The 20 Biggest Football Derbies in Britain – Ranked from Lowest to Highest

April 3, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Some rivalries in football transcend the sport itself. They’re fueled by local pride, generations of history, and the kind of raw emotion you just don’t find in regular matches. From Premier League giants to lower-league battles that still shake entire cities, derbies are the lifeblood of British football

We’ve taken a closer look at the most iconic matchups in the men’s game across the UK and ranked the 20 biggest British football derbies – based on passion, tradition, and unforgettable moments.

20. Luton Town vs Watford – Beds-Herts Derby

Separated by just 20 miles, this southeast rivalry runs deep. The hostility between fans peaked in the 1980s, and despite both clubs currently being in the Championship, the animosity still simmers under the surface.

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19. Dundee United vs Dundee – Dundee Derby

No two stadiums in world football are closer – mere yards separate these Scottish clubs. Though not as famous as the Old Firm, the passion is intense whenever the city’s two teams meet.

18. Ipswich Town vs Norwich City – East Anglian Derby

One of the most balanced rivalries in England, with both clubs tied on all-time wins. The fixture may lack venom compared to others, but it remains fiercely contested and rich in history.

17. Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers – Bristol Derby

A true city rivalry that has faded in recent years due to league separations. But when the Robins and the Gas meet, the atmosphere in Bristol crackles with tension and local pride.

16. Exeter City vs Plymouth Argyle – Devon Derby

Often overlooked, this derby is the pride of the southwest. When these sides clash, it’s about more than just the result – it’s a fight for regional bragging rights dating back over a century.

15. Grimsby Town vs Lincoln City – Lincolnshire Derby

A long-standing and occasionally volatile rivalry between two lower-league clubs. It’s fueled by geography, shared history, and a string of fiery, often bad-tempered encounters.

14. West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – Black Country Derby

One of the Midlands’ fiercest rivalries, known for its physical battles and vocal fanbases. Their recent meetings have reignited old tensions, proving this derby remains as intense as ever.

13. Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley – East Lancashire Derby (“El Lanclasico”)

A classic northern rivalry rooted in over 130 years of football history. Though separated by just a few miles, there’s no love lost – and every meeting is treated like a cup final.

12. Portsmouth vs Southampton – South Coast Derby

Southampton FC — P.Cartwright / Shutterstock.com

An unpredictable and aggressive rivalry. Though the clubs have often been in different divisions, whenever they do meet, it’s a fierce battle with historic significance on the south coast.

11. Derby County vs Nottingham Forest – East Midlands Derby

More than just a local grudge match – this one has silverware attached in the form of the Brian Clough Trophy. The shared managerial legacy adds another layer to an already fierce contest.

10. Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday – Steel City Derby

One of England’s oldest city derbies, with a proud working-class identity. It’s a rivalry built on steel, pride, and generations of Blades and Owls battling for local supremacy.

9. Heart of Midlothian vs Hibernian – Edinburgh Derby

The capital of Scotland plays host to one of the game’s oldest derbies. With roots dating back to 1875, the intensity and local pride have never waned – no matter the league or occasion.

8. Millwall vs West Ham United – Dockers Derby

Arguably the most infamous derby in Britain. Violent history, deep-seated animosity, and rarely played in recent years – but when it does happen, it’s explosive both on and off the pitch.

7. Manchester City vs Manchester United – Manchester Derby

Once dominated by United, this rivalry has evolved dramatically since City’s rise. It’s now one of the Premier League’s most anticipated matchups – filled with drama, goals, and shifting power.

6. Cardiff City vs Swansea City – South Wales Derby

Fierce and full of national pride, this Welsh rivalry is often nasty, always passionate. Despite being 40 miles apart, the two fanbases absolutely despise each other – and it shows on matchday.

5. Everton vs Liverpool – Merseyside Derby

Liverpool FC — Photo: Milosz Kubiak / Shutterstock.com

Separated only by a park, this derby divides families, friends, and the city of Liverpool itself. Though Liverpool have dominated in recent years, the fixture still delivers high drama and emotion.

4. Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur – North London Derby

A guaranteed blockbuster twice a year. The rivalry between Arsenal and Spurs is intense, fueled by ambition, history, and a genuine dislike – with fans desperate to claim local bragging rights.

3. Aston Villa vs Birmingham City – Second City Derby

Raw, heated, and often chaotic – this is Midlands football at its fiercest. Though Villa have surged ahead in recent years, this derby remains one of the most hostile in the country.

2. Newcastle United vs Sunderland – Tyne-Wear Derby

Two massive northern clubs separated by just 12 miles and united in their hatred of each other. Even if they aren’t in the same division, this is still one of the most passionate rivalries in Britain.

1. Celtic vs Rangers – Old Firm Derby

The ultimate British derby. Religion, politics, and football intertwine in this iconic Glasgow clash. There’s nothing quite like it in world football – the noise, the emotion, the meaning. It’s not just a game. It’s a way of life.