The biggest Premier League rivalries of all-time

Problems with hooliganism during the 1980s had tarnished the sport’s image in England, making it an unappealing proposition for broadcasters and sponsors.

However, with the backing of Sky TV and a new-found level of professionalism, the Premier League gave football in England a much-needed kick up the backside.

The EPL’s growth over the past 30 years has been helped by its lucrative link-ups with other sectors such as the online gambling industry.

That point is highlighted by perfection on

, which are awash with markets on every Premier League game throughout the season.

The popularity of the EPL has also been driven by rivalries, some of which pre-existed while others have been formed since the division’s inception.

With that in mind, we take a look at the biggest rivalries of all-time, starting with one that pre-dates the launch of the Premier League.

Manchester United vs Liverpool

The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is more than 100 years old, and has its roots in cultural and industrial differences.

As the two most successful clubs in English football, the two sides have regularly battled each other to win major silverware.

Liverpool enjoyed a dominant spell during the 1970s and 1980s, before Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford to ‘knock them off their perch’.

While United and Liverpool both have rival clubs located in their own cities, this is still the game that matters most to both sets of fans.

Manchester United vs Arsenal

One of the first new rivalries in the Premier League, the spat between

was borne out of repeated battles for trophies over several years.

Much of the bitterness between the two sides stemmed from the managers, with Ferguson and Arsene Wenger regularly at loggerheads with each other.

Run-ins between Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira, both on and off the pitch, did little to dampen a feud that often spiralled out of control.

Things have calmed down a little in recent times, but things could explode again if they can force their way back to the top of the Premier League.  

Manchester City vs Manchester United

While some City fans like to think of Liverpool as their rivals based on recent title battles, it pales into significance alongside their animosity towards United.

This is another rivalry that is more than a century old, and each side has had spells when they have been the dominant force.

City are currently in the ascendancy, and boast several players who could win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The relish with which they celebrated their recent 6-3 victory over United perfectly highlights that their local rivals are the team they want to beat the most.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal

While recent history gives Chelsea a strong claim to be classed as the biggest club in London, most football fans know that is not true.

Arsenal have historically been the number one club in the capital city and their rivalry with Tottenham Hotspur is unquestionably the most intense.

It dates back to before the First World War, when Arsenal moved from south of the River Thames to join Spurs in north London.

The bitterness between the two sides remains intact today and may well become more bitter now their respective fortunes are improving again.

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Stamford Bridge in 2004 soon forced Ferguson to switch his focus from Wenger to the newly-minted Chelsea.

With owner Roman Abramovich’s backing, the Blues became one of the big hitters at home and abroad over the next few years.

on to even greater heights, fielding a team that created on-pitch rivalries to match the Keane vs Vieira duel.

The battles between the two sides during that period were some of the most fearsome ever witnessed since the Premier League was launched.