Britain's top 10 football derbies from Dundee to the Den. Liverpool vs Everton ranks fourth but which fiery clash between rivals takes top spot?
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It is the season to be lairy. The festive fixture menu traditionally offers the meaty fare of the derby. The British game is liberally sprinkled with them. These derby matches have aggression, spite and high energy. But they are imbued with the primal element of defending one’s territory.
![[Jurrien Timber and Guglielmo Vicario clash during the north London derby in September]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/25/07/93471589-14222459-image-a-1_1735112446938.jpg)
In choosing the best British derbies, I have decided to place geography over rivalry. Liverpool v Manchester United and Rangers v Aberdeen, for example, are fixtures that have grown in power over the years and have become intoxicating. But, for this list, I have opted for the local brew. And given a taste of what makes the fixture unmissable.
![[Hearts' 5-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hibernian will last long in the memories of fans]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/19/93437963-14222459-image-a-5_1734983203713.jpg)
10. Dundee v Dundee United. HOW many cities can say they have produced two European Cup semi-finalists from the same street? Milan would pipe up but that is merely a ground share. The stretch of road that links Dens Park to Tannadice also emphasises separation. These are two, distinct clubs with varying history and culture. Dundee, once the top dogs, were overtaken by the upstarts in the late 20th century. There is something approaching parity now. This matters little, of course. These teams share a street but divide a city.
![[Despite its reputation as the 'friendly' derby, the Merseyside clash is anything but]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/19/93437955-14222459-image-a-4_1734983166802.jpg)
Edited highlight: Dundee United won the title once — in 1983, on their rivals’ ground, with a Ralph Milne worldy. 9. Cardiff v Swansea. THIS was one of the first fixtures that banned away fans so that gives an indication of the ferocity of the fixture. Neither team has ascended to the very top of.
![[Alan Shearer became a face synonymous for netting against Newcastle's arch rivals]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/19/93437947-14222459-image-a-2_1734983095316.jpg)
English football in terms of league titles — though Swansea once fluttered and flattered under the management of John Toshack — but this is a match that needs no outside significance. It is viscerally hostile, though some claim that this only came with hooliganism in the 1960s and there was a gentleness in the rivalry before that.
![[Celtic's Mo Johnston fires in a shot during 4-4 Old Firm draw against Rangers in 1986]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/23/19/93437939-14222459-image-a-1_1734983075460.jpg)
