundee United vs. Dundee Derby, 19
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Football fans nationwide usually pay attention to the Dundee derby whenever the two clubs play each other, even though it may not be as glitzy and widely reported as the Old Firm in Scotland. In August 2024, the two teams played each other for the first time in two years in the Scottish Premiership. It was their 173rd meeting, and they have since played each other three times.
Dundee scored an equaliser late in the opening game, which ended in a 2-2 tie. After winning the second match 2-1, Dundee United defeated them in their matchup in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. At their bitter enemies’ house, Dundee defeated them 4-2 in their most recent match on March 16.
18 The East Anglian derby between Ipswich and Norwich
The East Anglian derby is one of the most competitive in Britain, even though it may not appear to be the most intense on paper. In all of their competitive encounters, Norwich City and Ipswich Town have won 43 games between them.
Over the years, there have been some amazing meetings because none of the two has ever truly defeated the other consistently. Ipswich is now leading the rivalry after Norwich had a stint in the Premier League. The Canaries are vying for promotion in the Championship, while Ipswich is fighting for survival in the Premier League in 2024–2025. The rivalry isn’t quite as acrimonious as others, despite the fact that the games have been exciting.
Norwich vs. Ipswich Face-to-Face
Ipswich
versus
Norwich
43
Gains
43
23
Draws
23
43
Losses
43
17Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers
Bristol derby
Similar to a volcano, Bristol’s footballing factions are undoubtedly strong, and while there are frequently lengthy periods of hibernation during which the sleeping giant remains silent, there are always pyrotechnics when things get going. And although you might assume that Bristolians would be uninterested in anything other than their thriving urban agricultural culture, that is not the case.
However, the last Bristol Derby between the two teams was played in the Johnstones Paint Trophy in September 2013, so it has been a while. With 45 victories compared to Rovers’ 29 [11v11] wins, City is statistically the stronger team in the rivalry. They won that game 2-1. We couldn’t place this much higher given how erratic the game is these days.
Bristol Rovers vs. Bristol City Face-to-Face
City of Bristol
versus
The Bristol Rovers
45
Gains
29
33
Draws
33
29
Losses
45
16 Devon derby between Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle
Even though the rest of the country doesn’t always give it the credit it deserves, Devon’s top teams consistently outperform their rivals in examinations of English football’s greatest rivalries. When the two meet, more than just the three points are up for grabs.
The Pilgrims and Grecians first faced off in a Southern League match in 1908, with the Grecians winning 2–1. In spite of this, the former can now boast that they have won nine more games in their lengthy and illustrious history.
Devon City versus Plymouth Argyle Face-to-Face
City of Exeter
versus
The Plymouth Argyle
29
Gains
38
26
Draws
26
38
Losses
29
15 Lincoln City vs. Grimsby Town Lincolnshire derby
There has been a lot of animosity between Grimsby Town and Lincoln City in recent years. When they first faced one other in 1884, the former won 1-0, marking the beginning of their battle. Since then, there has been a strong sense of antagonism on and off the pitch.
Stewards have recently been caught in the crosshairs after one of them was hurt after being struck by a seat thrown from the crowd, and a fan of the LNER Stadium variety was stabbed close to Blundell Park during an away trip back in 2005. Lincoln currently has the right to boast because they play in the higher level, but English football legends will always remember this rivalry.
Lincoln City vs. Grimsby Town Face-to-Face
Town of Grimsby
versus
The city of Lincoln
44
Gains
31
29
Draws
29
31
Losses
44
14 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. West Bromwich Albion Black Country derby
There is still affection between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion supporters, if recent events have taught us anything. Although the Black Country derby is frequently overlooked, it gained attention once more after a meeting between the two was temporarily halted because of a large-scale altercation between spectators.
That demonstrates the resentment that exists between the two groups of supporters. Over the years, the teams have met 163 times in total, with the Baggies currently leading the head-to-head record. They have won 65 games compared to Wolves’ 54, but given the two teams’ recent upswing in success, they may eventually catch up.
Wolves vs. West Bromwich Albion Face-to-Face
West Brom
versus
Wolves
65
Gains
54
44
Draws
44
54
Losses
65
13 Burnley vs. Blackburn Rovers East Lancashire derby
Isn’t this reminiscent of a classic English derby? Since they met for the first time in 1888, the so-called ‘El Lanclasico’ has been a blaze. Interestingly, Burnley and Blackburn Rovers view each other as their respective enemies in the English pyramid, therefore Accrington Stanley, which is located exactly in the middle of the two, is usually disregarded as a competitor.
There are other football rivalries in the northwest of England, but few are nearly as intense as these two. After alternating between the Championship and England’s top division, Burnley has had the advantage most recently. However, Blackburn might quickly regain the lead as there are just three games separating the two teams in terms of wins.
