AMSTERDAM — With a strong slate of European games involving Americans, we thought it best to help schedule those midweek "business meetings" at the soccer pub near the office.
Premier League
Fulham vs. West Bromwich Albion
Tuesday, 3 pm ET on ESPN3.com
Americans: Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson (FUL)
Dempsey should take his usual place in the line-up when Fulham try to climb out of the danger zone with one of their recent favorite visitors in town. The Baggies have lost in each of their last four trips to the Cottage, running up a combined 12-1 tally. Moussa Dembélé could return for the home side, which would lower Johnson's chances of dressing. West Brom will be without suspended defender Gabriel Tamaş but hope to see winger Chris Brunt return.
[inlinenode:324515]Aston Villa vs. Sunderland
Wednesday, 2:45 pm ET on ESPN3.com
Americans: Brad Friedel, Eric Lichaj (AV)
Friedel will be back on the line after Sunday's Chelsea show. The quick turnaround could theoretically give Lichaj another starting chance, but Ciaran Clark had a good game in the Blues’ away draw. Villa lost the recent league dust-up at Sunderland, and had to settle for a draw on the Black Cats' March visit. The Villans are unsure over the availability of wingers Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, and Luke Young remains out. The visitors, meanwhile, have a very banged-up defense, with Titus Bramble, John Mensah and Michael Turner ruled out.
[inlinenode:324796]Everton vs. Tottenham
Wednesday, 3 pm ET on ESPN3.com
American: Tim Howard (EVE)
It'll be a tall task for home keeper Howard when a Spurs side growing in confidence every week invades. Tottenham have won three straight since Christmas and have not lost in their last nine EPL matches. Everton, meanwhile, are still trying to find their feet at Goodison, where they're winless in four and have among the worst home records in the league thus far. Making matters worse, Spurs have been quite the rude guests in recent years, with five wins and seven draws in their last 13 at Everton. The Toffees will be light African Nations Cup absentee Tim Cahill and Johnny Heitinga, while the travelers are missing the likes of Jermain Defoe, Tom Huddlestone, Robbie Keane, Younes Kaboul and Ledley King.
Copa del Rey
[inline_node:321961]Villarreal vs. Valencia
Thursday, noon ET on ESPN3.com
American: Jozy Altidore (V'real)
With the Yellow Submarine into the middle tilt of three games in a week and Nilmar on the shelf, late Monday sub Altidore seems a good bet for more minutes in this cup derby. This one will decide the round of 16 tie, with the rivals having played out a scoreless draw at the Mestalla. Villarreal have won 14 of an unbeaten last 15 at home, and have three wins and a draw from the last four Madrigal clashes with Valencia. Striker Aritz Adruriz has hit in five of nine for the visitors, who are sweating the fitness of starting keeper César and defender David Navarro.
Best of the rest
Newcastle vs. West Ham United (Jonathan Spector) - Weds. 2:45 pm ET, delayed at 5 pm on Fox Soccer Channel.
