With the Bundesliga and Serie A returning after short winter breaks (stream games LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.), New Year's weekend is a good time to soak in a bunch of storylines. So let's set the table for the days ahead, with a look at several intriguing matchups, from Manchester United vs. Aston Villa on Friday to Huesca vs. Barcelona on Sunday.
Jump to: Surprising contenders | Clash of styles | Are Leverkusen for real? | Green-apalooza| Sexiest game of the weekend | Dortmund's redemption | Challengers close in on Liverpool | Barca as Not-Barca
Two surprising (in different ways) Premier League contenders
Manchester United vs.