Every Premier League club’s biggest bogey team revealed
Every Premier League club has that one opponent they just can’t seem to beat—no matter the form, the manager, or the occasion. Based on historical head-to-head records (with a minimum of 10 meetings), this list reveals each current top-flight team’s bogey side for the 2025/2026 season. Here's who haunts whom.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – Liverpool
Wolves have found little joy against Liverpool, winning just two of their 22 Premier League clashes. With 18 defeats, it’s a grim record, and as the club fights to stay clear of relegation, turning this fixture around could prove crucial.
West Ham United – Brighton
Brighton have made life miserable for West Ham since arriving in the top flight. The Hammers have won just once in 16 Premier League meetings, drawing eight and losing seven, a record Nuno Espírito Santo will be desperate to improve.
Tottenham Hotspur – Manchester United
Spurs may have lifted the Europa League recently, but United remain a persistent thorn in their side. Since 1992, the Red Devils have won 39 of 64 meetings, with Tottenham managing just 11 victories.
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Sunderland – Manchester United
Back in the Premier League, Sunderland’s struggles against United have already resumed. A 2-0 loss this season added to a lopsided record: just three wins in 33 meetings and a daunting 24 defeats.
Nottingham Forest – Newcastle United
It’s not the usual big names, but Newcastle who’ve caused the most trouble for Forest. The Magpies have won 11 of their 15 Premier League matches against them, with Forest claiming just a single victory.
Newcastle United – Brighton
Despite their ambitions, Newcastle have been routinely outclassed by Brighton. In 17 Premier League fixtures, they’ve won only twice, with a woeful win rate of just 11.8%.
Manchester United – Chelsea
Even though United beat Chelsea this season, the Blues have typically had the better of this matchup—especially at Stamford Bridge. It’s a rivalry that’s seen the pendulum swing both ways, but Chelsea still edge the head-to-head.
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Manchester City – Liverpool
City may dominate the modern era, but Liverpool remain their toughest domestic opponent. From Anfield drama to decisive title battles, it’s the Reds who’ve often had the upper hand when it matters most.
Liverpool – Manchester United
No matter the form or the manager, Liverpool often falter against United. A recent late defeat at Old Trafford highlighted their continued struggle in one of England’s fiercest rivalries.
Leeds United – Manchester United
It’s a historic rivalry, but not a balanced one—Leeds have only four wins in 30 Premier League games against United. Back in the top tier this season, the Elland Road faithful will be hoping to turn that tide.
Fulham – Chelsea
It’s the rivalry Fulham fans dread most. With just three wins in 37 Premier League encounters, the Cottagers have been repeatedly outclassed by their big-spending west London neighbours.
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Everton – Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham's dominance over Everton is no recent trend—they even spoiled the opening of Everton’s new stadium this season. Spurs have consistently had the better of the Toffees, regardless of each side’s form.
Crystal Palace – Chelsea
Palace’s record against Chelsea is bleak, with 24 losses in 33 Premier League matches. Their last win came in 2017, and the Eagles will need something special to break this painful streak.
Chelsea – Manchester United
Despite their domestic success, Chelsea have often stumbled against United. Another defeat this season underlined a long-standing issue in this fixture, especially when playing away.
Burnley – Manchester City
City have been ruthless against Burnley, winning 15 of 19 encounters. Burnley's only victory came in 2015, and since then, the gulf between the two clubs has only widened.
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Brighton – Fulham
Brighton’s rise in recent years hasn’t helped them against Fulham, who’ve become an unlikely nemesis. The Seagulls have won just once in 11 top-flight meetings, despite their success against bigger clubs.
Brentford – Newcastle United
Since Brentford joined the Premier League in 2021, they've managed just one win over Newcastle. A winless run of six games, including a 3-3 thriller at St James’ Park, underlines their struggles.
Bournemouth – Manchester City
City have utterly dominated Bournemouth, winning 16 of their 17 Premier League meetings. The Cherries’ lone victory came in the 2024/25 season, an exception in an otherwise one-sided rivalry.
Aston Villa – Manchester United
Villa came close to a Premier League title in 1993 but were pipped by United—who’ve continued to haunt them ever since. With just five wins in 60 meetings, Villa’s record is among the worst on this list.
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Arsenal – Liverpool
Arsenal’s long-standing issues with Liverpool are well documented, especially at Anfield. Heavy defeats and consistent losses, dating back to the Wenger and Emery eras, make the Reds their ultimate bogey side.
