Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to kick off the brand-new 2024-25 season starting from September 13. The eleventh edition of the league comes with enthralling fixtures, iconic derbies, and mouthwatering clashes that make the forthcoming season full of exhilaration and amusement.

The 2024-25 season will be more engaging with the inclusion of another Kolkata giant, Mohammedan SC, who became the second team after Punjab FC to earn a promotion to India’s top tier following their triumph in the I-League last season. The Black Panthers’ entry will reignite the intense rivalries among three of Kolkata’s century-old football clubs on the stage of ISL.

ISL has already announced the fixture schedule until December, which will commence with last season’s final recap. With that said, let’s figure out the standout fixtures from the opening month.

Mohun Bagan SG vs Mumbai City FC (September 13, Friday, Kolkata)

The defending ISL League Shield winners will lock horns against reigning ISL Cup holders to lighten up the starting fixture of the ISL 2024-25 season.

While the two heavy-weight teams are set to feature in the opener, the spectators have been handed an opportunity to reminisce about the ISL 2023-24 season’s Shield race and Cup fight to kick off the new season in the best possible way.

The Islanders won twice against the Mariners in their last three appearances, once in the league stage and the other in the Cup final. Whereas, Mohun Bagan SG edged past Petr Kratky’s team in the virtual Shield deciding fixture, where the Mariners had the last laugh. With the two powerhouses of Indian football facing off in another close encounter, the opening match of the upcoming ISL season is going to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal FC (September 14, Saturday, Bengaluru)

Bengaluru FC and East Bengal FC have always shared a heated rivalry since their earlier days. Former Bengaluru FC head coach Carles Cuadrat will return to the Kanteerava Stadium, but this time representing the Red and Gold Brigade, intensifying the craze around this fixture.

These two teams have gone head-to-head eight times in the ISL, in which East Bengal FC emerged victorious four times and Bengaluru FC won three times while a game resulted in a stalemate.

The Blues' head coach, Gerard Zaragoza, who previously worked as Cuadrat’s assistant at Bengaluru FC, is set to take on East Bengal FC to kick off their ISL campaign, which amplifies the off-field anticipation and excitement surrounding this fixture.

Mohammedan SC vs NorthEast United FC (September 16, Monday, Kolkata)

New entree Mohammedan SC will mark their ISL debut against NorthEast United FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.

The Black Panthers have found themselves in the top tier of Indian football almost after a decade, recording their first I-League title under the guidance of Andrey Chernyshov. They will host the Highlanders in their opening match, who are coming on the back of their Durand Cup 2024 triumph.

Juan Pedro Benali’s team showcased their excellence throughout the tournament, registering their first triumph in any major competition. NorthEast United FC will be looking forward to building on the momentum to make a positive start in the ISL.

Kerala Blasters FC vs East Bengal FC (September 22, Sunday, Kerala)

Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal FC always enjoy captivating clashes, as there’s very little to distinguish between the two teams in terms of their head-to-head record. Out of their eight face-offs in the ISL, the Blasters secured three victories in comparison to the Red and Gold Brigade, which won two games, and the rest three ended on level terms.

The unwavering support and backing of their electrifying and passionate fanbase is a common piece between the two sides.

Kerala Blasters FC are gearing up to mark a new era under their newly appointed head coach, Mikael Stahre, who will be hopeful to lead the Yellow Army to their elusive silverware. Whereas, Carles Cuadrat’s men, who secured a thrilling 4-2 win against the Blasters in Kochi in their last meeting, will be eyeing carrying forward the positive momentum to experience a breakthrough ISL season this year.

Mohun Bagan SG vs NorthEast United FC (September 23, Monday, Kolkata)

The Durand Cup finalists are set to lock horns again this time in the ISL as the Mariners take on the Highlanders in their second home game of the season.

Mohun Bagan SG led the tally against NorthEast United FC in their previous clashes in the ISL with seven wins in nine meetings. The Kolkata giants bagged a fascinating 4-2 victory against Juan Pedro Benali's team in their last outing. But the Highlanders edged out the Mariners in the Durand Cup final on penalties and Jose Molina's men will be eyeing revenge.

After experiencing a successful campaign in the Durand Cup, both teams will be determined to continue their stunning form in the upcoming ISL season.

Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan SG (September 28, Saturday, Bengaluru)

The action replay of the Durand Cup semi-final 2 is going to take place in the Kanteerava Stadium, where the Blues will welcome Mohun Bagan SG in their third home game of the month.

The Mariners registered a dramatic penalty shootout win in the knockout fixture courtesy of Vishal Kaith’s heroics. However, two sides will be seen competing in different surroundings, but their duel might be more engaging this time.

Moreover, Mohun Bagan SG have a dominant track record against the Blues, as the Kolkata-based team secured seven victories from their nine meetings in the ISL. With a more balanced squad this time, Zaragoza’s men will be determined to turn the tides in their favor to make a solid start in the league.