AMSTERDAM – It's opening weekend for the Americans drawing checks in the Bundesliga, with fresh Werder Bremen catch Aron Jóhannsson named in the squad and battling for Saturday's start against guests Schalke.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
DeAndre Yedlin – Tottenham vs. Geoff Cameron – Stoke City (Saturday, 10 am on NBCSN)
The Stoke handyman will likely retain a central place next to new right back Glenn Johnson, while Yedlin again makes the provisional squad with hopes of a season debut for Spurs. Cameron is 1-1-1 in games at White Hart Lane, including in win from last season's sweep of Tottenham. It's not just him; while they've traditionally had a terrible time playing away in this series, Stoke have managed an even 2-2-2 split the last six times over.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
John Brooks – Hertha Berlin at Augsburg (Saturday, 9:30 am on FOX Soccer 2Go)
The US center back will try to help Hertha kick off the season right. He's played 180 shutout minutes against Augsburg to date, with a win and a draw on the ledger. However, the capital crew have yet to win in four tries at Augsburg. This time, they will attempt a first victory with a small injury crisis in attack.
Aron Jóhannsson – Werder Bremen vs. Schalke (Saturday, 9:30 am on FOX Soccer Plus)
The recent arrival is in the 18 for this one, but could rally late to grab the starting nod. Jóhannsson has never faced a Bundesliga side in competitive play. As for Bremen, they are aiming to pour ice cold water on a seven-game home win drought against the Miners. The hosts have a long injury list ahead of this contest, while Schalke will go without the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng and Benedikt Höwedes.
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Mönchengladbach at Borussia Dortmund (Saturday, 12:30 pm on FOX Sports 2)
There will be some rotation of the wing stable this term and Johnson's 90 minutes in the midweek cup win that opener their campaign could spell a bench shift this weekend. The US international scored the capper in a 3-1 home win the last time these derby rivals tangled, but it was only his third victory in 11 tries against Dortmund. This time, 'Gladbach will need to make do without center backs Havard Nordtveit and Martin Stranzl.
Alfredo Morales – Ingolstadt at Mainz 05 (Saturday, 9:30 am on FOX Soccer 2Go)
The midfielder, one of those in top filght debutants Ingolstadt's squad with Bundesliga experience, is angling for the opening day start. He's never faced Mainz, but the teams met twice six years ago in the second division, with the visitors taking both wins.
NORWEGIAN TIPPELIGAEN
Danny Cruz, Zarek Valentin – Bodø/Glimt at Viking (Saturday, noon)
Glimt have never won seven straight Tippeligaen games, but a decision at Viking will change that fact. Hot transfer topic Valentin is also on his own form tear, and has a goal and and assist from the last three wins. With the team on a roll, teammate Cruz looks set for more bench duty. Viking, who remain without the injured A.J. Soares, saw a four-match home win streak in the series snapped last season.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Tim Howard – Everton at Southampton, Sat. 7'45 am on NBCSN
Germany:
Timothy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt at Wolfsburg, Sun. 9:30 am on GolTV/Fox Sports 1
France:
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes at Angers, Sat. 2 pm
Netherlands:
Rubio Rubin – FC Utrecht vs Heerenveen, Sun. 8:30 am on NGSN
Norway:
Coach Bob Bradley, Cole Grossman – Stabæk vs Lillestrøm, Sun. 2 pm
Erik Hurtado – Mjøndalen vs FK Haugesund, Sun. noon
