Now is the time to consider your competitors with the Derby starting on Sunday.
It would make sense that the list of clubs that enrage fans would be lengthy and prestigious for a team as illustrious as LFC and with as long of a history. But it’s quite exceptional to separate out the ones at the top, the ones for whom the “derby” moniker is designated.
On Sunday, Liverpool Women take on Everton, and the following day, on the 21st, the men do the same. This makes for two derby games in a row. Everton is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s greatest opponents, but it got me thinking about other teams that might be worthy of the title in addition to that one team up the M62.
So here is my list of the top historical rivalries between Liverpool teams, in descending order.
5. Chelsea FC
Although I believe this rivalry is long past its prime, I felt it was necessary to include it on the list because it did contain at least one controversial transfer between teams (Fernando Torres switching from Red to Blue). It’s also fitting that the guy who I believe was most responsible for my conversion to Red in the first place was involved in the move.
4. Manchester City
On the one hand, considering that the rivalry’s nature has been largely confined during the previous ten or so years, it could be too soon to include them on this list. On the other hand, it almost feels like this is too low on the ranking list given how fierce previous contests (and title battles) have been.
3. Real Madrid
Yes, this is also recent, but given the histories of the two teams and the significance of the competition in which they have been competing, it seems fair to rank them above City. I’m aware that doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome is seen as insanity, but I, for one, would welcome finally putting an end to our nightmares by eliminating Madrid in the upcoming Champions League that we find ourselves drawn into.
2. Everton
I’m open to the idea that this rivalry should take first place for two reasons:
1. Everton is partially responsible for Liverpool’s existence.
2. Inter-city rivalries have a unique quality.
Due to Everton’s terrible play, there hasn’t been anything to comment about, not even in the derby. Not that I miss the gut-wrenching anticipation of former Everton derbies, simply noticing that I don’t feel that way anymore.
1. Manchester United
Even though United have fallen so far behind, this match is still the first one I look for when the fixture list is released. This is probably personal and a reflection of my status as a fan (I’m a Child of the Hodgepocalypse, I’m relatively new, and I’m also an international supporter). Because United has enjoyed decades of success that support their claim to be our main English adversary, unlike Everton, they have been able to maintain their position of disapproval.
Their comparatively high level of success abroad indicates that they have the background to catch our attention in Europe as well. They spend like the Old Money sides in the Premier League even as they struggle. No club, City or not, will likely ever approach this rivalry, in my opinion.