Highlights

  • The Manchester City vs Manchester United derby is one of the most highly anticipated and thrilling matches in British football, with goals, drama, and tension guaranteed.
  • The ranking of the top 18 British football derbies takes into account fan atmosphere, historical significance, the games themselves, and the intensity of the rivalry.
  • Some of the biggest derbies in British football include the Old Firm derby, the North London derby, and the Merseyside derby.

Derby fixtures just have that extra edge about them, don’t they? Enough to make your knees weak and to get your blood pumping: from the North London derby to the all-Manchester affair in the Premier League, while those lower in England’s football pyramid don’t often get shunted in the same spotlight, the rivalries are just as scintillating. Perhaps even more so.

As such, we're swinging for the fences and nailing our colours to the mast by bravely - or foolishly, depending on your stance - ranking what we consider to be the top 18 British football derbies in the men's game. Now, we know, that's a pretty precious subject, and it goes without saying that every fan's own derby is always the one that's the most important, passionate and meaningful to them - and power to you if that's the case. Nevertheless, the simple fact of the matter is that some derbies are better than others, and we've tried our utmost to leave personal biases at the door; zooming out to give a bird's eye view on the match-ups to rule them all.

Ultimately, the decisions come down to the opinion of us here at GIVEMESPORT, but rest assured that the order will be informed by criteria such as fan atmosphere, historical significance, the games themselves and the gravity of the rivalry. Oh, and clubs can only feature once with their primary geographical derby taking precedence, so don't reach for your pitchfork and picket signs when Manchester United vs Liverpool, Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur, and mutliple variations of the East Midlands derby do not feature. But enough with the disclaimers and housekeeping because we've got British football's 18 finest derbies to rank - buckle up as we're about to ruffle some feathers.

The 18 biggest derbies in British football

Rank

Fixture

Derby Name

1.

Celtic vs Rangers

Old Firm derby

2.

Newcastle United vs Sunderland

Tyne-Wear derby

3.

Aston Villa vs Birmingham City

Second City derby

4.

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

North London derby

5.

Everton vs Liverpool

Merseyside derby

6.

Cardiff City vs Swansea City

South Wales derby

7.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

Manchester derby

8.

Millwall vs West Ham United

Dockers derby

9.

Hearts vs Hibernian

Edinburgh derby

10.

Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday

Steel City derby

11.

Derby County vs Nottingham Forest

East Midlands derby

12.

Portsmouth vs Southampton

South Coast derby

13.

Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley

East Lancashire derby

14.

West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Black Country derby

15.

Exeter City vs Plymouth Argyle

Devon derby

16.

Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers

Bristol derby

17.

Ipswich vs Norwich

East Anglian derby

18.

Dundee United vs Dundee

Dundee derby

18 Dundee United vs Dundee

Dundee derby

It might not be as glamorous and highly publicised as the Old Firm in Scotland, but the Dundee derby is one that football fans in the nation always take note of whenever the two clubs happen to face off. Last played in 2022, the two clubs have met 172 times throughout history with Dundee United coming out on top far more, with 81 victories compared to Dundee's 49.

It's not been the most competitive rivalry in that sense, but when your stadiums are separated by mere yards, there's no doubt that things are going to be tense between the two clubs. Still, there are a few others that are just a little more exciting, bitter and competitive.

17 Ipswich vs Norwich

East Anglian derby

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While on paper, the East Anglian derby might not seem like the most fierce in Britain, it's certainly one of the most competitive. Across every competitive meeting between Ipswich Town and Norwich City, the Canaries narrowly edge their rivals in the head-to-head, winning 47 games to the Tractor Boys' 45.

Neither of the two has ever really gotten the better of the other on a consistent basis, and it's made for some incredible meetings over the years. After a spell where Norwich were in the Premier League, Ipswich are now on top in the rivalry, currently fighting for promotion in second place, seven places and 18 points above the Canaries. Still, the feud isn't quite as bitter as others, so they come in at 17.

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16 Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers

Bristol derby

Jason Roberts scores for Bristol Rovers during the Nationwide League Division Two game between Bristol Rovers and Bristol City

A bit like a volcano, there are often long periods of dormancy where the sleeping giant stays silent, but there's always fireworks when things kick off – and there's no denying the fierceness between Bristol's footballing factions. And while you may think Bristolians love for anything but their vibrant urban farming scene would bare thin, that is far from the truth.

It has been some time since the last Bristol Derby, however, with the last game between the two sides taking place in September 2013 in the Johnstones Paint Trophy. City won that match 2-1, and they are, statistically, the stronger asset in the rivalry with 45 triumphs superior to Rovers’ win tally of 29 [11v11]. Considering how irregular the game takes place nowadays, we couldn't place this much higher.

