For a football fan, a derby is that fixture that always leaps off the yearly fixture list as one of the most exciting and thrilling ties of the season. With that in mind, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the most enthralling match-ups that gets your blood pumping. 

So without further ado, let’s take a look at the top 5 rivalries in English football. 

#5 Manchester City vs Manchester United

People aren’t entirely wrong when they say that the life and soul of the Manchester derby has waned in recent years. But Manchester City’s return to prominence since their 2008 takeover has made it one of the most high-profile and closely-matched rivalries of them all. 

While the in-stadium atmosphere holds City and United back from making a charge up this list, we’d be out of our minds not to admit that Manchester’s intercity clashes are anything less in quality, history and blockbuster entertainment. 

There’s also been no shortage of animosity between players over the years. While many United fans believe that Liverpool are their fiercest rivals, all that goes out the window when it comes to wanting to be the biggest and the best in Manchester – and that’s exactly what this derby brings to the table.

#4 Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday

One of England’s great, historic cities also happens to play host to two of the nation’s most iconic football clubs, so it’s only natural that battles between the Blades and the Owls are just as steely as their hometown’s famous industry. 

Coined the ‘Steel City Derby’, it is the Blades that come out on top in the head-to-head record of their 131-game history, with United winning 46 and Wednesday registering 42 wins. Unlike many rivalries, you can always count on the sets of fans being amicable towards each other for the greater good, but all smiles and collaborations are shifted aside when the match comes round.

Following Sheffield United’s relegation from the Premier League in the 2023–24 season and Sheffield Wednesday successfully avoiding relegation to League One, the Steel City derby will return in the 2024–25 Championship season.

#3 Everton vs Liverpool

Few cities in the world live and breathe their football clubs more than Liverpool. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Merseyside derby produces such a cauldron-like atmosphere on a regular basis. 

However, the only downside to this: Having played continuously since the 1962/63 campaign, Liverpool have dominated the fixture in the 21st century despite the sheer needle of the fixture, which can see families split between the home and away ends. 

In its entirety, the Merseyside derby has been played a total of 244 times with Liverpool coming out on top 99 times and Everton only managing 68 wins while 77 of them resulted in a stalemate. Moreover, with Goodison Park and Anfield standing scarily a stone’s throw away with just the green of Stanley Park to separate them, it’s no surprise their fans feel so strongly about this derby. 

#2 Newcastle United vs Sunderland

Two football clubs with rich histories, and 10 top division titles between them. It’s sad to see two immortal institutions of English football separated by multiple leagues right now, however, it does little to diminish the Tyne–Wear derby’s well-earned status as the ultimate rivalry south of the border

Neck and neck in derby wins, the statistical balance between the sides is still very even: to date, having played 158 times in their history with Newcastle just edging out Sunderland by two wins, 55 to 53 wins respectively whilst sharing 50 draws. 

Their most recent match-up came in the 2024 FA Cup where Newcastle United emerged 3-0 victors at the Stadium of Light, which resulted in their first away derby win since 2011. Besides, this fixture has brought many great moments off the pitch too. Anyone remember Magpies legend Alan Shearer being asked to wear a Sunderland shirt?

#1 Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

An absolute banker for entertainment, the north London derby is currently the most heated and fiercely contested rivalry on the English shores as two European contenders with stellar fan bases slug it out until one side outscores the other. 

Not only does this fixture mean absolutely everything to Spurs and Arsenal fans, but the rivalry is so palpable and enthralling that it draws in neutrals from around the world wanting to get in on the action. 

An eye-watering 195 games have been played out between the north London pair, with the Gunners coming out on top with 81 wins. Ironically, it is also the highest scoring fixture in the Premier League’s history and hardly ever fails to deliver.