With the Manchester and Glasgow derbies taking the headlines this weekend, we consider what other derbies will grab our attention this season?
Manchester City’s Fernandinho in action with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford – Manchester derby
Manchester derby – Manchester United v Manchester City
Jose Mourinho v Pep Guardiola is enough to intruige anyone but to have the two involved in a Manchester derby, where both sides will be looking to get an early edge in the title race will certainly add both to both matches we’ll see this term.
The two have history but so do United and City and no doubt it will be a fiery contest when they go to battle on Saturday lunchtime.
In recent times it’s been City who have had the joy, winning seven out of the last ten meetings including that famous 6-1 demolition that City inflicted at Old Trafford in 2011.
Marcus Rashford’s brilliant solo effort was the difference between the two teams when they met last time round although much has changed since then. With two different managers, as well as an overhaul in the playing squad with the likes of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Nolito and John Stones just a few new names who will taste their first Manchester derby, it promises to be an interesting affair.
The Old Firm- Celtic v Rangers
The Old Firm will resume once more after four seasons of no league rivalry, with Rangers’ return to the Scottish top flight.
Despite the two sides meeting in the Scottish Cup, the return of the Gers to the Premiership will no doubt help Scottish football as a whole. Rangers won that last meeting in April with Mark Warburton’s men winning on penalties at the semi-final stage.
It will be new territory for Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers who will manage his first Old Firm. Despite experience in the Merseyside derbies as well as the rivalry with Manchester United as Liverpool manager, the Old Firm may be a different kettle of fish.
Celtic’s Ki Sung-Yeung (R) in action against Rangers’ Steven Davis
Midlands derby – Birmingham City v Aston Villa
Possibly a derby that will go under the radar for many with both clubs plying their trade in the second tier of English football, however the two Second City sides will resume their rivalry again, for the first time in the several league campaigns.
They did meet last season in the Capital One Cup with Aston Villa winning 2-1, one of the few bright spots for Villa fans.
With the Lions looking to gain promotion and Birmingham City a work in progress under manager Gary Rowett, there is no doubt each team will be looking to damage the other’s prospects this year.
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish in action with Birmingham’s Michael Morrison
Merseyside derby – Liverpoll v Everton
Two sides separated by one park. A regular fixture in the footballing calendar, however it never seems to disappoint which is why this is one of the most anticipated games of the season.
Everton have been on the wrong end of the derbies in the overall head to heads with The Toffees winning only 82 of their 277 encounters, with 80 draws.
It will be a new experience for manager Ronald Koeman, who will endure his first Merseyside derby this term after moving from Southampton to Goodison Park.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku in action with Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren
North London derby – Tottenham Hospur v Arsenal
Arsenal have seemingly been the more superior force in North London however the rise of Tottenham Hotspur under Mauricio Pochettino last term will suggest that it’s set to be an interesting two Premier League battles this campaign.
The two clubs played out two draws last season (1-1 at The Emirates & 2-2 at White Hart Lane) which certainly shows how intense and close the competition is on the pitch.
Both sides will be vowing to finish in the top four once more but with the Lilywhites going so close to capturing the title, they will be one of the clubs challenging the likes of the Gunners, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City to be in and around the mix come May.
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin in action with Tottenham’s Dele Alli (C) and Mousa Dembele
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