January 2023 brings not only a new year, but also a return to consistent club soccer games on ESPN+.
This includes league competitions, namely the Bundesliga and LaLiga. However, it also delves into cup ties. With the World Cup now in the rear view mirror, the players are in full swing of the club season.
Here are the most notable games to keep an eye on on ESPN+ as we enter the new year.
The best soccer games on ESPN+ in January
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Friday, January 6 – Everton vs. Manchester United (FA Cup Third Round) – Live on ESPN+
Two of England’s most popular teams battle it out from the start in the FA Cup. This is the first meeting of the two teams in the FA Cup since the 2016 semi-final. United won that contest narrowly, 2-1, with Anthony Martial scoring late on.
Saturday, January 7 – Coventry City vs. Wrexham (FA Cup Third Round) – LIVE ON ESPN+
Wrexham is back in the public eye. The stars of Welcome to Wrexham on FX are in the FA Cup third round to take on Championship side Coventry City on the road. This is Wrexham’s first game against an opponent in the EFL in this edition of the FA Cup. Wrexham are one of three teams from outside the top four divisions to reach this stage of the tournament.
Sunday, January 8 – Manchester City vs. Chelsea (FA Cup Third Round) – LIVE ON ESPN+
On paper, this is the best FA Cup Third Round matchup. There are other matches involving Premier League teams, including Everton against United. However, this one is special. City and Chelsea played in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, just before the World Cup. City defeated the Blues. Interestingly, the two meet just three days before this FA Cup tie in a Premier League match.
Sunday, January 8 – Atlético de Madrid vs. Barcelona (LaLiga) – LIVE ON ESPN+
Atlético de Madrid may be struggling this year. The club find themselves in the top four, with Joao Félix set to depart in a loan move. After 15 games, Barcelona is top of the league, but just barely. It’s a fascinating team between teams moving in opposite directions.
Tuesday, January 10 and Wednesday, January 11 – (Carabao Cup) – LIVE ON ESPN+
The Carabao Cup Round of 16 does not come with any props that jump out of the screen. Newcastle against Leicester City is an interesting tie. However, the three teams at the bottom of the Premier League table – Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Southampton – are all in the bottom three. Of course Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle, all in the top four, are also in the tournament. So there are still some strong teams there.
Jan. 11 to Jan. 15 – Spanish Super Cup – LIVE ON ESPN+
This miniature tournament involves four teams. The LaLiga champion and runner-up and the Copa del Rey champion and runner-up. This year, that means Real Madrid and Barcelona join Cup rivals Real Betis and Valencia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid faces Valencia while Betis fights against Barcelona. Those semifinals are just one-off games before the Spanish Super Cup final on January 15, which could be a Clásico, if both teams win.
Friday, January 20 – RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich (Bundesliga) – LIVE ON ESPN+
The game marks the return of the Bundesliga after the winter break. And what a way to do it. Last year’s champions Bayern Munich take on defending DFB-Pokal champions RB Leipzig. Both clubs are currently in the top three of the Bundesliga table and developed a minor rivalry in recent years.
In the month of January, ESPN+ has more than 2,600 live sporting events scheduled. That includes more than 110 soccer games.
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PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto
