AMSTERDAM — It's time again to set up the weekend for those with an eye toward Europe and those Americans in action.
Our handy guide should save you office workers 10 minutes on your TGIF out missions, so there's no time wasted by ceremony here. All times are ET.
BUNDESLIGA
Hamburg v Schalke 04
Saturday, 12:30 p.m. on GolTV/Dish German Sports
Americans: Jermaine Jones (Schalke)
The prospective US midfielder is slated to start as Schalke kick off their Bundesliga season with a tall task—even if they have posted two wins and two draws on their last four visits to Hamburg. We can probably expect some goals after 2-2 and 3-3 draws between the two last season. What's more, each is missing a key defender: Dennis Aogo for HSV and Tim Hoogland for the visitors.
Hannover 96 v Eintracht Frankfurt
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. on Dish German Sports
Americans: Ricardo Clark (Eintracht), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover)
The league season begins for Cherundolo and Clark in one of several weekend Nat vs. Nat clashes. The former will definitely start as the hosts' captain and the latter may, too. The already lean home side are without key veterans Leon Andreasen, Altin Lala and Jan Schlaudruff; Eintracht will miss Chris and Martin Fenin. Clark's crew have not won at Hannover since 1987, and they have just three wins there in the last 20 attempts.
LIGUE 1
[inlinenode:312935]Rennes v Saint-Étienne
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Americans: Carlos Bocanegra (Saint-Étienne)
The US skipper should get another crack at World Cup nemesis Asamoah Gyan after a breather last week as Les Verts visit Boca's former employers. Rennes have booked three straight 1-0 home wins in the series, with Bocanegra having contributed to the most recent pair. The newest injury casualties are Saint-Étienne striker Boubacar Sanogo, while midfielder Sylvain Marveaux sits out for the hosts.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Saturday, 10 a.m. on Fox Soccer Channel
Americans: Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves), Tim Howard (Everton)
In a battle of American goalkeepers, Hahnemann's Wolves hit the road coming off an opening-day victory, while Howard will want to atone for his gaffe that cost Everton points last week. The home side will get back striker Kevin Doyle, but defender Jelle Van Damme is in doubt. Everton, who were held to a 0-0 home draw by Hahnemann last term, are all but fit.
[inlinenode:315801]Fulham v Manchester United
Sunday, 11 a.m. on Fox Soccer Channel
Americans: Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson (Fulham)
The Cottagers have won 3-0 and 2-0 the last two times mighty Man United have dropped by, and Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits they have "a score to settle." After coming off the bench last weekend, Dempsey will hope for a start. Fulham's attack crowd has grown, though, with the arrival of Belgian forward Moussa Dembélé. The Cottagers hope to see the return of 'keeper Mark Schwarzer, while left back Patrice Evra pasted a United fitness test. Rio Ferdinand, however, remains out for the visitors.
Best of the rest
Bundesliga: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Michael Bradley) v FC Nürnberg - Sat. 9:30 a.m. Dish German Sports
EPL: Newcastle United v Aston Villa (Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj) - Sat. 8:30 a.m. Fox Soccer Channel
EPL: West Ham United (Jonathan Spector) v Bolton Wanderers (Stuart Holden) - Sat. delayed 2:30 p.m. Fox Soccer Channel
