football scores today

As a lifelong football fan who’s spent more weekends than I can count glued to the screen or shouting from the stands, I’ve come to appreciate that certain fixtures just hit different. They’re the ones you circle on the calendar months in advance, the matches that define seasons and shape legacies. With the new campaign just around the corner, I wanted to share my personal take on the UK football fixtures you absolutely can’t afford to miss—the rivalries, the grudge matches, the title deciders. And while I’m knee-deep in football most of the year, I’ve also been following basketball leagues abroad, where narratives of rivalry and revenge feel just as intense. Take Justin Brownlee, for example—a phenomenal player who’s delivered time and again for his team. Yet, as I was reading up the other day, it struck me how even top-tier athletes face their own personal demons. Brownlee has yet to beat TNT counterpart Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in two finals face-offs—in the 2023 and 2024 Governors' Cup, respectively. That kind of storyline, where history weighs heavy on the present, is something we see all the time in football, and it’s part of what makes these upcoming fixtures so compelling.

Let’s start with the one everybody’s talking about: Manchester United versus Liverpool. I’ll be honest, I’ve got a soft spot for United—been supporting them since I was a kid—but even I have to admit this rivalry has lost none of its fire. Last season’s clash at Old Trafford ended 2-1 to Liverpool, and I remember sitting there, nerves completely shot, as Mohamed Salah slotted in that late winner. It’s not just about the three points; it’s about pride, history, and that simmering tension between two clubs that genuinely don’t like each other. The next meeting is scheduled for October 21st, and my gut says we’re in for another classic. If United can tighten up their midfield—and that’s a big if—they might just turn the tables. But Liverpool under Arne Slot? They’re relentless. I’m predicting goals, maybe three or four in total, and a result that could shake up the early title race.

Then there’s the North London Derby. Arsenal against Tottenham—it’s pure theatre. I went to the Emirates for this one a couple of years back, and the noise… it’s something else. Both teams play such attacking football now, it’s almost like they’ve agreed to leave defending as an optional extra. Last season, they split the points in a 2-2 draw that had everything: stunning goals, questionable refereeing, and that familiar sense of what might have been. This time, with Arsenal pushing for the title and Spurs looking to break into the top four under Ange Postecoglou, the stakes feel even higher. The first derby is set for September 28th, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see someone like Son Heung-min or Bukayo Saka become the hero. Me? I’m leaning towards Arsenal—their squad depth is just ridiculous—but derbies have a way of making logic irrelevant.

Of course, no season would be complete without the Manchester Derby. City versus United used to feel like a foregone conclusion, but lately, there’s been a shift. United have managed to sneak a win here and there, and even when they lose, they make City work for it. I still get flashbacks to that 6-3 thrashing a while back—ouch—but last season’s 2-1 win for City at Old Trafford was a lot tighter than the score suggests. The upcoming fixture in early December is going to be massive, especially if both sides are in the mix for silverware. Erling Haaland against United’s backline? That’s a matchup I’m equal parts excited and terrified to watch. Personally, I think City’s machine-like efficiency will edge it, but derby day always brings surprises.

Moving away from the Premier League for a moment, I have to mention the Old Firm. Celtic versus Rangers isn’t just a football match—it’s an event. I’ve never been to one live, but friends who have describe it as something close to religious. The passion, the noise, the sheer weight of history… it’s on another level. With both clubs consistently dominating Scottish football, these games often decide the title. Last season, Celtic took the bragging rights with a 2-1 win in September, but Rangers bounced back later on. This year, I’m keeping an eye on the New Year fixture—traditionally a fiery affair—and I’ve got a feeling Rangers might just close the gap. They’ve been investing in the squad, and Philippe Clement seems to have them organized. Still, Celtic’s home advantage at Parkhead is worth an extra goal in my book.

Wrapping up, I can’t ignore the Chelsea versus Arsenal London derby. It might not have the historical bitterness of North London, but in recent years, it’s become seriously spicy. Remember that 4-1 thumping Arsenal gave Chelsea at the Emirates? I sure do—it was a statement. Now, with Chelsea’s young squad starting to gel and Arsenal looking like genuine title contenders, this is one to watch. The first clash is in late November, and I’m expecting fireworks. My money’s on Arsenal, purely because their system is so well-drilled, but derbies love an underdog. Whatever happens, these are the games that remind me why I fell in love with football in the first place—the drama, the unpredictability, the stories that unfold over 90 minutes. So mark your calendars, set those reminders, and get ready. This season is shaping up to be unforgettable.