AMSTERDAM—The blessed weekend returns with another appetizing menu of American-focused European fare, with Aston Villa netminder Brad Guzan looking to continue his habit of grabbing points at Liverpool.
All times listed are ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa at Liverpool
(Saturday, 10 a.m. on Premier League Extra Time)
The Villans' backstop is set for one of his favorite fixtures, carrying a 2-2-1 career record at Anfield Road. Guzan is unbeaten on his last four visits, notching his first shutout win over the Reds there last season. More good omens? Liverpool have won just one of their last four home games and will be without former Villa top gun Christian Benteke.
Tim Howard – Everton at West Bromwich Albion
(Monday, 3 p.m. on Premier League Extra Time)
The US star has generally owned West Brom, and holds a 3-2-1 lifetime mark at The Hawthorns. Howard also has clean sheets in three of his last four visits. Everton, who can climb as high as third place with a victory, have leaked just one goal in the last three league games. However, starting defenders Seamus Coleman and John Stones will face late fitness checks.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Aron Jóhannsson – Werder Bremen vs. Bayer Leverkusen
(Saturday, 9:30 a.m. on Fox Soccer Plus)
The US forward is having more impact in the Bremen attack by the week. Last time out, Jóhannsson punctuated an active outing with a goal. The Green-Whites traditionally rule this series at home, but Leverkusen have managed an even 2-2-3 split during their last seven trips.
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Mönchengladbach at Stuttgart
(Saturday, 9:30 a.m. on Fox Soccer 2GO)
Fresh off both an injury return and his first goal of the campaign, Johnson seems likely to get another start on the left wing. He has a goal and an assist in eight meetings with Stuttgart, but also a 3-4-1 record in the series. A win to even his ledger likely vaults 'Gladbach out of the bottom three. The Foals have won three of the last four clashes at Mercedes-Benz Arena.
FRENCH LIGUE 1
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes vs. PSG
(Saturday, 11:30 a.m. on TV5 Monde/beIN Sports Connect)
Nantes are expecting more end product from Bedoya this term and this visit from the champs would be a great time for him to get on the board. The hosts are struggling mightily to score, with but one strike from their last five league matches. The Canaries have dropped all five of his games against PSG, but Bedoya has logged a goal and some great reviews along the way.
NORWEGIAN TIPPELIGAEN
Coach Bob Bradley, Cole Grossman – Stabæk vs. Ethan Horvath – Molde FK
Horvath did Stabæk a big favor by beating leaders Rosenborg last week, but they will be in no mood to show gratitude. Bradley's boys could trim their title deficit to as low as five points with a win. There is a key caveat: The former USMNT boss has yet to defeat Molde in four tries. Horvath has yet to start against the Blue Ones, but he did concede once in 33 injury-relief minutes earlier this year.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. AFC Bournemouth
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Netherlands:
Rubio Rubin – FC Utrecht vs. Cambuur
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. on NGSN
Norway:
Rhett Bernstein, Erik Huratdo – Mjøndalen at Lillestrøm
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
A.J. Soares – Viking at Rosenborg
Sunday, noon
Zarek Valentin – Bodø/Glimt at Strømsgodset
Saturday, noon
Bulgaria:
Bjørn Maars Johnsen – Litex Lovech at Ludogorets
Saturday, 1 p.m.
