What are the Fiercest Derbies in English Football?

What are the Fiercest Derbies in English Football?

This weekend in the Premier League, we are treated to one of the fiercest derbies there is in English football, as Liverpool host their ever-present enemies Everton at Anfield. This fixture is widely recognized as the most raucous and hostile affair between two highly passionate and unforgiving fan bases.

The Merseyside derby has produced more red cards than any other English fixture, which never fails to add that extra edge to the result, and that is why it is also one of the most watched matches in the country each year. Although this weekend's fixture is at Liverpool, this derby has been even more intense at Goodison Park over recent years, so the first Merseyside derby at the Toffees' brand new Hill Dickinson Stadium in April is certainly going to be a spicy affair.

With one of the biggest matches this season on the horizon, it got us thinking, what other derbies produce similar, if not higher levels of ferocity and passion than on the banks of the Mersey?

So, moving this fixture aside, here are five other major derbies in English football.

97:07 - James Tarkowski’s equaliser was Liverpool's second-latest goal conceded on record in the Premier League (since 2006-07), after Robin van Persie’s strike for Arsenal in April 2011 (97:10). Gasp. pic.twitter.com/a8zn7FjsOu

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 12, 2025

Newcastle United vs Sunderland

There is no list of ferocious derbies that doesn’t include the Tyne-Wear derby. Separated by the shortage of just 20km, the Tyne-Wear derby goes beyond football. The hatred between the people of Newcastle and Sunderland stems back to the 17th century, specifically to the English Civil War.

The people of the two cities fought under two completely different opposing forces, and this rivalry has carried through to football in the modern day. With confidence-crushing intensity brought by two highly passionate fan bases that would do anything for their team, this fixture is surrounded by some serious animosity whenever it occurs.

Over the past decade, this derby has been played out few and far between, having been played just once since the conclusion of the 2015/16 top-flight campaign, but even then, they were not quite on the same level. Now Sunderland are certainly on Newcastle’s level, and December 13th could not come quicker.

Derby Days: Sunderland vs Newcastle United

The Tyne-Wear derby has moved from sporting rivalry via civic fraternity to polarised enmity in its 136-year history.

But in terms of status, finance, structure and ambition, these clubs have never been further apart.@mwalker2771 ⬇️

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 8, 2024

Aston Villa vs Birmingham City

This fixture is one of the most hostile in the UK, let alone in England. Whether it is constant fights breaking out or crowd members storming the pitch and striking a player, this fixture truly has seen it all.

This historic rivalry regularly produces the most suspenseful and tense atmospheres you could find in the sport, which makes this fixture such a must-see. Although Aston Villa may be on a completely different level to the Brummies, the quality between the sides flies out the window in what always feels like a last-man-standing-type game, in which countless cards have been shown over the years.

The teams haven’t met since 2019, but there is no doubt that when they do, all football fans must stop what they’re doing and put their feet back, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the carnage unfold.

5ATB’s goal of the day 📆(18th July 2023)

Jack Grealish vs. Birmingham (2019): pic.twitter.com/0AzAa19h1t

— Five At The Back Podcast (@5attheBackPod) July 18, 2023

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

Another absolutely cracking fixture, neither Arsenal nor Spurs head into the North London derby as favorites, as these sides have played out some serious barn burners over recent years. Although the Gunners may have a trophy cabinet that would have Spurs fans in awe of, there is no shortage of chaotic moments and award-winning goals when these sides meet.

These top sides are two of just six Premier League clubs to have never been relegated since its inception in 1992, and over their history, they have completed almost 200 high-quality, eye-watering affairs. In the top-flight since 1992, this fixture has been played out 66 times, featuring 190 goals at 2.88 per match, offering high scoring, eventful, and spicy matches on the regular.

📆 On this day, in 2021, Erik Lamela scored 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 rabona goal at the Emirates! 🤯 #thfc pic.twitter.com/2WwhgxcCYL

— Spurs Army (@SpursArmyTweets) March 14, 2024

Manchester City vs Manchester United

The most recent of today’s rivalries to have been played, with – look away United fans – Man City thumping the Red Devils 3-0, continuing Ruben Amorim’s pain in the dugout. You may not believe us, but this was once a very one-sided affair, with United’s 13 league titles reflecting their dominance over Sky Blue rivals. However, since the money entered the blue side of the city, it has been nothing but struggle for United, with no further league titles to show since 2013, and just a handful of domestic trophies, along with one Europa League victory too.

After City’s 2022/23 campaign, the Red Devils nearly had nothing left to trump their rivals following Pep’s treble success. Although Premier League titles currently stand at 13 to 8, give it another decade, and it may well be yet another record the Citizens have overcome. This match still produces high levels of hatred amongst fans, including towards certain players who have famously traded one shade of Manchester for the other over recent decades, rightly receiving just about the right amount of hostility.

Man City get their first win since the opening weekend against their city rivals
man united. pic.twitter.com/RdzQ1D4w1y

— PrimePitch (@menz_omar) September 15, 2025

Millwall vs West Ham United

Lastly, we had to include Millwall on this list, a club well known for having the most hostile of any fan base. Unfortunately, due to the Lions having an invisible cap not allowing them to enter the promised land of the Premier League, only on three occasions have the two sides met.

The Dockers derby is one of the most intense derbies around, and we could be upon another handful of clashes if the Lions can finally overcome the invisible barrier that has been their kryptonite for the past 35 years.