15 Exeter City vs Plymouth Argyle

Devon derby

Plymouth Exeter

An underrated gem, this, always punches above its weight in studies of English football's best rivalries, with Devon's premier sides bringing their county to its feet even if the rest of the nation doesn't necessarily give it due praise. It’s more than just the three points on offer when the two meet.

Dating back to 1908, the Pilgrims and the Grecians first clashed in a Southern League fixture as the latter ran out 2–1 victors. That being said, the former currently hold the rights to brag as they have won nine more fixtures in the pair’s long and storied history.

14 West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Black Country derby

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If recent events have taught us anything, it's the fact that there's no love lost between fans of both West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Black Country derby is one that often flies under the radar, but has recently been thrust into the spotlight after a meeting between the two was temporarily suspended due to a mass brawl between supporters in the stands.

That goes to show just how bitter things are between both sets of supporters. In total, the sides have faced off on 163 occasions over the years, with the Baggies having the head-to-head advantage right now. They've won 65 matches, while Wolves have won 54, but with the change of fortunes between the two clubs, they might close that gap in the future.

3:16
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13 Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley

East Lancashire derby

Blackburn Rovers Burnley

This just screams of a vintage English derby, doesn't it? The flame of the amusingly nicknamed 'El Lanclasico' has been burning bright since their first meeting in 1888. Interestingly, Accrington Stanley – which is situated smack bang in the middle of the two – is typically overlooked as a rival as Burnley and Blackburn Rovers considere each other to be their foe in the English pyramid.

The northwest of England is littered with many football rivalries but not many come close to the magnitude between these two. Burnley now has the upper hand given they have regained the credibility in the top division and so the East Lancashire derby has yet to be pencilled into the diaries.

12 Portsmouth vs Southampton

South Coast derby

Southampton Portsmouth

Forget history, statistics and recent records, the South Coast derby is one that you feel, and sometimes there's just no better barometer of a rivalry's needle, jeopardy and significance than that. Nevertheless, the competition for a top-ten finish is such that we can't quite elevate it amongst British football's derby royalty, even if the lung-busting chants of Pompey and Saints fans almost push it there alone. The two cities – embroiled in war, tragedy, violence and football – is a derby worth watching given their intertwining history of their league positions and off-field struggles, too difficult to comprehend as the rivalry’s embryonic chapters are wildly different to the current picture.

While Portsmouth currently lead League One, Southampton are pushing for promotion back to the top flight, with journalist Dean Jones telling GIVEMESPORT that Ryan Fraser could play a key role in their ambitions. Should they fail to achieve their goal, though, we could get the first match between the two teams since 2019.

11 Derby County vs Nottingham Forest

East Midlands derby

Derby County Nottingham Forest

While, yes, Forest might just be a hop across the Trent away from their Nottingham neighbours of Notts County, let's be honest here and say that their rivalry with Derby has far more box-office appeal. Not only have the two Midlands institutes found themselves slugging it out in the Championship in recent years, but you know the derby's huge when silverware - the Brian Clough Trophy - is literally dished out after every meeting.

Now that Forest are plying their trade in a division two levels above their rivals, has the superior team been settled once and for all? Well, with the Reds just five wins ahead in their head-to-head ratio, there are certainly Rams fans who would disagree with that notion. Leicester City also share a rivalry with both of these teams, but this is the best game of the three.

10 Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday

Steel City derby

Sheffield Derby

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 current Premier League outfit United that comes out on top in the head-to-head record of their 131-game history.

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 around once in a blue moon.

9 Hearts vs Hibernian

Edinburgh derby

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Two proud clubs founded in the 1870s sharing the capital city of a nation that puts blood, sweat and tears into its football not only makes for one of the sport's longest-running derbies but also one of the most passionate. The football-mad city of Edinburgh has homed both clubs for some while now, with the first match-up between the duo coming on Christmas Day in 1875.

Another 662 games have followed with just over half of those (337) coming competitively. Whether it’s a friendly or a match with some substance, however, you best believe it’ll be played like the final of the World Cup.

8 Millwall vs West Ham United

Dockers derby

West Ham Millwall

You know it's one of British football's biggest derbies, we know it's one of British football's biggest derbies and your nan probably knows it's one of British football's biggest derbies. It's Millwall vs West Ham, after all. Although there have only been three clashes between the sides since 2005 and no doubt plenty of people will be happy about that, we couldn't forgive ourselves if we didn't at least give the Dockers derby a place in our top 10.

Despite their lack of fixtures in recent times, how can you not sit in awe at how perfect a rivalry this one is? There’s no doubt that it would certainly jump up the list if they faced each other on a more regular basis. Come on Millwall, get promoted, will ya?

