10 Biggest Football Rivalries In Midlands
5. Wolves vs Aston Villa
It is one which could well become more heightened in the coming years, with both clubs harbouring the same ambitions and facing some common problems in how precisely to achieve them.
Villa are obviously several steps behind Wolves, who needed only one campaign back in the top flight to break into European competition. But ultimately, the desired destination remains the same and both clubs know they will likely have to tread a similar path in order to reach it.
With both the clubs from the West Midlands region, expect this game to grow in stature. In the 128 games played between the two, Aston Villa has won 55, while Wolves has won 41.
4. Leicester City vs Nottingham Forest
The East Midlands is a funny place to determine local rivalries. Traditionally, a successful area of the country in terms of footballing heritage, being the home of Nottingham Forest, Derby County and of course, Leicester City. However, although there is little room for disputing the legitimacy of the ‘East Midlands Big 3’. There is significantly more doubt over the issue of who hates whom.
In 2003, the Football Fans Census aimed to highlight who football fans considered their clubs biggest rivals and there were no surprises in the East Midlands with all three naming each other as their two biggest rivals. Leicester ranks Forest as their number one rivals, while Forest also rates Leicester as their biggest rivals after Derby County.
So far 104 games have been played between them, with Leicester winning 40 and Forest winning 39.
3. Derby County vs Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest’s rivalry with Derby County is one steeped in history. According to a survey on football rivalries it is the 11th fiercest rivalry in English football, with 9 out of 10 fans from both clubs pointing to the other as their fiercest rival.
Both clubs have had the privilege of being managed by legendary boss Brian Clough, with the Reds with enjoying their greatest era under his stewardship. The Rams also enjoyed success, winning the first division title. Since 2007 whenever the two teams meet the winner has been awarded the Brian Clough Trophy, in memory of Brian Clough
There have been a total of 405 meetings between them, with Forest winning 42 and Derby winning 37.