The release of the new Football League fixtures has sparked excitement across the Championship, with the upcoming season promising a wealth of high-stakes local rivalries. The return of Burnley and Wolves from the top flight, combined with Cardiff’s promotion, ensures that the schedule is packed with matches that mean more than just three points to the supporters involved.
From historic industrial disputes to regional dominance, these fixtures represent the heartbeat of English football. We have ranked the five most intense derbies set to take place in the Championship this season.
5. Intense Welsh Rivalry: The South Wales Derby Returns
While Cardiff City may have eyes on their upcoming clash with Wrexham, the true focus for the Bluebirds remains their long-standing feud with Swansea City. This rivalry reached a fever pitch in the post-war era, famously drawing a massive crowd of over 60,000 to Cardiff in 1949. Since that period, the South Wales derby has remained one of the most volatile fixtures in the pyramid.
For five years between 2014 and 2019, the two sides were separated by Swansea’s tenure in the Premier League. However, since their reunion, the spoils have been relatively even. Cardiff secured a dominant 3-0 victory in January 2025, while the Swans’ most recent triumph came in March 2024. With both clubs looking to assert dominance in the Principality, these two dates are essential viewing.
Swansea v Cardiff – November 28/29
Cardiff v Swansea – March 13/14
4. Historical Friction in the North: The Cotton Mills Derby
Tracing its roots back to 1888, the rivalry between Blackburn Rovers and Burnley is one of the oldest in the history of the professional game. Known as the Cotton Mills derby, the animosity stems from the close proximity of the two towns and their historical competition within the industrial sector. However, in recent years, the rivalry has been defined by a significant shift in the balance of power.
Burnley has enjoyed a period of sustained dominance, remaining unbeaten in this fixture since 2010 and winning seven of the last eight encounters. As the Clarets return to the Championship, Blackburn finds themselves in the role of the underdog once again, desperate to snap a decade-long winless streak against their nearest neighbors.
Burnley v Blackburn – November 21/22
Blackburn v Burnley – February 6/7
3. Naval Hostility Resumes: The South Coast Derby
The South Coast derby between Southampton and Portsmouth is a rivalry born from maritime competition between two neighboring port cities. The unique terminology used by the fanbases—Saints fans referring to Pompey supporters as “Skates” and receiving the “Scummers” label in return—adds a layer of local flavor to an already heated atmosphere. A recurring theme of this rivalry, however, has been the lack of regular meetings.
For decades, the two clubs have often occupied different divisions; when one thrives, the other frequently struggles. This trend has starved the rivalry of consistent league fixtures, though the fire remains as hot as ever. Following two forgettable draws in their most recent league encounters, Portsmouth fans have added “Spygate” to their list of grievances, ensuring that the atmosphere for the upcoming matches will be electric.
Southampton v Portsmouth – October 10/11
Portsmouth v Southampton – February 27/28
2. Passionate Midlands Clash: The Black Country Derby
While larger metropolitan rivalries often dominate the headlines, few fixtures in England match the raw animosity of the Black Country derby. West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers share a deep-seated hatred that frequently boils over. Their most recent meeting in the FA Cup served as a stark reminder of this intensity, as crowd trouble forced a lengthy mid-match stoppage.
That cup tie was the first time the two had met in over ten years, and this season marks the first time since 2021 that they will compete in the same league division. Historically, the Baggies hold the upper hand with 65 victories compared to Wolves’ 54, and Albion supporters will be eager to extend that lead now that they are back on equal footing.
Wolves v West Brom – September 19/20
West Brom v Wolves – February 20/21
1. The Ultimate Grudge Match: Millwall vs West Ham
After a 14-year hiatus, one of the most notorious rivalries in world football returns to the league calendar on September 19th. The friction between West Ham United and Millwall predates the modern era, originating from competing firms of dockworkers in the late 19th century. The tension reached a breaking point during the 1926 General Strike, when Millwall workers reportedly crossed the picket lines while West Ham workers remained on strike.
Throughout the 20th century, this rivalry became synonymous with the hooliganism era, inspiring numerous books and films. The history is marred by tragic events and significant violence, including a 1976 incident that led to decades of retaliatory threats. Even in the modern era, security remains a primary concern; a 2009 cup meeting saw widespread disorder both inside and outside the stadium.
As the two sides prepare for their 100th competitive meeting in 2026, the authorities will be on high alert. This is the fixture that both sets of fans have been waiting for, representing a level of tribalism that is rare even in the competitive world of the Championship.
Millwall v West Ham – September 19/20
West Ham v Millwall – February 20/21
Summary of the Season Ahead
The upcoming Championship campaign is set to be defined by these high-profile regional clashes. The return of historic rivalries like Millwall vs West Ham and the Black Country derby provides a narrative richness to the season that extends far beyond the league table. For supporters, these dates represent the most vital fixtures of the year, where local pride and historical bragging rights are on the line. As the season progresses, these derbies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the momentum and atmosphere of the division.
