Caltex Socceroos in action: weekend preview

While some leagues head into hibernation, there are plenty of Caltex Socceroos still chasing important points this weekend.

Here's a look at the festive football ahead of several of our Aussies abroad.

PREMIER LEAGUE PAIR

Fresh from his double in the 4-1 thumping of Watford, Aaron Mooy and Huddersfield Town head to fellow mid-table team Southampton on Sunday morning (AEDT).

Mat Ryan will be hoping to take advantage of the confidence blow Mooy inflicted on Watford as his Brighton and Hove Albion welcome the Hornets to Amex Stadium.

WRIGHT, LUONGO CLASH IN CHAMPIONSHIP

Bailey Wright enjoyed a dream EFL Cup upset of Manchester United in midweek but it's back to the reality of the Championship grind on the weekend.

The defender has plenty of incentive to chalk up another victory as he goes head-to-head with Australia teammate and QPR midfielder Massimo Luongo at Loftus Road.

Elsewhere, Jackson Irvine will hope to help Hull City return to winning ways in a Yorkshire derby at Leeds United while Mile Jedinak continues his return from injury in Aston Villa's clash with Sheffield United.

AUSSIES IN EUROPE

With two matches to come before the winger break, Aziz Behich will be looking to gain ground on the top four as Bursaspor host Genclerbirligi in Turkey's Super Lig.

The wing-back is his team's top scorer in the league with five goals.

Nikita Rukavytsya is aiming for similar productivity in Maccabi Haifa's tough trip to Israeli Premier League leaders Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

DEGENEK IN DO-OR-DIE CUP ACTION

Milos Degenek and his Japanese outfit Yokohama F Marinos can go a step closer to continental football with an Emperor's Cup semi-final at home to Kashiwa Reysol.

The tournament winner qualifies for the AFC Champions League, which would be a welcome boost for incoming coach Ange Postecoglou.

Meanwhile, over in the UAE, Ryan McGowan's Al-Sharjah will attempt to snap a four-game winless run in a League Cup trip to Al-Wasl.