7 Manchester City vs Manchester United

Manchester derby

Manchester City and Manchester United players at the Etihad.

Has the life and soul of the Manchester derby waned in recent years? Maybe, maybe, 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 atmospheres hold City and United back from a top-five finish, we'd be out of our minds not to admit that Manchester's intercity clashes are up to their ears in quality, history and blockbuster entertainment.

There's been no shortage of animosity between players over the years, with Mario Balotelli finding out that you do not mess with Nemanja Vidic the hard way. While many fans of a United persuasion believe that Liverpool are their fiercest rivals, there’s so little that can come between wanting to be the biggest and the best in a football-crazed city such as Manchester – and that’s exactly what this derby brings to the table.

Manchester derby - Top goalscorers

Player

Club

Goals

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United

11

Francis Lee

Manchester City

9

Sergio Aguero

Manchester City

9

Eric Cantona

Manchester United

8

Colin Bell

Manchester City

7

All statistics per Transfermarkt

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6 Cardiff City vs Swansea City

South Wales derby

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For what the game lacks in immediate geographical proximity - the stadiums are a 40-mile drive apart - the all-Wales clash for dominance in the Land of Dragons makes up for it on sheer passion, determination and competitiveness alone.

When the two South Wales giants slugged it out in the Premier League for the very first time in 2012/13, it really felt as though England's top flight had grown a chest-pumping new derby of the likes it hasn't seen since. The rift between the two clubs is stark, though the Swans can currently hold their heads high, coming out superior in their head-to-head record.

5 Everton vs Liverpool

Merseyside derby

Everton vs Liverpool

Few cities in the world live and breathe their football clubs more than Liverpool, so it's no surprise that the Merseyside derby is always a fast-track ticket to cauldron-like atmospheres that get the eyes of the world watching. Having played continuously since the 1962/63 campaign, the only shame is that Liverpool has dominated the fixture ad nauseam in the 21st century despite the sheer needle of the fixture, which can see families split between the home and away ends.

Goodison Park and Anfield are scarily a stone’s throw away and have the green of Stanley Park to separate them, so it comes as little surprise that the fans’ affinity to their respective club is like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

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4 Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

North London derby

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka celebrates scoring vs Tottenham

An absolute banker for entertainment, the North London derby is on a roll when it comes to two top-four-contending sides with stellar fan bases slugging it out until one side has scored more goals than the other. Not only does it mean absolutely everything to Spurs and Arsenal fans when it pops up twice a year, but the rivalry is so palpable and entertaining that it draws in neutrals from around the world wanting to get in on the action.

An eye-watering 194 games have been played out between the north London pair, many of which have been enthralling and this season’s was no different. An own goal, penalty, a brace for Heung-min Son, and James Maddison bantering Bukayo Saka? Yes, please!

3 Aston Villa vs Birmingham City

Second City derby

Villa Birmingham derby

However, for what Arsenal vs Tottenham and Everton vs Liverpool might have in the glamour department, the Second City derby knocks them out of the park with the hostility and suspense that makes a vintage rivalry. There are few adrenaline-pumping derbies available in British football that make you want to just soak in the atmosphere and watch two historic sides do battle than the fixture upon which Brummie sport is built.

A worthy medallist. For a while, the two were level pegging in terms of status, whether that be in the Championship or the Premier League, though Villa are heads and shoulders above their counterparts with European football added to their forte now, too.

2 Newcastle United vs Sunderland

Tyne-Wear derby

Newcastle United Sunderland

Two footballing cathedrals? Check. Two massive clubs with rich histories? Check. Two fan bases who live for their clubs? Check. Two sides with a great tradition of entertaining football? Check. And one part of the world that adores the sport? Check. While it's sad to see two immortal institutions of English football separated by multiple leagues right now, it does little to diminish the Tyne–Wear derby's well-earned status as the ultimate rivalry south of the border.

The two had been neck and neck for derby wins, but the first Tyne-Wear derby in eight years allowed Newcastle to go one win in front after a victory in the FA Cup. Sunderland fans will be itching for the next chance to get their own back.

1 Celtic vs Rangers

Old Firm derby

Celtic and Rangers fans

Like, duh. Forget British football or even European football, there's a very good case for the Old Firm standing head and shoulders above the rest as the ultimate derby in the beautiful game. Two giants of the sport sharing a city that has football pumping through its veins, the collisions between Celtic and Rangers are a meeting of arguably the most passionate, hearts-on-their-sleeves supporters that you're ever likely to see.

It’s less about the football and more about the ever-growing distaste towards each other – but somehow it’s beautiful viewing. If watching an Old Firm game isn't on your bucket list, then you can't call yourself a football fan.