Top 10 Football Rivalries You Need To Know In Time For The Upcoming Season
Fans across the UK are gearing up for another year of thrilling matches, unexpected twists, and fierce competition as the new season approaches. At the heart of football’s enduring appeal are the intense rivalries that have developed over decades.
The Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs Manchester City
The Manchester derby has taken on new significance in the 21st century, evolving from a local squabble to a clash between two of England’s most successful clubs. Manchester United’s historical dominance has been challenged by City’s emergence as a footballing powerhouse.
Recent seasons have seen both clubs competing for Premier League titles and European glory, adding extra spice to their encounters. The contrasting styles of the two teams – United’s traditional attacking flair versus City’s possession-based approach – make for fascinating tactical battles.
With both clubs expected to be in the mix for major honours, the Manchester derby will be a fixture to circle on your calendar for the upcoming season. Manchester City tickets will be highly sought after this season, so look for the best prices now if you want to cheer on the champions with MCFC tickets. Ticket Compare will find you the best price for any grudge match and more.
The Old Firm Derby: Celtic vs Rangers
No discussion of football rivalries would be complete without mentioning the Old Firm derby between Celtic and Rangers. This Glasgow-based clash is widely regarded as one of the most intense rivalries in world football.
The fixture often has significant implications for the Scottish Premiership title race, adding an extra edge to proceedings. In recent years, the rivalry has reignited following the Rangers’ financial troubles and subsequent journey through the lower divisions, making their clashes with the Celtics all the more anticipated.
The North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
The rivalry has intensified in recent years as Tottenham has emerged as a genuine contender for top honours and has started going after the best players out there, challenging Arsenal’s traditional dominance in North London. Matches between these two are often high-scoring affairs, with local bragging rights and crucial league points at stake.
Keep an eye out for this fixture in the upcoming season, as both clubs look to assert themselves in the race for European qualification and potential title challenges.
The Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton
Known as the ‘friendly derby’, the clash between Liverpool and Everton is the longest-running top-flight derby in English football. Despite its moniker, this fixture is fiercely contested on the pitch, with both sets of fans desperate for local bragging rights.
As Liverpool continues to challenge for top honours and Everton looks to re-establish themselves as a force in English football, the Merseyside derby promises to deliver more memorable moments in the coming season.
The Second City Derby: Aston Villa vs Birmingham City
Despite the two clubs often finding themselves in different divisions in recent years, the intensity of this Birmingham-based clash remains undiminished.
While Aston Villa have enjoyed more success historically and in recent years, the unpredictable nature of this derby means that form often counts for little. The mixture of local pride and sporting competition makes this a compelling fixture whenever it occurs.
The Tyne-Wear Derby: Newcastle United vs Sunderland
This rivalry embodies the fierce local pride of two cities separated by just 12 miles but united in their love for football.
Sunderland’s recent struggles have meant this derby hasn’t been contested in the top flight for several years, but the intensity of the rivalry remains undimmed. The potential for these two to meet in cup competitions adds an element of anticipation to each season.
The East Anglian Derby: Norwich City vs Ipswich Town
The East Anglian derby between Norwich City and Ipswich Town, often referred to as the ‘Old Farm’ derby, is a fixture steeped in history and regional pride. This rivalry represents the sporting embodiment of the competition between Norfolk and Suffolk.
The two clubs have often found themselves in different divisions in recent years, but the passion for this derby remains undiminished. Cup competitions provide opportunities for these encounters, adding extra spice to the football calendar.
The South Coast Derby: Portsmouth vs Southampton
The South Coast derby between Portsmouth and Southampton is another rivalry that has been absent from the top flight in recent years but remains significant in English football culture.
Portsmouth’s financial troubles have seen them drop down the leagues, but the potential for cup meetings keeps this rivalry alive. The passion and intensity of these matches when they do occur make them a spectacle worth watching.
The Welsh Derby: Cardiff City vs Swansea City
The rivalry extends beyond football, reflecting the cultural and economic competition between Cardiff and Swansea.
While both clubs have experienced ups and downs in recent years, the intensity of this derby remains constant. The fixture often has significant implications for league position or promotion ambitions, adding extra spice to the encounters.
The Steel City Derby: Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday
This intra-city clash divides Sheffield, with loyalties often determined by family traditions or geographical location within the city. The rivalry between the two sets of supporters is intense, with local pride at stake in every meeting.
The two clubs have often found themselves in different divisions in recent years, and the anticipation for Steel City derby matches remains high.