Burnley vs. Blackburn Rovers head-to-head
Blackburn
versus
Burnley
41
Gains
45
20
Draws
20
45
Losses
41
12 Southampton vs. Portsmouth South Coast Derby
There is sometimes no better indicator of a rivalry’s intensity, danger and importance than the South Coast derby, so forget about history, statistics and current records. Even while Pompey and Saints supporters’ heart-pounding cries nearly propel it there on their own, the battle for a top-ten finish is so fierce that we can’t quite elevate it among British football’s derby elite. Given their entwined histories of league places and off-field challenges, the two cities—enmeshed in war, misery, bloodshed, and football—make for an exciting derby. However, it is too hard to understand because the rivalry’s early stages are so different from the present.
The two teams haven’t played each other in a while, though, since their most recent meeting took place in September 2019 during a League Cup match in which Southampton won 4-0. The two teams hadn’t played each other in the Championship for seven years before that match. Additionally, it appears that supporters will have to forgo the South Coast derby for at least another year now that the Saints are back in the top division.
Southampton versus Portsmouth Face-to-Face
Portsmouth
versus
Southampton
21
Gains
35
15.
Draws
15.
35
Losses
21
11 Nottingham Forest vs. Derby County East Midlands derby
Let’s be honest and state that their rivalry with Derby has far greater box office appeal, even though Forest is just a hop across the Trent from their Nottingham neighbours of Notts County. In addition to the two Midlands institutions’ recent struggles in the Championship, you can tell the derby is important when the Brian Clough Trophy is literally handed out after each game.
Has the superior team been decided upon for good now that Forest is playing in a division one level higher than its competitors? There are undoubtedly Rams supporters who would contest that idea, given that the Reds lead by just five victories in their head-to-head record. Both of these teams are rivals of Leicester City as well, but this is the finest match of the three.
Against Nottingham Forest, Derby County Face-to-Face
Derby
versus
Forest of Nottingham
38
Gains
43
30
Draws
30
43
Losses
38
10Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday
Steel City derby
Battles between the Blades and the Owls are naturally as fierce as their hometown’s renowned industry since one of England’s great, historic cities is also home to two of the country’s most recognisable football clubs. United wins the head-to-head record in their 146-game history, which is known as the “Steel City Derby.”
In contrast to many rivalries, you can always rely on the fan bases to be friendly with one another for the sake of the whole, but when the match occurs infrequently, all of the smiles and cooperation are put aside.
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Sheffield United Face-to-Face
United of Sheffield
versus
Wednesday in Sheffield
51
Gains
48
47
Draws
47
48
Losses
51
The Hibernian Edinburgh Derby vs the Hearts
One of the most ardent and long-running derbies in football is played between two proud clubs that were established in the 1870s and share the capital city of a country that invests blood, sweat, and tears into its game. Both clubs have long called Edinburgh, a football-crazy city, home; their first meeting took place on Christmas Day in 1875.
Just over half of the subsequent 663 games (309) have been competitive. You can be sure it will be played like the World Cup final, regardless of whether it is a friendly or a contest with any substance.
8 Dockers derby between Millwall and West Ham United
We all know it’s one of the biggest derbies in British football, and your grandmother is probably aware of it as well. After all, it’s Millwall vs. West Ham. We couldn’t forgive ourselves if we didn’t at least rank the Dockers derby in our top 10, even though there have only been three meetings between the teams since 2005, and many people will undoubtedly be pleased about that.
Even if they haven’t played much recently, this rivalry is so flawless that it’s impossible not to be amazed. If they played each other more frequently, there’s no question that it would be at the top of the list. Come on, Millwall, will you get promoted?
West Ham vs. Millwall head-to-head
The Millwall
versus
West Ham
22
Gains
19.
19.
19.
Losses
22
7.
Manchester United against City
The Manchester Derby
Has the Manchester Derby lost its essence in recent years? Perhaps, but given Manchester City’s rise to prominence following their 2008 acquisition, this rivalry is among the most well-known and tightly contested of all. We would be crazy not to acknowledge that Manchester’s intercity matches are up to their ears in terms of quality, history, and blockbuster entertainment, even though the stadium atmospheres prevent City and United from finishing in the top five.
Player resentment has been abundant over the years, and Mario Balotelli learnt the hard way that Nemanja Vidic is not to be messed with. There is very nothing that can separate the desire to be the largest and the best in a football-mad city like Manchester, which is precisely what this derby brings to the table, despite the fact that many United supporters think Liverpool is their most formidable opponent.
Manchester United against City Face-to-Face
Man City
versus
Man United
62
Gains
80
53
Draws
53
80
Losses
63
Manchester Derby Collage
Associated
Man City vs. Manchester United: History, matchups, highlights, and more
Drama is never far from the surface in the rivalry between the two Manchester clubs, which is among the most intense in English sport.
6 South Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City
The all-Wales struggle for supremacy in the Land of Dragons makes up for the game’s lack of direct geographic proximity—the stadiums are 40 miles apart—with passion, tenacity, and competition alone.
It seemed as though England’s top division had developed a heart-pounding new derby of the kind it hasn’t seen since the two South Wales titans faced off in the Premier League for the first time in 2012–13. Although there is a clear divide between the two teams, the Swans may now take pride in winning their head-to-head record.
Swansea vs. Cardiff City head-to-head
Cardiff
versus
The Swansea
25
Gains
34
19.
