Unpicking The Most Exciting Derbies in January

January isn’t just for shaking off the post-holiday blues – any good football fan will tell you that! It’s a month when rivalries across Europe’s biggest leagues reach boiling point. From ancient grudges to more modern clashes, there’s nothing quite like a derby to get the temperature rising. We’ve picked out some of the fiercest rivalries that will be playing out this January. They promise passion, drama, and certainly no shortage of talking points. Diary at the ready? You’re going to want to clear your schedule for these!

Old Firm Derby: Celtic vs. Rangers (January 2, 2025)

Talk about diving straight in at the deep end! The Old Firm Derby at Ibrox is confirmed for the 2nd of January, and it’s only one of football’s oldest, most charged and historic rivalries! This rivalry dates back to 1888! It’s no disagreement between small fry either, between them, Celtic and Rangers have won an eye-watering 120 Scottish league titles. 

You can’t ignore Celtic’s dominance in recent years, but Rangers have taken points in three of the last five league derbies at Ibrox. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the atmosphere? Let’s just say it’ll be loud enough to rattle your TV speakers! It would be fair to say this clash isn’t just about three points – it’s about identity, history, and, let’s be honest – bragging rights. 

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi has been a goal-scoring machine. If I were on the Rangers defense, you bet I would be having sleepless nights trying to dream up ways of trying to contain him. With both teams desperate for a win, this game feels destined for fireworks. Whether that’s goals, tackles flying in, or the odd scuffle – it wouldn’t be the Old Firm without one – this is going to be one to watch (possibly through your fingers).

North London Derby: Arsenal vs. Tottenham (January 14, 2025)

The UK is always home of the fiercest derbies, but they sure seem to be getting more than their fare share this January! The North London Derby is always a spectacle, and this year’s meeting at the Emirates has the makings of a classic. It’s been going since 1909 (when tickets cost a mere sixpence). Would you trade the quality of today’s football for the ticket prices of yesteryear? Sometimes I wonder! 

In more recent history, Arsenal haven’t lost to Spurs at the Emirates in the league for nearly seven years. But history doesn’t win games, and Spurs’ newfound confidence might just make this one a bit more unpredictable than usual. Arsenal are gunning for the title (pun intended), and their front line of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka has been running riot. Spurs, though, are no pushovers under Ange Postecoglou. Their counterattacking setup – masterminded by the silky James Maddison and lethal Heung-min Son – has been giving defenders nightmares all season. As for betting? Arsenal are strong favorites, but a high-scoring affair with both teams finding the net could be where the smart money’s at – Betway’s football betting odds puts this at 1.60.

El Gran Derbi: Real Betis vs. Sevilla (January 21, 2025)

Heading across the sea to Andalusia now and another fiery rivalry is penned for the 21st January. The stakes here aren’t just about league positions; they’re about local pride. Did you know this rivalry once saw an on-field brawl during a Copa del Rey match in 2007 that resulted in the game being abandoned? Yes, this rivalry is a fiery one!

Thankfully, things have calmed down since (mostly), but this is still a derby where tempers flare. Real Betis and Sevilla always cause emotions to run as high as the stakes when they get together, so this is one where you won’t want to turn your TV screen off. In fact, the drama tends to come later on in these games, so seriously, wait until after the final whistle!  

For me, Betis’ Luiz Henrique will be the man to watch, while Sevilla’s veteran midfield might just decide the tempo. Oh, and if you’re the betting type, a draw has proven a popular outcome in recent years.

From the historic battles of the Old Firm to the pure animosity of El Gran Derbi, January’s derbies are a reminder of why we love football! Rivalries like these transcend tactics and stats. Clear your diary, grab your snacks, and settle in for a month of unmissable action.