English and Welsh football is defined by its rivalries. Across the country, from the towering stadiums of Manchester and London to the smaller grounds of the Midlands and South Coast, derbies ignite passion, fuel local pride, and create unforgettable moments.
These matches are never just about the points—they are about bragging rights, history, and the fierce loyalty of fans who live for every tackle, goal, and controversial decision.
Whether it’s the global spectacle of the Premier League clashes or the ferocious battles in the lower divisions, England’s derbies capture the drama, intensity, and emotion that make football more than a game—it’s a way of life.
Ranking the Top English and Welsh Football Derbies
While the Premier League garners global attention, England’s football pyramid is filled with intense rivalries across all divisions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable derbies:
1. Manchester United vs. Liverpool (North West Derby)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: A clash between two of England’s most successful clubs.
- Notable Matches: City’s 6–1 victory at Old Trafford in 2011 remains a standout.
- Derby Heroes: Wayne Rooney, Sergio Agüero
- Upcoming Fixtures: January 17, 2026, at Old Trafford
2. North London Derby (Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Arsenal’s move from South to North London in 1913 intensified the competition.
- Notable Matches: Arsenal clinching the league title at White Hart Lane in 1971.
- Derby Heroes: Thierry Henry, Harry Kane
- Upcoming Fixtures: November 22, 2025, at the Emirates; February 21, 2026, at White Hart Lane
3. Merseyside Derby (Liverpool vs. Everton)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Both clubs hail from Liverpool; Everton is the city’s oldest club.
- Notable Matches: 1989 FA Cup semi-final, Liverpool 3–2 Everton
- Derby Heroes: Steven Gerrard, Duncan Ferguson
- Upcoming Fixtures: April 18, 2026, at Goodison Park
4. Tyne-Wear Derby (Newcastle United vs. Sunderland)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Fierce competition between two North East clubs.
- Notable Matches: Newcastle 5–1 Sunderland, 2010
- Derby Heroes: Kevin Nolan, Jermain Defoe
- Upcoming Fixtures: December 13, 2025, at the Stadium of Light; March 21, 2026, at St James’ Park
5. West Midlands Derby (Aston Villa vs. Birmingham City)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Proximity of the clubs in Birmingham fuels the longstanding rivalry.
- Notable Matches: Villa 1–0 Birmingham, 2010 FA Cup quarter-final
- Derby Heroes: Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham
6. South Coast Derby (Portsmouth vs. Southampton)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Historic rivalry with deep-rooted animosity.
- Notable Matches: Portsmouth 4–1 Southampton, 2012 FA Cup tie
- Derby Heroes: David Nugent, Rickie Lambert
7. Steel City Derby (Sheffield United vs. Sheffield Wednesday)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Intense competition between two Sheffield clubs.
- Notable Matches: Wednesday 2–1 Sheffield United, 1993 FA Cup semi-final
- Derby Heroes: Chris Wilder, Barry Bannan
8. Potteries Derby (Stoke City vs. Port Vale)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Fierce local rivalry in Stoke-on-Trent.
- Notable Matches: Port Vale 1–0 Stoke, 2002
- Derby Heroes: Arthur Watkin, Bob McGrory
9. M1 Derby (Watford vs. Luton Town)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Bitter rivalry between neighboring counties, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
- Notable Matches:
- Luton 3–0 Watford, October 2024
- Luton 0–4 Watford, 1997 — a historic victory for Watford
- Derby Heroes:
- Luton: Jordan Clark, Carlton Morris, Jacob Brown
- Watford: Peter Kennedy, Troy Deeney, Tommy Mooney, John McClelland
10. South Wales Derby (Cardiff City vs. Swansea City)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Historical and cultural tensions between the cities.
- Notable Matches: Cardiff 3–0 Swansea, January 2025
- Derby Heroes: Karlan Grant, Ben Cabango
11. East Lancashire Derby (Blackburn Rovers vs. Burnley)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Historic competition between East Lancashire clubs.
- Notable Matches: Burnley 1–0 Blackburn, April 2024
- Derby Heroes: Dwight McNeil, Ben Mee
12. Bristol Derby (Bristol City vs. Bristol Rovers)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Fierce local rivalry in Bristol.
- Notable Matches: Bristol Rovers 2–1 Bristol City, March 2023
- Derby Heroes: Aaron Collins, Antoine Semenyo
13. Devon Derby (Exeter City vs. Plymouth Argyle)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Intense county rivalry in Devon.
- Notable Matches: Plymouth 3–0 Exeter, October 2023
- Derby Heroes: Luke Jephcott, Matt Jay
14. East Midlands Derby (Derby County vs. Nottingham Forest)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Historic rivalry in the East Midlands.
- Notable Matches: Nottingham Forest 2–1 Derby County, January 2022
- Derby Heroes: Steve Bloomer, John Robertson
15. Dockers Derby (Millwall vs. West Ham United)
- Why the Rivalry Exists: Historic London rivalry.
- Notable Matches: West Ham 1–7 Millwall, April 1903
- Derby Heroes: Alf Twigg, Billy Bonds
Conclusion
English football derbies are the heartbeat of the game, where history, pride, and local identity collide on the pitch.
From the global glamour of the Manchester and North London derbies to the raw, passionate battles of the South Wales and Potteries rivalries, each fixture carries its own story, heroes, and unforgettable moments.
These matches go beyond points or trophies—they are about bragging rights, community pride, and the emotion that keeps fans coming back season after season.
As the 2025–26 season unfolds, every derby promises drama, tension, and the chance for new legends to be born, ensuring these rivalries will continue to define English football for generations to come.
