Football rivalries are very important to the club, and for Burnley FC, their fiercest and historic rivalries are against Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and Preston North End. Each rivalry represents long-standing history, competition, and local pride, which makes each match very exciting. Ultimately, in this blog, 96 APK will give information about Burnley’s greatest top rivals in football history.
1. East Lancashire Derby: Burnley vs Blackburn Rovers
The East Lancashire Derby, also known as the Cotton Mills Derby, one of the longest-standing and fiercest rivalries in English football, is rooted in Lancashire’s industrial heartlands, and first matched Burnley against Blackburn’s crushing 4-2 loss in a friendly match in 1884.
Both clubs have their periods of dominance, with Burnley having the edge in head-to-head match-ups over the years. To note the most recent result, Burnley beat Blackburn 1-0 in the Championship on January 4, 2025, with Zian Flemming’s only goal.
Fixtures between both sides are defined by intense competitive matches and fanatical fan bases; inattention to the East Lancashire derby football makes this a must-see.
Head-to-Head:
Burnley – 45 wins | Blackburn – 41 wins | Draws – 22
Including regional cups: Burnley – 71 wins | Blackburn – 65 wins
2. West Lancashire Rivalry: Burnley vs Blackpool
The rivalry between Burnley and Blackpool is another important fixture in Lancashire football. Burnley and Blackpool matches have always been tightly contested, despite not having the same historical intensity as the East Lancashire Derby. Their most recent clash ended in a 3-3 draw at Turf Moor, further demonstrating the rivalry between the two clubs.
Also Read: How Burnley Fans Can Watch Matches Online
The fact that both clubs are very close together is significant, as is the shared history of the two clubs within the same region, as fans of both clubs will be looking to enjoy the glory of local bragging rights.
Head-to-Head:
Burnley – 8 wins | Blackpool – 3 wins | Draws – 2
3. Deepdale Derby: Burnley vs Preston North End
The rivalry between Burnley and Preston North End, also known as the Deepdale Derby, is one of the oldest in English football. Burnley and Preston played their first fixture in the inaugural 1888-89 Football League season, and since then, they have been perennial fixtures in Lancaster football, as of today.
In recent years, these fixtures have also been tightly contested. Most recently, Burnley travelled to Preston in the FA Cup on March 1, 2025, in which the hosts Preston won the match 3-0, with Milutin Osmajic being influential to the victory.
The Deepdale Derby is characterised by the passionate rivalries, as well as the shared history, creating a fixture that the fans are always excited for in the new season.
Head-to-Head:
Burnley – 13 wins | Preston – 13 wins | Draws – 7
You can visit the 96 website for more updates related to Burnley FC season tickets or Burnley Betting.
Conclusion: Rivalries That Define Burnley
Burnley’s rivalries with Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool, and Preston North End extend beyond football: it’s about the historical significance and pride for the people of Lancashire. Each match has its own story, with all the drama and emotion, and that overwhelming pride to be the best in the region.
At 96 APK, we realise the rivalry, the drama, and the excitement of the derbies are some of the things that engage Burnley fans season after season. Every year, fans look forward to the historic East Lancashire Derby or the high stakes of Deepdale. It’s what makes Burnley football special.