Draws
19.
34
Losses
25
5. The Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool
It’s no wonder that the Merseyside derby is always a quick route to cauldron-like atmospheres that draw attention from all over the world, as few cities in the world are as devoted to their football teams as Liverpool. The only unfortunate thing is that Liverpool has dominated the fixture ad nauseam in the twenty-first century despite the fixture’s extreme difficulty, which can split families between the home and away ends. Liverpool has played consistently since the 1962–63 season.
It should come as no surprise that the fans’ devotion to their respective clubs is unlike anything you have ever witnessed, given that Goodison Park and Anfield are hardly more than a stone’s throw apart and are separated by Stanley Park.
Head-to-Head: Everton versus Liverpool
Everton
versus
Liverpool
84
Gains
125
87
Draws
87
125
Losses
84
Collection of Everton and Liverpool Events Associated with Everton vs. Liverpool: Merseyside Derby History, Awards, Greatest Games and More
One of the most exciting and intense rivalries in English football is that between Liverpool and Everton.
4 Tottenham Hotspur vs. Arsenal North London derby
When two top-four contenders with fervent fan bases battle it out until one team has more goals than the other, the North London derby is a surefire way to provide excitement. In addition to being extremely important to Spurs and Arsenal supporters when it occurs twice a year, the rivalry is so exciting and tangible that it attracts spectators from all over the world who want to watch.
The north London pair has played more than 200 games, many of which have been captivating. With 22 more games to go, the Gunners lead their opponents in overall wins, and considering that they are expected to fight for the title in 2024–2025, that lead should only widen.
Tottenham versus Arsenal Face-to-Face
The Arsenal
versus
Tottenham
89
Gains
67
55
Draws
55
67
Losses
89
3 Birmingham City vs. Aston Villa Second City Derby
However, the Second City derby surpasses both Arsenal vs. Tottenham and Everton vs. Liverpool in terms of glitz, with the intensity and tension that characterise a classic rivalry. The match that Brummie sport is based on is one of the few heart-pounding derbies in British football that makes you want to just take in the atmosphere and watch two legendary teams battle.
An honourable medallist. Whether in the Championship or the Premier League, the two teams were on equal footing for a spell. However, now that European football has been added to their repertoire, Villa is far superior to their rivals.
Birmingham vs. Aston Villa Head-to-Head
Villa Aston
versus
Birmingham
57
Gains
38
33
Draws
33
38
Losses
57
Two Tyne-Wear derbies between Newcastle United and Sunderland
Two cathedrals of football? Verify. Two enormous, historically significant clubs? Verify. Two groups of supporters who are devoted to their clubs? Verify. Two teams with a long history of engaging football fans? Verify. And one region in the globe that is a huge fan of the sport? Verify. The Tyne-Wear derby has earned its reputation as the greatest rivalry south of the border, and while it is unfortunate that two enduring traditions of English football are currently playing in different levels, it doesn’t lessen its significance.
The two had been tied for derby victories, but Newcastle’s FA Cup success put them ahead by one win in the first Tyne-Wear derby in eight years. Sunderland supporters will be eagerly awaiting their next opportunity to retaliate.
Sunderland versus Newcastle Face-to-Face
Newcastle
versus
Sunderland
54
Gains
53
49
Draws
49
53
Losses
54
1 Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers
Like, of course. There is a strong argument can be made that the Old Firm is the best derby in the beautiful game, regardless of whether you consider British or even European football. Two giants of the sport sharing a city that has football pumping through its veins, the collisions between Celtic and Rangers are a meeting of arguably the most passionate, hearts-on-their-sleeves supporters that you’re ever likely to see.
The ever-increasing dislike for one another is more important than the football, yet it’s still lovely to watch. You cannot consider yourself a football fan if you haven’t seen an Old Firm game.
Listing the Top 20 British Football Derbies
Rank
Fixture
Name of Derby
1.
Rangers versus Celtic
Old Firm Derby 2.
Sunderland versus Newcastle United
Tyne-Wear derby
3.
Against Birmingham City, Aston Villa
Second City derby
4.
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
Derby in North London 5.
Everton vs Liverpool
The sixth Merseyside Derby.
Cardiff City vs Swansea City
South Wales derby
7.
Manchester United against City
Manchester derby
8.
Millwall vs West Ham United
Dockers derby
9.
Hearts vs Hibernian
Edinburgh derby
10.
Sheffield Wednesday vs. Sheffield United
Steel City derby
11.
Against Nottingham Forest, Derby County
East Midlands derby
12.
Southampton versus Portsmouth
South Coast derby
13.
Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley
East Lancashire derby
14.
West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
Black Country derby
15.
Lincoln City vs. Grimsby Town
Lincolnshire derby
16.
Devon City versus Plymouth Argyle
Devon derby
17.
Bristol Rovers vs. Bristol City
Bristol derby
18.
Ipswich vs Norwich
East Anglian derby
19.
Dundee United vs Dundee
Dundee derby
20.
Luton Town vs Watford
Beds–Herts derby
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