The English Premier League is renowned for having some of the fiercest rivalries in professional football.
Without further ado, read on as we look at some of the key battles which could define the 2026/27 season, starting with the Manchester derby.
Manchester United vs Manchester City
The Soccerballworld match preview ahead of the clash between Manchester United and Manchester City in January highlighted how the balance of power had shifted between the two clubs.
City were rated as the odds-on favourites to win at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils ultimately scuppered that forecast by recording an impressive 2-0 victory.
United have not finished above City in the Premier League in the past 12 seasons, but could be a good bet to end that run next term.
Having improved massively in recent months, further investment in the squad this summer should help United mount a sustained title challenge.
Manchester United vs Liverpool
Barring unlikely combination of results over the next few weeks, United will end the campaign above Liverpool for the first time since the 2022/23 season.
The Red Devils did the double over Liverpool this term and are strongly fancied to put further distance between the two clubs next year.
The Merseyside outfit have failed to kick on after winning the 2024/25 title and could find it difficult to keep pace with the Premier League’s big guns.
Liverpool fans have revelled in United’s demise over the past few years, but may need to ready themselves for another era of Manchester-fuelled gloating.
Sunderland vs Newcastle United
When Sunderland won promotion from the Championship at the end of the last season, most people expected their stay in the top flight to be brief.
However, they have defied expectations to sit comfortably in mid-table, two points ahead of Newcastle United with two games remaining.
Regardless of what happens over the final couple of weeks, Sunderland fans will be able to spend the summer reminiscing about their team completing the double over their rivals.
Their two meetings next season are guaranteed to be equally feisty and should not be missed whenever they are played.
Everton vs Liverpool
Everton have been on the wrong side of the Merseyside derby for far too long now, and will be desperate to change the narrative next season.
They have had a solid season under manager David Moyes and could kick on if the club’s owners invest in the squad this summer.
They pushed Liverpool hard in their two fixtures this term, but were ultimately on the wrong end of the scoreline on both occasions.
However, if they can add a few quality players to their squad, they could provide Liverpool with an even sterner challenge next season.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
With Tottenham Hotspur still battling to stay afloat in the Premier League, Arsenal and Chelsea could be the main London derby next season.
The Gunners are on course to win the title for the first time since 2003/04, and they will head into the next campaign as one of the favourites to claim top spot.
Chelsea have had a miserable season, but the appointment of a new manager this summer could be the catalyst for them to enjoy a more productive 2026/27 campaign. Arsenal have had the upper hand over Chelsea over the past few years, but the landscape could change if the latter gets their act together this summer.
