Everyone loves a grudge match, don’t they? There’s nothing like going to support your team against their fiercest rivals, and it’s even a thrill for the casual supporter. Here are some of the biggest derby matches to watch, from Arsenal vs Tottenham to Manchester United vs Manchester City.
The North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur
This is one of the biggest derbies around. The best place to experience this derby is at either the Emirates Stadium or the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, depending on which team is hosting. Both venues offer state-of-the-art facilities and incredible atmospheres on derby day.
The roar of the crowd when the teams emerge from the tunnel is spine-tingling, and the constant back-and-forth of chants between the home and away supporters creates an unforgettable ambience. You can find Arsenal tickets at Ticket Compare. They compare a range of trusted sellers to help you make the best choice.
How it feels to score the winner in the north London derby 😤@Arsenal | @biel_m04 pic.twitter.com/iAONyQz4wU
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 18, 2024
For those unable to secure tickets, the pubs around Highbury and Islington or Tottenham High Road offer excellent alternatives to soak up the derby atmosphere. The Tollington Arms near Arsenal’s ground and The Bricklayers near Tottenham’s stadium are particularly popular spots for fans.
Eight unforgettable North London Derby moments
The Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton
Reds vs Blues doesn’t get much more heated than this. Anfield and Goodison Park, separated by just a short walk across Stanley Park, both offer unique experiences for this fixture. Anfield’s famous Kop End creates a wall of noise, while Goodison Park’s tightly packed stands give a more traditional feel to the occasion.
For those without tickets, Liverpool city centre comes alive on derby day. Concert Square is a popular area for fans of both teams, with numerous bars showing the match. The Sandon pub, the birthplace of Liverpool FC, offers a particularly authentic experience for Reds fans.
From Ronny Rosenthal to Divock Origi…🙌🙌
Enjoy our 5⃣ injury-time winners against @Everton. 👊 pic.twitter.com/n8GVqjIJiH
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 6, 2018
Ranked! The best Merseyside Derbies of the Premier League era
The Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs Manchester City
Things have changed in Manchester. It used to be that the Red Devils who would walk all over all comers.
But now they’re floundering a little, while City has stormed to yet another title. Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium both provide world-class venues for this fixture. The atmosphere at both grounds is electric, with the stakes often extending beyond local pride to impact the top end of the table.
Is this Marcus Rashford strike the best we’ve seen in a Manchester derby? pic.twitter.com/zDQsVs3Zpb
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 6, 2024
For those without tickets, the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre offers a great pre-match experience, showcasing the history of English football and the city. The Printworks area is popular for watching the match, with several sports bars offering lively atmospheres.
10 of the most iconic Manchester Derby photos
The West London Derby: Chelsea vs Fulham
While perhaps not as high-profile as some other derbies, the West London clash between Chelsea and Fulham is a fixture steeped in local rivalry. The proximity of Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage, both nestled in affluent West London, adds to the neighbourly feel of this derby.
Experiencing this match at either stadium offers a glimpse into two different aspects of London football. Stamford Bridge provides a more modern, cosmopolitan atmosphere, while Craven Cottage, with its old-school charm, offers a more traditional football experience.
The pubs along Fulham Road, which connects the two stadiums, are excellent spots to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. The Chelsea Pensioner and The Temperance are popular choices for fans.
The London Derby: West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur
While not geographically as close as some other derbies, the rivalry between West Ham and Tottenham is fierce. This fixture often produces heated encounters and memorable moments.
The London Stadium, West Ham’s relatively new home, offers a modern setting for this derby. Its vast size creates an impressive spectacle, especially when filled with passionate East London support. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with its steep stands and excellent acoustics, also provides an incredible atmosphere for this fixture.
The pubs around Stratford and Hackney Wick offer great spots to watch the match. The Carpenter’s Arms near the London Stadium is a favourite among West Ham fans. It is worth remembering that you should watch which pubs you’re going to depending on what colour shirt you’re wearing!
The M23 Derby: Brighton & Hove Albion vs Crystal Palace
The rivalry between Brighton and Crystal Palace, despite the geographical distance, is one of the most intense in the Premier League. This derby, named after the motorway connecting the two cities, has its roots in a series of fiercely contested matches in the 1970s.
The Amex Stadium in Brighton and Selhurst Park in South London both offer unique experiences for this fixture. The Amex, with its modern design, contrasts with the more traditional feel of Selhurst Park, but both venues crackle with atmosphere on derby day.
The pubs along Brighton seafront or in Crystal Palace’s Norwood Junction area offer lively alternatives. The Evening Star in Brighton and the Pawsons Arms near Selhurst Park are popular choices among locals.
