Where does Arsenal v Tottenham and Liverpool v Everton rank in our list of clashes…
Two of the biggest local derbies in English football take place this weekend as Arsenal and Tottenham do battle in North London, while Liverpool and Everton go head-to-head on Merseyside, with both matches holding major top four implications.
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These fixtures are renowned for being among the most competitive in English football, so click through and see where they rank in our list of the ten most competitive local rivalries in the country:
10) Cardiff City vs Swansea City (South Wales derby)
This game enjoyed its peak moment last season as the two fixtures between these sides were played in the top flight of English football for the first time. Unfortunately, Cardiff’s relegation has only served to emphasise the gap in quality.
9) Nottingham Forest vs Derby County (East Midlands derby)
These two Championship sides have enjoyed a highly competitive rivalry in recent seasons, with both pushing for promotion to the Premier League. Could they meet in the top flight at any time in the near future?
8) Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday (Steel City derby)
These two teams have both endured difficult times over the last decade, with both former Premier League sides dropping down to League One, albeit with Wednesday since escaping. United will be aiming to join them in the Championship next season.
7) Portsmouth vs Southampton (South Coast derby)
This rivalry has been somewhat crushed by Pompey’s downfall, which saw them drop from the Premier League to League Two. They did briefly bypass each other in the Championship, but there was little stopping a Saints side bound for the top flight.
6) Manchester United vs Manchester City (Manchester derby)
The United-City rivalry has taken on far greater significance in recent years, with the two sides regularly going head-to-head over the Premier League title. However, it took many years of City struggling in lower divisions before such games were possible.
5) Aston Villa vs Birmingham City (Second City derby)
There might be a division between these two sides, but you can guarantee that they’re still keeping tabs on each other. If you need proof of the dislike between the Midlands rivals, you only have to look at the reaction that greeted Alex McLeish during his ill-fated spell at Villa Park.
4) Millwall vs West Ham United (Dockers derby)
This is a game renowned for extreme passion from the two sets of supporters. It’s been several years since these two sides last met in the league, with their most recent fixture occurring during West Ham’s last spell in the Championship, but they are games not to be missed.
3) Newcastle United & Sunderland (Tyne-Wear derby)
Sunderland have enjoyed an excellent record over Newcastle in the last couple of years, with Adam Johnson a constant thorn in the side for the Magpies. The question now is whether John Carver will have any more luck in these games that Alan Pardew.
2) Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur (North London derby)
Arsenal always seem to find a way to finish above Tottenham, or at least that’s how it seems. This weekend’s clash takes on extra significance, with the winner receiving a major boost to their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
1) Liverpool vs Everton (Merseydide derby)
All the passion of this fixture was on display at Anfield earlier this season, when Steven Gerrard put the Reds ahead, only for Phil Jagialka’s bolt from the blue to draw the visitors level. Here’s hoping for another classic on Saturday afternoon.