Top five matches to look out for in last week of December 2022

Club football is back after the end of the FIFA World Cup 2022

After a suspenseful World Cup in which Argentina were crowned winners for the third time in 36 years, the year 2022 will end on a high note with several top club matches to be played. Although December is jam-packed with League Cup fixtures and other competitions around Europe.

There are five matches to watch out for when the emphasis switches to club football in December. With league leaders hoping to finish on top of the table before the New Year, here are the top five matches to watch in December.

5. Barcelona vs Espanyol

Barcelona will return club play against Espanyol in a derby match, having ended at the top of the standings before the World Cup commenced, and will attempt to win LaLiga under manager Xavi. FCB were knocked out of the Champions League for the second time in a row and will seek to conclude the season with a title.

While Espanyol have underperformed this season, with only two victories in 14 games, they currently sit in 16th place in the table. This will be a vital derby for both clubs, and Espanyol might build on this victory.

4. Liverpool vs Leicester

Liverpool will play Aston Villa before facing Leicester on December 31st. The Reds did not start the season as they had speculated, but they are now gradually hitting their routine, and their front three of Firmino, Salah, and Nunez are able to link with each other and deliver goals. Despite the fact that we have a long season ahead of us, Klopp's team might fight for the crown if they maintain credibility, as they now sit in sixth place.

Leicester have regained its stride and are looking to rebuild following a humiliating run in the Premier League that saw them tumble to 20th place. The Foxes have had five wins in 15 games and currently sit in 13th place.

3. Manchester City vs Everton

Will Guardiola be able to claim a title treble? With De Bruyne and Haaland demolishing teams on their way, it's hardly surprising given the team he's assembled. Manchester City have resumed where they left off last season, finishing second in the table, five points behind leaders Arsenal. Guardiola will want to move up the ladder in order to win the Premier League for the third time in a row.

Meanwhile, Everton are enduring a difficult season with defeats and few wins under Frank Lampard. Being 17th in the table, the Toffees will need to elevate their game if they are to remain inside the top ten. Their strikers have been a source of concern due to a lack of goals, and Lampard will need to bring in a proven goalscorer following the departure of Richarlison.

2. Brighton vs Arsenal

Brighton have been impressive this season under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, defeating Arsenal in the EFL Cup and Chelsea in the Premier League. They are now seventh in the table and will meet Arsenal in the Premier League again.

On the contrary, Arsenal have turned their fortunes dramatically, courtesy of Mikel Arteta, who has inspired the club to return to title hopes, and they now sit atop the table, five points clear of second place. Although Gabriel Jesus' injury will keep him out for three months owing to a knee injury, Arteta has the resources to cover that.

1. Wolves vs Manchester United

Wolves have appointed Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach after a terrible start to the season. They are currently 20th in the table, with only two wins in 15 matches.

Manchester United will strive to finish fourth before 2023 since they are only three points behind fourth-place Tottenham. Ten Hag has worked his magic, and United now appears to be a serious squad worthy of derailing top teams' hopes of winning the league.