The Biggest Football Derbies in English Football
It’s during these action-packed games that many fans will ignore the football odds and go all-in on their home team. But what are the biggest derbies in English football? We take a closer look at the games that are often some of the most end-to-end games of any season.
10 - Portsmouth vs Southampton
Both of these teams have a very prolific history, having won many trophies dating back decades and decades. The south coast clubs are 19 miles apart and their rivalry is about more than just football.
Southampton was known as a commercial port, whereas Portsmouth was more a military one. With Southampton being a more wealthy area, it created a bitterness between the 2, which then spilled out onto the football pitch, like all good rivalries do.
Of course, since then, the rivalry has grown and now the clubs have a well-established hatred for opposing teams. It isn’t the most horrifying of derbies but it does have a fierce feel to it, putting it in our top 10.
9. Cardiff City vs Swansea
You may be wondering how two Welsh clubs managed to make it onto the list of English teams? Well, they both play in the English league so they make the list!
Competing in the Championship, their derby games are known for the Swansea fans being decked out in swimming regalia during the matches - including armbands and swimming caps. This is a call back to an incident in 1988, where Swansea fans ended up chasing Cardiff City fans into the sea! This incident has been mocked by Swansea fans, and some players, ever since.
8. Chelsea vs Arsenal
London's two premier football clubs often have heated games. The two clubs have plenty of history which includes matches in the finals, fights between managers and more.
The gunners are seen to have had the upper hand during most of the last 20 years, but Chelsea has always been eager, managing to beat their rivals and become the first-ever London based team to lift the Champions League trophy.
7. Birmingham City vs Aston Villa
The local Birmingham derby is definitely one to watch. Matches are often frequent thanks to both teams being around the same quality, with Aston Villa technically being the bigger club but Birmingham City being the most recent team to get a trophy.
Notable incidents include a fan invading the pitch to attack Jack Grealish, with Grealish returning the favour by putting one past the Birmingham city keeper.
6. Sunderland vs Newcastle United
If you ever wanted to be inside a noisy stadium, simply visit one of the grounds during the Tyne-Wear derby.
The derby doesn’t have any major raucous incidents on the pitch. It’s just two teams purely facing off for their clubs - and local - pride. The fans on both sides of the stadium help to hype this one up and create an atmosphere like no other games for either club.
5. Millwall vs West Ham United
If the Tyne-Wear derby is notable for its lack of incidents, this London derby is the opposite. The matches are very well known for the animosity that takes place off of the pitch - so much so it made it into a hit film - Green Street, starring Elijah Wood and Charlie Hunnam.
Neither team has gotten along peacefully with the other and the clashes between the teams are often incredible. Whilst the Hammers usually have an edge against the Lions as they’re often playing in leagues above them, anything goes when the teams hit the pitch.
4. Everton vs Liverpool
This legendary derby is known for three things - red cards, goals and brawls.
Never one to disappoint, when the two Merseyside teams meet there is a wild atmosphere in the stadium, with both teams always giving it their all. Liverpool usually win though - they had a very long winning streak of over 20 years!
3. Manchester City vs Manchester United
Featuring two of the biggest clubs in the world, the Manchester derby happens often. Whilst Manchester United dominated the league for over 20 years, when City found new owners, the quality of their football shot up, helping them win some of the best silverware the country has to offer.
The rivalry had a golden period during the early stage of the 2010s’, seeing legendary moments that are still talked about for both teams - Wayne Rooney for United and Sergio Aguero for City.
2. Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal
The North London derby is very rarely missed - even for fans of other teams.
Whilst there are plenty of reasons why, one of them is the simple fact that it's the rivalry between these two teams that see their games abound with goals - it's technically the highest-scoring derby in English football. One of their games has seen a game that is often looked at as one of the best to ever be played - a 4-4 draw at the Emirates back in 2008.
1. Liverpool vs Manchester United
Often seen as a clash between the two biggest football teams in England, the North-West derby has plenty of history behind it.
Both teams have an incredibly stellar record of titles and trophies, always bringing their best to the pitch when they play each other.
These games often also decide the direction of the title that season and are some of the most-watched games of that season.