The 2025/26 EFL fixtures have dropped – and so have jaws – as rivalries are reignited up and down the football pyramid. From South Coast clashes to Yorkshire showdowns, this season promises fireworks in Sky Bet Championship, League One, and League Two.

We’ve picked out five red-hot local derbies you won’t want to miss. Get these dates in your calendar, and maybe have an ice pack ready… just in case.

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Steel City Derby: Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday

There are derbies… and then there’s Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday – a football feud that divides a city and electrifies the EFL.

The Blades are licking their wounds after falling just short of Premier League promotion last season, losing at Wembley to Sunderland. With new manager Ruben Selles in charge, they’ll be desperate to go one better.

Meanwhile, the Owls quietly built a solid campaign, finishing 12th – but form goes out the window when these two lock horns.

Derby Dates:

• Hillsborough – Sun 23 Nov 2025, 12:00 KO
• Bramall Lane – Sat 21 Feb 2026, 15:00 KO

Last Time Out: Rhian Brewster’s 64th-minute goal sealed a narrow win for the Blades in a tense, shot-heavy affair.

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East Anglian Derby: Ipswich Town vs Norwich City

Forget the Premier League – this is where the real needle is. Ipswich’s return to the Championship means one thing: the East Anglian Derby is BACK.

Ipswich will still be stinging from their relegation, but a reunion with bitter foes Norwich City should stoke the fire. The Canaries, now under Liam Manning, are aiming for a Play-Off push after a near-miss last season.

Derby Dates:

• Portman Road – Sun 05 Oct 2025, 12:00 KO
• Carrow Road – Sat 11 Apr 2026, 15:00 KO

Last Time Out: Despite Ipswich’s fairytale promotion in 2023/24, it was Norwich who had the last laugh thanks to Marcelino Núñez.

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South Coast Derby: Southampton vs Portsmouth

Seagulls beware – the South Coast is about to erupt. For the first time in over a decade, Southampton and Portsmouth will face off in league action.

The Saints have dropped from Premier League paradise into the Championship, while Pompey are rebuilding after a 16th-place finish. New Southampton boss Will Still will be gunning for an immediate return to the big time.

Derby Dates:

• St Mary’s Stadium – Sun 14 Sep 2025, 12:00 KO
• Fratton Park – Sun 25 Jan 2026, 12:00 KO

Last Time Out: Southampton smashed Pompey 4-0 in the Carabao Cup in 2019, but their last league battle in 2012 ended 2-2.

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Nene Derby: Peterborough United vs Northampton Town

Call it the River Rivalry if you like – this is one for League One bragging rights. Peterborough and Northampton, two towns divided by the Nene, were survival mates last season… but only one lifted silverware.

Peterborough pipped their rivals to 18th in the table and went on to win the Vertu Motors Trophy at Wembley. Ouch.

Derby Dates:

• London Road – Sat 13 Dec 2025, 15:00 KO
• Sixfields – Sat 28 Feb 2026, 15:00 KO

Last Time Out: Northampton turned up the volume with a thunderous 4-0 win, powered by a Sam Hoskins double. That one still stings in Peterborough.

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South London Derby: Millwall vs Charlton Athletic

Back in the Championship and ready to rumble, Charlton are bringing the South London derby back to life – and there’s nothing neighbourly about it.

After a dramatic League One Play-Off Final win, the Addicks will look to survive and thrive, while Millwall eye redemption after narrowly missing the Play-Offs last season.

Derby Dates:

• The Valley – Sat 13 Sep 2025, 12:30 KO
• The Den – Sat 24 Jan 2026, 12:30 KO

Last Time Out: In 2020, the Lions completed the double – Jake Cooper’s goal settled it at the Valley.

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The calendar is packed with juicy local battles all season long. But these five? They’ve got history, heat, and heartbreak written all over them.