Chelsea's main rivals include several London clubs and other major English teams. Their biggest and most intense rival is widely regarded as Tottenham Hotspur, often referred to as the "London Derby," characterized by a long- standing and fierce competition due to geographical proximity and historic matches. Other significant London rivals are Arsenal, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers (QPR), and West Ham United, though some like QPR and Fulham have seen less rivalry intensity recently due to playing in lower divisions. Beyond London, Chelsea also holds rivalries with major Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and historically with Leeds United, known for their heated matches in the past. Chelsea's rivalry with Liverpool has grown due to repeated clashes in cup competitions. Chelsea fans generally consider Tottenham their main rival, followed by Arsenal and Manchester United. In summary, Chelsea's key rivals are:
- Tottenham Hotspur (biggest and fiercest rival)
- Arsenal
- Manchester United
- Liverpool
- Leeds United (historical rivalry)
- Local London clubs: Fulham, QPR, West Ham (less intense recently)
These rivalries are fueled by geographical proximity, competitive history, and fan sentiments, making matches between these teams highly anticipated and often intense on and off the pitch.
