List of Every Premier League Club’s Main Rival
English football is fueled by rivalries that go far beyond the pitch. From historic city derbies to heated modern clashes, every Premier League club has a rival that stirs the emotions of fans and players alike. Here is a full breakdown of the fiercest foe for each top-flight side, starting from the bottom of the alphabetical list.
Wolverhampton Wanderers – West Bromwich Albion
The Black Country Derby is one of English football’s oldest rivalries, dating back to 1886. West Brom lead the overall series with 65 wins, but Wolves claimed bragging rights in the 2023/24 FA Cup with a 2-0 away win. Crowd trouble often adds to the fierce reputation of this fixture.
West Ham United – Millwall
Known as the Dockers Derby, West Ham vs Millwall is one of England’s most notorious rivalries, often remembered for its hostile atmosphere. On the pitch, West Ham have had the upper hand in recent years, including a 2-1 win in their most recent clash in 2012. Millwall last defeated the Hammers back in 2004.
Tottenham Hotspur – Arsenal
The North London Derby is always one of the most anticipated games of the season. Tottenham fans still fondly remember big wins like the 3-1 FA Cup semi-final victory in 1991, while Harry Kane remains the all-time top scorer in the fixture with 14 goals. Arsenal may lead historically, but Spurs have had their share of iconic moments.
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Southampton – Portsmouth
Separated by just 17 miles, the rivalry between Southampton and Portsmouth is the fiercest on the south coast. Once a friendly relationship, it turned bitter over time, with each meeting now played in a heated atmosphere. Southampton lead the head-to-head with 35 wins in 71 matches.
Nottingham Forest – Derby County
This East Midlands Derby carries extra weight because of legendary manager Brian Clough, who famously coached both sides. The winner of the match takes home the Brian Clough Trophy, adding to the drama of each encounter. The rivalry is one of the most historic outside of the Premier League’s traditional big-city clashes.
Newcastle United – Sunderland
The Tyne-Wear Derby is as evenly matched as they come, with both teams winning nine Premier League meetings and drawing ten. Newcastle took bragging rights most recently with a 3-0 FA Cup win at the Stadium of Light. The intensity between these fanbases makes this one of England’s most passionate derbies.
Manchester United – Manchester City
Manchester has been divided for more than a century, and the derby is as fierce as ever. While United still lead the overall record, City have dominated in recent seasons under Pep Guardiola, including a 3-1 win in March 2024. Wayne Rooney remains the derby’s all-time top scorer with 11 goals.
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Manchester City – Manchester United
City’s rise to dominance since 2012 has shifted the balance of power in Manchester. Their FA Cup final win in 2023 was a defining moment, showing how far they’ve come compared to their neighbors. The rivalry is now one of the most important fixtures in the Premier League calendar.
Liverpool – Everton
The Merseyside Derby is one of English football’s oldest rivalries, dating back to 1894. Liverpool have been the dominant side in the Premier League era, with 28 wins from 64 meetings. Everton’s famous 2021 win at Anfield ended a 22-year wait for an away victory.
Leicester City – Nottingham Forest
Separated by geography and history, Leicester and Forest’s rivalry has been simmering for more than a century. The infamous 12-0 thrashing by Forest in 1909 remains a talking point to this day. Both clubs have identical win records against each other with 41 victories apiece.
Ipswich Town – Norwich City
Dubbed the Old Farm Derby, this is one of English football’s most rural rivalries. Norwich are currently unbeaten in their last 14 matches against Ipswich, a streak that frustrates Tractor Boys fans. Despite the close proximity, this rivalry is often more about bragging rights than hostility.
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Fulham – Brentford
Fulham’s most famous moment in this rivalry came in 2020 when they beat Brentford 2-1 in the Championship play-off final to win promotion. Brentford, however, have had the better of their west London neighbors since reaching the Premier League. Matches between these two are growing in intensity year after year.
Everton – Liverpool
The blue half of Merseyside are desperate to close the gap on Liverpool, who have been the superior force for decades. Everton legend Neville Southall holds the record for the most appearances in this fixture with 41. These games often produce drama and are among the most watched in the league.
Crystal Palace – Brighton & Hove Albion
The M23 Derby is one of the most unique rivalries in England, born out of managerial tensions in the 1970s. Wilfried Zaha is the top scorer in the derby with eight goals and has been central to Palace’s most memorable wins. Palace are currently winless in their last six meetings with Brighton.
Chelsea – Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea’s fiercest rivalry is with Spurs, despite several other London clubs competing for their animosity. The “Battle of the Bridge” in 2016 remains iconic, as Chelsea’s 2-2 draw ended Tottenham’s title hopes and handed Leicester City the crown. Chelsea have been dominant in this fixture with 35 Premier League wins.
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Bournemouth – Southampton
The South Coast Derby between Bournemouth and Southampton has only recently taken on a sharper edge thanks to their shared time in the Premier League. Southampton lead the overall record, but Bournemouth fans cherish moments like their 3-0 victory at the Vitality Stadium in 2016. Each clash carries high stakes for local bragging rights.
Brighton & Hove Albion – Crystal Palace
Brighton fans consider Palace their main enemy, despite the clubs being separated by 43 miles. The rivalry dates back to lower-league battles in the 1970s, made famous by managers Alan Mullery and Terry Venables’ personal feud. Matches often end in tight scorelines, with several recent 1-1 draws.
Brentford – Fulham
Brentford hold a narrow advantage over Fulham historically, with 25 wins to 23. The rivalry has intensified as both clubs now compete regularly in the Premier League. Data-driven Brentford have risen quickly in English football, adding fresh spice to this west London clash.
Aston Villa – Birmingham City
Known as the Second City Derby, Villa and Birmingham share one of England’s most hostile rivalries. Jack Grealish’s winning goal in 2019, after being attacked by a fan, has become one of the most iconic moments in recent history. Villa hold the overall edge with 57 wins.
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Arsenal – Tottenham Hotspur
The North London Derby tops Arsenal’s list of must-win games. The Gunners famously won league titles at White Hart Lane in 1971 and 2004, rubbing salt into their rivals’ wounds. With 25 Premier League wins compared to Spurs’ 15, Arsenal hold the upper hand in modern history.
