There's bound to be a lot of drama in the Indian Super League (ISL) every month, and December will certainly have its fair share. With matches happening almost every day, December is set to be the busiest month for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs.

As the 10th season of the league comes to a pause at the end of December for the AFC Asian Cup, ISL teams will be aiming for an upward trajectory, striving to solidify their position in the top half of the standings. And with the winter transfer window opening in January, players and coaches will have extra attention on these fixtures.

December 2023 features some high-stakes matches between heavyweight teams, and teams will be eager to maintain their form before the break.

Here are the standout fixtures to keep an eye on in December:

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Odisha FC (December 6, Wednesday, Kolkata)

Given their participation in the AFC competition, both teams have made significant investments over the summer, setting the stage for what could be a classic showdown.

Since joining the ISL in 2020, Mohun Bagan Super Giant have showcased their complete dominance over their neighboring state rivals. In the seven encounters between these two teams, MBSG have emerged victorious four times, with the remaining three matches ending in draws.

However, with Sergio Lobera at the helm and the addition of several top foreign players, Odisha FC are determined to secure their first league victory in this upcoming clash.

Also Read: ISL 2023-24 key fixtures, September 2023: A month of big clashes and reunions

Jamshedpur FC vs. Chennaiyin FC (December 7, Thursday, Jamshedpur)

The showdown between Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC takes on added significance with the return of Scottish head coach Owen Coyle to 'The Furnace.'

Coyle, who guided Jamshedpur FC to the League Shield during the 2021-22 season, initially made the switch from Chennaiyin FC and is now back for his second stint with the Marina Machans.

Historically, the clashes between these two teams have been tightly contested, with Chennaiyin FC holding a slight advantage.

Out of the 12 meetings between the sides, Chennaiyin FC have emerged victorious five times, while the Men of Steel have celebrated three wins. The remaining four matches concluded in draws.

While Chennaiyin FC may enter this duel with a slight upper hand, Jamshedpur FC are eager to narrow the gap when the two teams collide in December.

Bengaluru FC vs. Mumbai City FC (December 8, Friday, Bengaluru)

Bengaluru FC and Mumbai City have a storied history, and their encounters have consistently stood out as one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in the league. The matches between these two teams have always been closely fought affairs. Last season alone, they clashed four times, with each side emerging victorious twice.

In terms of their overall head-to-head record, out of the 14 meetings, Bengaluru FC have claimed victory seven times, while Mumbai City FC have secured six wins, with one match ending in a draw.

This intense and competitive nature of their clashes sets the stage for another epic battle between these two football heavyweights come December.

FC Goa vs. Mumbai City FC (December 12, Tuesday, Goa)

Two teams that have been part of the Indian Super League (ISL) since its inception share one of the league's most intense rivalries. As two of the oldest clubs in the ISL prepare to face each other for the 23rd time in their history, all eyes will be on the star-studded lineups of both teams and, naturally, the highly-regarded head coaches guiding them from the sidelines.

Both of these clubs harbor ambitions to elevate their performance this season, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the top spots in the league. This only amplifies the anticipation and excitement surrounding this marquee fixture.

Also Read: ISL 2023-24 key fixtures, October 2023: A month of homecomings, heated rivalries, and more

Chennaiyin FC vs. Bengaluru FC (December 13, Wednesday, Chennai)

The clash will feature two former ISL Cup winners and will be overseen from the sidelines by coaches who have tasted success on Indian soil.

Chennaiyin FC have re-appointed their former head coach, Owen Coyle, and both teams have been quite active in the transfer market, bolstering their squads in line with their coaches' strategies. With both coaches adhering to a similar philosophy, it will be intriguing to witness which of these two abundantly talented attacking units prevails.

Bengaluru FC has held a significant advantage over Chennaiyin FC in recent encounters, maintaining an unbeaten streak in their last eight meetings. The Marina Machans will be eager to reverse this trend against Bengaluru FC, particularly with the support of their home fans and their head coach.

Mumbai City FC vs. Mohun Bagan Super Giant (December 20, Wednesday, Mumbai)

There are plenty of exciting fixtures lined up for the month of December, but one of the most captivating clashes features two of the Indian Super League's (ISL) most dominant teams facing off just before the mid-season break.

Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant have crossed paths only nine times so far, yet their rivalry has gradually intensified over the last three seasons as both teams consistently vie for the top spot in the table.

The Mariners managed to secure their first-ever victory over Mumbai City FC during the Durand Cup 2023, but they have yet to defeat the Islanders in the league. On the other hand, Mumbai City FC will be eager to put their Durand Cup defeat behind them and maintain their dominance over the Kolkata-based club.

The ever-evolving rivalry between these two football powerhouses will undoubtedly captivate fans as they eagerly await this thrilling encounter.

East Bengal FC vs. Odisha FC (December 22, Friday, Kolkata)

Odisha FC have firmly established their dominance in this fixture, securing victory five times, while East Bengal FC have only managed a single win. However, beyond the Juggernauts' supremacy, it's the goal-filled spectacles that have enthralled football fans across India whenever these two sides have clashed.

In the six previous encounters between these teams, a total of 38 goals have graced the scoreboard, with Odisha FC contributing 22 of them.

Adding to the excitement of this upcoming fixture is the showdown between two Spanish maestros, Carles Cuadrat and Sergio Lobera. They are once again set to face each other, this time leading their new teams into battle, and this clash of coaching titans will only intensify the excitement surrounding this fixture.

Also Read: ISL 2023-23 key fixtures, November 2023: Old foes cross paths in crucial month

Mohun Bagan Super Giant vs. Kerala Blasters FC (December 27, Wednesday, Kolkata)

The clashes between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters FC have been notably one-sided, with the Mariners emerging victorious in five of the six meetings between them, the remaining one ending in a draw.

However, setting aside the rivalries on the pitch, this clash offers plenty of off-field talking points. Both teams boast an enormous fan base, and this fixture has always been a matter of respect for both sets of fans.

Given the number of significant changes both teams have made in the summer, it would take a brave man not to predict a high-octane game when these two sides meet once again. Both the Mariners and the Blasters are determined to secure maximum points from this encounter and solidify their positions in the league standings before heading into the season break.