Ranking Every EPL Derby Ahead of the 2026/27 Season
10 days until the EPL is back!
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- Brentford v Fulham — The West London Derby
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The West London Derby between Brentford and Fulham has grown into one of the Premier League's more competitive local rivalries. The clubs are separated by only a few miles, and their rivalry has intensified since Brentford's rise to the Premier League. Fulham traditionally had the greater historical stature, but Brentford's recent success has made this a much more evenly matched fixture. It sits at 13th because the rivalry is genuine and increasingly heated, but it doesn't yet carry the same historical weight as the biggest English derbies.
- Aston Villa vs Coventry City — West Midlands Derby
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One of the traditional West Midlands rivalries, Villa and Coventry have competed for regional bragging rights for decades. The rivalry has been heightened by their geographical proximity and the fact that both clubs have spent significant periods in the top flight. However, Coventry's lengthy absence from the Premier League has reduced the regularity and intensity of the fixture. 12th feels appropriate because the history is strong, but the modern-day rivalry isn't as consistently relevant as those above it.
- Leeds United vs Hull City — Yorkshire Derby
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The Yorkshire Derby brings together two clubs from the same county with a long-standing regional rivalry. Leeds have traditionally been the much bigger club, while Hull have spent much of their history outside the top flight. That imbalance means it doesn't quite have the hostility or national profile of Leeds' rivalries with Manchester United or other Yorkshire clubs. 11th reflects a genuine regional rivalry with plenty of history, but not one of England's absolute elite derbies.
- Brighton vs Crystal Palace — M23 Derby
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Known as the M23 Derby, or sometimes the A23 Derby, this is one of English football's most unusual rivalries because the clubs aren't particularly close geographically compared with most traditional derbies. The rivalry developed largely through repeated competitive meetings and a fierce dislike between the supporters. Brighton and Palace have developed a particularly hostile relationship since Brighton's arrival in the Premier League. It's 10th because the hatred is real and the games are often intense, but the rivalry lacks the deep historical roots of the biggest English derbies.
- Arsenal vs Manchester United — Arsenal–Manchester United Rivalry
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For much of the late 1990s and 2000s, this was arguably the biggest rivalry in English football. Arsene Wenger's Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United repeatedly battled for the Premier League title, producing iconic clashes involving players such as Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira and Wayne Rooney. Although the rivalry has lost some of its edge since both clubs' dominance declined, its history and importance to the Premier League make it an easy 9th on a list dominated by traditional local derbies.
- Arsenal vs Chelsea — London Derby
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The Arsenal–Chelsea rivalry is one of the biggest London fixtures and has become particularly important during the Premier League era. Chelsea's rise under Roman Abramovich turned the fixture into a battle between two major London clubs regularly competing for trophies. Arsenal and Chelsea have also met in numerous major cup finals and European matches. 8th reflects its enormous modern significance, although it doesn't have the same deep-rooted local hatred as Arsenal–Tottenham or other derbies.
- Tottenham vs Chelsea — London Derby
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The rivalry between Tottenham and Chelsea is another major London fixture, with tensions dating back decades. The clubs' proximity and competition for status in London have helped create a particularly hostile atmosphere, while the 1970s and 1980s saw some notorious clashes between supporters. More recently, both clubs have regularly competed for European qualification and major honours. 7th is high because of the genuine hostility between the fans in particular.
- Leeds United vs Manchester United — Roses Rivalry
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The Roses Rivalry is one of English football's most historically significant rivalries, although it is unusual because the clubs are not from the same city. Its roots extend beyond football into the historic rivalry between Yorkshire and Lancashire, with the modern football rivalry exploding during the 1960s and 1970s. Fierce matches involving players such as Billy Bremner, Denis Law and George Best helped cement its reputation. The famous 1965 FA Cup semi-final was particularly important in creating the hostility. Always a great atmosphere for this unique derby.
- Liverpool vs Manchester United — North-West Derby
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This is arguably the biggest non-local derby in English football. Liverpool and Manchester United are the two most successful English clubs historically, and their rivalry is driven by both geography and footballing supremacy. The cities' industrial rivalry adds another layer, while decades of competing for league titles and European glory have made this one of the biggest fixtures anywhere in world football. With both sides main derbies being mainly one-way in recent times, this derby has more significance than many people think.
- Liverpool vs Everton — Merseyside Derby
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The Merseyside Derby is one of the most historic local derbies in England. Liverpool and Everton are separated by just a few miles and have shared the city for well over a century. The first competitive meeting took place in 1894, and the fixture has now been played more than 240 times. What makes it unique is the close relationship between the two fanbases historically, with families often containing both Liverpool and Everton supporters. Despite that, the fixture can become extremely fierce on the pitch.
- Manchester United vs Manchester City — Manchester Derby
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The Manchester Derby has transformed from a local rivalry into one of the biggest fixtures in world football. United historically dominated the city, but City's rise following the 2008 takeover completely changed the balance of power. The sheer number of major matches, title battles and iconic moments makes this one of football's premier derbies. 3rd reflects its enormous modern importance and the fact that the rivalry has become significantly more intense over the last two decades. Manchester City and United have met more than 180 times across all competitions.
- Newcastle United vs Sunderland — Tyne-Wear Derby
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The Tyne-Wear Derby is one of England's most fiercely contested regional rivalries. Newcastle and Sunderland represent two of the North East's biggest cities, with the rivalry extending far beyond football. Supporters have historically viewed each other as their biggest enemy, and the fixture has produced some enormous crowds and memorable moments. Having both these sides back together in the top-flight is objectively great for the league, and is such a fierce rivalry.
- Arsenal vs Tottenham — North London Derby
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The North London Derby is one of the most famous rivalries in world football. Arsenal and Tottenham's rivalry dates back more than a century, but it truly intensified when Arsenal moved to North London in 1913, bringing the clubs into direct geographical competition. Unlike many rivalries, there is no need for league positions or trophies to make this game important; the rivalry itself is the occasion. Arsenal and Spurs fans regularly consider each other their biggest rivals, and the fixture has produced countless iconic moments, title-deciding games and unforgettable individual performances. Arsenal have historically held the advantage, but Tottenham have enjoyed their own memorable victories.
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