December is a month when the fixture schedules intensify as the calendar looks to cram in as much footballing action as it can over the festive season. It’s a time when campaigns can hinge on a team's ability to deal with the extra workload and claim vital points home and away.

We’ve already seen some remarkable games across Europe and beyond but what does December have in store?

The Story so Far

There have been some unforgettable moments in the season to date but, perhaps the most unexpected result came at Old Trafford in October. Although Manchester United had been struggling under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, few would have expected Liverpool to demolish their old rivals 5-0 away from home.

Beyond the English Premier League, the German Bundesliga has given us the biggest shock result of all. Playing in the DFB Pokal, Borussia Monchengladbach also handed out an unlikely 5-0 thumping.

With lots of drama already behind us, here’s a look at what’s to come from December’s football fixtures.

English Premier League

In England, December kicks off in the best possible way with the Merseyside Derby. Everton and Liverpool will meet at Goodison Park on Wednesday the 1st in a game that’s always guaranteed to provide drama and entertainment on the pitch.

Chelsea v Leeds United on December 11th may not be the most competitive game in the month but it has the potential to be the most entertaining. These two sides have a long history and their matches in the 1970s and beyond created rivalry, and a hint of animosity which continues to this day.

Speaking of entertainment, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have served up their fair share of high scoring thrillers in recent years. The two teams meet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 19th and this is a game that the neutrals will not want to miss.

German Bundesliga

Over in Germany, December starts with a fixture that could ultimately determine the destiny of the Bundesliga title. The great Bayern Munich have dominated the division for many years but they have been pushed close at times by Borussia Dortmund.

On December 4th, Borussia Dortmund host Bayern in a game that already looks to be a must-win for the home side. Just four points separated the teams as they went into November’s international break but Bayern have the advantage and a win would see the leaders build a significant gap.

Both Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have important fixtures across the remainder of December but there’s no doubt that this opening clash is the most important of all.

Serie A

As Italian football headed into its third international break of the season in November, two teams stood with proud unbeaten records. Napoli have been the surprise package in Serie A and, with ten wins and two draws from 12 games, they head the table on goal difference from AC Milan.

On Sunday December 19th, AC Milan host Napoli in a game which many feel is the most important of the campaign so far. The big question is whether one of those unbeaten records will come to an end or will the teams emerge with a draw after 90 minutes?

In the context of the Serie A title, this could also be a decisive game which will finally give either side a rare chance to establish a gap over the chasing pack.

La Liga

Spain’s La Liga also offers the chance to see the top two teams face off in what will be a crucial match. The division has a surprise leader in the shape of Real Sociedad who enjoyed a narrow, one-point lead over the mighty Real Madrid in mid-November.

On December 4th, Real Madrid will travel to face Real Sociedad in what is undoubtedly the biggest game of the month. It may not be enough to seal the title but whoever wins will go into the festive period with a solid advantage in the race for the La Liga trophy.

Elsewhere, Barcelona’s troubles see them languishing in ninth place and their toughest game of the month will see the Catalans host fifth placed Real Betis on the 4th.

Across the World

In Major League Soccer in the United States, the playoffs are looming and, now that the regular season is complete, the lineup for the first knockout round is in place.

The Conference Finals will take place in early December with the MLS Cup itself being contested on the 11th. Those fixtures are yet to be confirmed but New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids are among the teams to watch after they topped their respective Conference tables.

There’s a feast of football in store and, as always, December looks like being a pivotal month for many clubs.