Top 10 Football Rivalries in the World Ahead of Manchester, El Clasico Derbies

• The El Clasico and the Manchester derby are some of the fiercest football rivalries
• Football rivalry is often fuelled by a number of factors, including proximity between two clubs
• However, there are those based on more complex factors, such as political and social differences

Football fans are in for some entertainment this weekend ahead of the Manchester and El Clasico derbies.

Football rivalries have existed for as long as the game has been played, with the rivalry brought about by different factors.

Key among the factors include the history between two teams, success, and proximity, where teams from the same town or region intensify their competitiveness.

While there are times these rivalries have turned chaotic, messy and violent, they have also helped create excitement and passion.

This weekend will be one of a kind, with two major derbies lined up in Europe in the shape of El Clasico and the Manchester derby.

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According to talkSPORT, Manchester United are scheduled to host rivals City at Old Trafford on Sunday, October 29.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are set to play rivals Real Madrid at Camp Nou in the first El Clasico of the season on Saturday.

While the two derbies are arguably among the greatest, there are a lot more. Sports Brief takes a look at the top 10 greatest football rivalries in the world.

10. Celtic Vs Rangers

The Celtic-Rangers rivalry is famously known as the Old Firm derby.

The derby is rooted in religious differences, with Celtic traditionally supported by Catholics and Rangers by Protestants.

9. Benfica Vs Porto

The Porto-Benfica rivalry is known as the Clássico Português.

The rivalry between the two Portuguese teams is fueled by a number of factors, including the two clubs' close proximity.

8. Boca Juniors Vs River Plate

The Boca Juniors-River Plate rivalry dates back to the 1900s.

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Incidentally, the two clubs are the most successful in Argentina.

7. Roma Vs Lazio

Roma and Lazio are both based in Rome and share the Stadio Olimpico for their home matches.

Their rivalry is largely based on social stratification.

6. PSG Vs Marseille

PSG and Marseille are the two most popular and successful clubs in French football.

PSG are based in Paris, while Marseille are based in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille.

The two cities have a long history of rivalry, which dates back to the 18th century.

However, the PSG-Marseille rivalry started in the 1970s when the Parisians began to emerge as a force in French football.

5. Milan Vs Inter

Inter Milan and AC Milan are both based in Milan, and they play their home matches at the San Siro.

Their rivalry is both social and political, with Inter seen as a club of the left, while AC Milan is seen as a club of the right.

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Incidentally, they are also two of the most successful clubs in Italy, having won an incredible 37 Serie A titles between them.

4. Liverpool Vs Everton

Famously known as the Merseyside derby, Liverpool's rivalry with Everton is one of the biggest in England.

The two teams recently locked horns in the Premier League, with Liverpool emerging the victors.

Sky Sports reported that Mo Salah's brace was all the Reds needed to see off Everton at Anfield.

3. Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur

The North London Derby pitting Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is one of the most fierce and passionate rivalries in English football.

The rivalry dates back to the late 19th century, when the two clubs were founded within a few miles of each other.

2. Manchester United vs Manchester City

The Manchester derby is one of the other greatest rivalries in the world.

The rivalry pits Manchester United and City and it is fueled by their close proximity.

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1. Real Madrid vs Barcelona

The rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is the fiercest in Spanish football.

Given the stakes involved, the derby is one of the most-watched football matches in the world.

The rivalry is fueled by a number of factors, including the two clubs' different political and cultural identities.

Why El Clasico has lost its allure

Sports Brief earlier analyzed why El Clasico had lost some of its appeal in the last few seasons.

The absence of Messi and Ronaldo is a major reason why El Clasico has experienced a decline because it was rare for two iconic players playing for bitter rivals to go face to face.

The fixture also lacks some compelling characters like years ago when you had characters like Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Sergio Ramos and Victor Valdes.