English football is not only famous for its top teams in the world but also for its fiery matches between traditional competitors. The history of English football has witnessed fierce competition between prestigious clubs, from fiery local derbies to rivalries competing in national and continental competitions. Here bestsoccertips.com share our list of the 10 English Football Rivalries ranked, based on their history, achievements and the emotions their matches bring to fans.
Top 10 english football rivalries ranked
1. Dundee United vs Dundee
While not as glamorous and widely publicized as the Old Firm in Scotland, the Dundee derby is a match that domestic football fans always pay attention to whenever the two clubs face each other. Last played in 2022, the two clubs have met 172 times throughout history, with Dundee United leading in victories, with 81 wins compared to Dundee’s 49.
On the surface, it may not be the fiercest of rivalries, but when your stadiums are just a stone’s throw away from each other, tensions are sure to rise between the two clubs. However, there are still some other interesting, bitter, and slightly more competitive.
2. Ipswich vs Norwich
While on paper, the East Anglian derby might not be the fiercest in England, it’s certainly one of the most fiercely contested. In every clash between Ipswich Town and Norwich City, the Canaries have narrowly edged past their rivals in the head-to-head record, winning 47 matches against the Tractor Boys’ 45.
Neither side has ever truly dominated the other consistently, and that has resulted in some remarkable encounters over the years. Following Norwich’s time in the Premier League, Ipswich currently leads the contention, currently fighting for promotion in second place, seven spots and 18 points ahead of the Canaries. However, the rivalry isn’t as intense as some others, so they stand at 17th.
3. Bristol City vs Bristol Rovers
A bit like a dormant volcano, there are prolonged periods of slumber where the giant lies dormant, but there are always fireworks when things kick off – and there’s no denying the fierceness between the factions in Bristol football. And while you might think Bristolians love anything but their bustling urban agricultural scene would be rather thin, that’s not the case.
However, it’s been a while since the last Bristol Derby, with the last match between the two sides taking place in September 2013 in the Johnstones Paint Trophy. City won that match 2-1, and statistically, they have been the stronger side in the rivalry with 45 victories, overshadowing Rovers’ tally of 29. Considering the rarity of the game these days, we can’t rank this one much higher.
4. Exeter City vs Plymouth Argyle
An underrated gem, this one, always punching above its weight in studies of England’s best football rivalries, with Devon’s top teams keeping their county standing even when the rest of the nation might not necessarily sing its praises. It’s not just three points on offer when these two meet.
Since 1908, the Pilgrims and the Grecians first clashed in a Southern League match with the latter winning 2-1. That said, the latter now has the bragging rights having won nine more matches in the long and storied history of this pair.
5. West Bromwich Albion vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
If recent events have taught us anything, it’s that there’s no love lost between the fans of both West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Black Country derby is always a keenly watched affair but has recently become the center of attention after a match between the two sides was temporarily suspended due to a brawl among supporters in the stands.
That shows just how bitter things can get between both sets of fans. In total, the sides have faced each other 163 times over the years, with the Baggies currently holding the edge. They’ve won 65 matches, while Wolves have won 54, but with the changing fortunes between the two clubs, they may narrow that gap in the future.
6. Blackburn Rovers vs Burnley
Is this just the roar of an English classic derby? The fire of the team with the intriguing nickname ‘El Lanclasico’ has been burning since their first encounter in 1888. Interestingly, Accrington Stanley – the team sandwiched between both – often finds itself considered as an adversary as Burnley and Blackburn Rovers consider each other their nemesis in the English football pyramid.
The Northwest of England has plenty of footballing rivalries, but few are as evenly matched as these two. Burnley currently holds the upper hand as they’ve regained their status in the Premier League, so the East Lancashire derby is yet to be etched into history.
7. Portsmouth vs Southampton
Forget about history, statistics, and recent records; the South Coast derby is a match you feel, and sometimes there’s no better barometer of intensity, danger, and opponent importance than that. However, the competition to break into the top 10 is such that we can’t elevate it to one of England’s royal derbies, even if the passionate chants of Pompey and Saints fans almost push it there. Two cities—embroiled in war, tragedy, violence, and football—are a spectacle due to the intertwined history in league positions and off-field struggles, confusing because the embryonic chapters of the rival are so different from the current picture.
While Portsmouth currently leads League One, Southampton is striving for a return to the top flight, with journalist Dean Jones telling GIVEMESPORT that Ryan Fraser could play a pivotal role in their ambitions. However, if they fall short, we might see the first match between the two sides since 2019.
8. Derby County vs Nottingham Forest
Though, yes, Forest might just be a skip across the Trent away from Nottingham’s other neighbor Notts County, let’s be honest here that their rivalry with Derby has much more ticket appeal. In recent years, the two Midlands academies haven’t just vied for Championship honors, but you know the significance of the derby when the silverware—the Brian Clough Trophy—is actually awarded after each meeting.
Now with Forest plying their trade a tier above their counterparts, has the supremacy been settled once and for all? Well, with the Reds only leading by 5 wins in head-to-head encounters, surely some Rams fans would disagree with that notion. Leicester City also has a rivalry with both these teams, but this is the best of the bunch.
9. Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday
One of England’s historically great cities is also home to its most iconic football clubs, so, of course, battles between the Blades and the Owls are as fierce as the steel industry of their homeland. Dubbed the ‘Steel City Derby,’ the Premier League’s current representatives, the United, lead the historical tally of their 131 encounters.
Unlike many rivals, you can always trust that the fanbases will be amicable towards each other for the greater good, but all smiles and cooperation go out the window when the match kicks off on a derby day.
10. Hearts vs Hibernian
Two proud clubs founded in the 1870s share the capital of a nation steeped in blood, sweat, and tears into its footballing fabric not only creates one of the longest-standing derbies in the sport but also one of the most passionate. The football-mad city of Edinburgh has been home to both clubs for a while, with the first match between this pair taking place on Christmas Day in 1875.
Followed by another 662 encounters with just over half of them (337) being competitive. However, whether it’s a friendly or a match with something on the line, you can bet it’ll play out like a World Cup final.
Conclusion
English football rivalries ranked not just about competing on the pitch but also about the competitive spirit and passion of the fans. Derbies and rivalries are always occasions for clubs and fans to show their love and passion for this sport.
