The month of October in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season presents a tricky challenge for teams. As the second month after the league's resumption, October brings an international break that could disrupt the momentum for many teams.

The last league match before the break is scheduled for October 5th, with the ISL resuming after a 12-day hiatus. During this break, the Indian football team will compete in a Tri-Nation friendly tournament in Vietnam, facing hosts Vietnam and Lebanon.

While the break offers teams a chance to evaluate their performance, October will also feature significant matchups as old rivalries rekindle. Teams will be eager to prepare effectively despite the interruption in their momentum.

That being said, we have handpicked the key fixtures for October. 

Mumbai City FC vs Bengaluru FC (Wednesday, October 2, Mumbai)

The two former ISL Cup winners face off for the first time this season at the Mumbai Football Arena, eager to add new chapters to their storied rivalry. The Islanders have had the upper hand in recent seasons, but it was the Blues who halted their ISL Cup bid during the 2022-23 campaign by defeating the former Shield winners in the semi-finals.

Last season saw Mumbai City FC achieve a league double over Bengaluru FC for the first time in history. Bengaluru FC had a challenging season, finishing 10th, their lowest position since joining the league in 2017.

With new signings and the dynamic Gerard Zaragoza at the helm, Bengaluru FC will look to turn their fortunes around. Both teams' head coaches, Mumbai City FC’s Petr Kratky and Zaragoza, have prioritised attacking and possession-based football, promising an exciting clash with plenty of goals.

Mohun Bagan SG vs Mohammedan SC (Saturday, October 5, Kolkata)

Before the highly anticipated Kolkata derby against East Bengal FC following the international break, all eyes will be on the clash between Mohun Bagan SG and newly-promoted Mohammedan SC.

The two teams will face off in the top flight for the first time in nearly a decade, with bragging rights as much at stake as the three points.

Mohun Bagan SG will host the match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, but Mohammedan SC's passionate supporters are expected to turn out in full force, adding to the electric atmosphere in one of the league's most intimidating venues.

FC Goa vs Mumbai City FC (Saturday, October 19, Goa)

The two teams have been among the most consistent in the ISL. Historically, the Gaurs held the upper hand in their rivalry with their coastal neighbors, but the balance has shifted in favor of the Islanders since 2020.

In recent seasons, numerous players and head coaches have switched between the two clubs, heightening the rivalry. A notable recent move was former FC Goa captain Brandon Fernandes joining Mumbai City FC.

Last season, the two sides clashed in the semi-finals, with FC Goa taking a 2-0 lead in the first leg before Mumbai City FC turned the tie around by scoring three goals. FC Goa were unable to stage a comeback in the second leg, ultimately dashing their hopes of reaching the final.

The clash at the Fatorda Stadium presents an opportunity for FC Goa to avenge that heartache by defeating the defending ISL Cup champions at home.

East Bengal FC vs Mohun Bagan SG (Saturday, October 19, Kolkata)

The Kolkata Derby, a fierce rivalry steeped in history, needs no introduction. For both sets of fans, winning the Derby holds as much significance as clinching trophies.

Mohun Bagan SG has yet to lose a Kolkata Derby in the ISL, but East Bengal FC came close to securing a victory last season, only for the Mariners to score a late equaliser and share the points. The subsequent derby was equally thrilling, though East Bengal FC ended up on the losing side.

This summer, both teams have significantly bolstered their squads. Unlike previous seasons, the Mariners are no longer the clear favorites, thanks to East Bengal FC's improvements under Carles Cuadrat. This makes the fixture a must-watch for all Indian football fans. 

Odisha FC vs East Bengal FC (Tuesday, October 22, Bhubaneswar)

Though these two neighbors have yet to make a major mark in the ISL trophy-wise, their encounters have turned out to be always thrilling for their dedicated fans.

Their rivalry intensified in the Super Cup 2023 final, where East Bengal FC secured a historic victory. However, Odisha FC proved a tough opponent in the league, remaining unbeaten against the Red & Golds and winning one of their encounters. Historically, the Kalinga Warriors have had the upper hand in their head-to-head record.

Adding to the excitement of this clash is the tactical showdown between Spanish masterminds, Carles Cuadrat and Sergio Lobera, both highly-respected and among the most successful in the ISL. With new signings enhancing both squads, fans can look forward to a dramatic clash as the teams battle for supremacy and bragging rights.

Chennaiyin FC vs FC Goa (Thursday, October 24, Chennai)

Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa have been among the most consistent teams in ISL history, frequently reaching the playoffs. Their encounters are always filled with entertainment and edge-of-the-seat drama, the most famous one being the 2015 ISL final where the Marina Machans staged a late, dramatic comeback in FC Goa’s home ground.

Last season, both teams made it to the playoffs together for the first time since the 2019-20 season. However, it was the Gaurs emerging dominant in this rivalry in the previous campaign. They defeated Chennaiyin FC twice during the regular season and secured a third victory in the knockout fixture to advance to the semi-finals.

With renowned head coaches Owen Coyle and Manolo Marquez at the helm, this rivalry promises another thrilling opportunity for these experienced tacticians to outwit each other.

Kerala Blasters FC vs Bengaluru FC (Friday, October 25, Kochi)

The rivalry between these two sides is among the fiercest in the league, marked by drama, banter, and intense encounters.

A notable recent clash occurred in the 2022-23 playoffs, where Bengaluru FC triumphed in a heated match featuring a controversial goal. Last season, the teams met on the opening day, with Kerala Blasters FC avenging their previous defeat with a 2-1 victory in Kochi. However, Bengaluru FC evened the score in the reverse fixture with a narrow win at home.

The two sides locked horns again in the Durand Cup 2024 quarter-finals, where the Blues advanced thanks to a goal from Jorge Diaz, a former Kerala Blasters FC player. Despite the result, the match was highly competitive, and fans can expect another thrilling encounter when the two teams meet again in Kochi.