Few sporting experiences compare to an English Premier League derby. These rival matches between two local teams go far beyond football—their history often runs deep and the stakes are always high. In 2026, EPL derby games, also known as epl derbies, will once again deliver intense atmospheres, unforgettable moments, and world-class football, making them the ultimate bucket-list experience for fans.
Derby matches bring entire cities to life. On matchday, pubs fill early, chants echo through the streets, and the tension inside the stadium is unmistakable. Here’s how to experience it and why they are well worth a look.
What Makes EPL Derby Matches So Special
EPL derby matches stand apart because they are deeply rooted in local identity. These fixtures are shaped by geography, shared history, and decades of competition between clubs whose supporters often live side by side. The result is a level of intensity that goes beyond form, league position, or star players.
Derby matches offer a rare chance to see the Premier League in its rawest and most authentic form, where passion, pride, and football culture come together in a way that defines English football.
Our clients choose derby matches because they want to experience football at its most authentic. These games deliver an intensity and emotion that cannot be replicated on television.
This is why many fans consider these fixtures to be the best Premier League derbies, where rivalries, atmosphere, and football tradition come together at their highest level.
1. Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs Manchester City (Expected February–April 2026)
The Manchester Derby is one of the most globally watched fixtures in football. It represents a clash between legacy and modern dominance, played out at two iconic stadiums—Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.
These matches often have major title or top-four implications, and the atmosphere in the city builds days before kickoff. For traveling fans, Manchester offers a powerful mix of football culture, music history, and industrial heritage.
While you’re there:
Take time to explore the Northern Quarter for music, street art, and independent shops, visit the National Football Museum, or enjoy a canal-side walk near Castlefield. Manchester’s compact layout makes it easy to combine sightseeing with matchday excitement.
2. North London Derby: Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur (Expected February–March 2026)
The North London Derby is known for its pace, emotion, and intensity. When Arsenal and Tottenham meet, the atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is relentless from kickoff to full time.
This fixture is especially popular with international fans because it blends elite football with a classic London experience. The rivalry is fierce, the crowds are vocal, and the matches are often unpredictable.
While you’re there:
Explore Camden Market for food and culture, stroll through Regent’s Canal, or visit nearby Hampstead Heath for panoramic city views. North London offers a perfect balance of local character and iconic London sights. If you’re a football fan, don’t miss the chance to explore it with the London Soccer Gateway tour.
3. Merseyside Derby: Liverpool vs Everton (Expected March–April 2026)
One of the oldest rivalries in English football, the Merseyside Derby is steeped in tradition. While Liverpool and Everton supporters share the same city, everything changes once the match begins.
Played at Anfield or Goodison Park, this derby is known for its intensity and emotion, with crowds that create some of the loudest atmospheres in English football.
While you’re there:
Visit the historic Albert Dock, explore The Beatles Story, or enjoy the waterfront views along the River Mersey. Liverpool is a walkable city with a rich cultural scene that pairs perfectly with a derby weekend.
4. London Derby: Chelsea vs Arsenal (Expected February–April 2026)
Chelsea versus Arsenal is a classic London derby that consistently delivers high-stakes football. With both clubs often competing for European places, these matches are tactical, intense, and fiercely contested.
Stamford Bridge and the Emirates Stadium provide compact, charged environments where every challenge is felt in the stands.
While you’re there:
Near Stamford Bridge, explore Kensington and Chelsea, including museums like the V&A and Natural History Museum. Around the Emirates, discover Islington’s cafés and pubs, perfect for soaking up pre- and post-match atmosphere.
5. London Derby: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur (Expected April–May 2026)
This rivalry has grown increasingly intense and is now one of the most heated matchups in the Premier League. Late-season fixtures often carry added pressure, with league position and European qualification at stake.
Expect physical football, loud crowds, and dramatic moments that define campaigns.
While you’re there:
Combine your match with sightseeing in central London, from Westminster and Buckingham Palace to a walk along the Thames. Tottenham’s modern stadium also offers guided tours that appeal to football enthusiasts.
Travel Tips for Planning an EPL Derby Match Trip
premier league derbies matches are among the most in-demand fixtures of the season, and careful planning is essential. Tickets are limited, kickoff times may change due to television scheduling, and hotels fill quickly around match weekends.
Our clients benefit from booking early, staying in well-connected neighborhoods, and allowing flexibility in their itineraries. Adding extra days around matchday enhances the experience, as derby weekends transform entire cities with build-up, atmosphere, and celebrations.
Ready to experience the thrill of an EPL Derby match on your next vacation?
We design tailor-made EPL soccer tours centered around the biggest derby matches of 2026. From securing match tickets to arranging hotels, transfers, and carefully curated local experiences, we manage every aspect of the journey.
Our tours are created for fans who want a seamless, premium experience and the chance to witness football’s greatest rivalries live.
If you’re ready to experience the passion of an EPL derby in 2026, entrust your trip to experts who understand football, travel, and unforgettable moments. Enquire today and let us bring your Premier League derby experience to life.