AMSTERDAM – Another weekend brings another tantalizing slate of European matches involving Americans, with Sunderland loan defender DeAndre Yedlin set for his first run-out in a Tyne-and-Wear derby against visiting Newcastle.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. Watford (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
After a miserable start to the season, the Potters are back to break-even and within firing distance of the European places. Cameron will continue as a sturdy center back as he gets his first-ever look at the Hornets. The teams have not met in seven years (and not in the top flight for 30 years), but Watford have gone 3-0-2 while posting shutouts in each of the last five meetings.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Swansea City (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
Villa manager Tim Sherwood will reportedly stick with Guzan, despite last week's gaffe and a five-game EPL losing slide. The netminder is not always getting support, either from the defense or from an attack in three of four. The American is just 1-4-2 against the Swans, and suffered a season sweep last term.
Tim Howard – Everton at Arsenal (Saturday, 12:30 pm on NBC)
The Everton backstop is also in rally mode after being beaten up by old side Manchester United last week. Howard has traditionally struggled against the Gunners, yet has managed an even 1-1-4 split from the last six clashes. The Toffees are still without restart ace Leighton Baines, but he is getting closer to a return.
DeAndre Yedlin – Sunderland vs. Newcastle United (Sunday, 7 am on NBCSN)
Though US teammate Jozy Altidore struggled mightily at Sunderland, he was usually a hero on derby day. Now, Yedlin should get to breathe in the insanity that is this fierce northeast grudge match. As the Black Cats are winless and chained to the basement, Newcastle best be on guard; this is often precisely the time when the Wearside bites hardest. Despite their recent low-table finishes, Sunderland have taken five straight against the Magpies.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Schalke (Sunday, 11:30 am on Fox Sports 1)
Another old derby will take place on the west side of Germany, where 'Gladbach will welcome third-place Schalke. Johnson is being pushed for the left wing Foals start, but as they have won four straight, he likely keeps the place. After last season's split that saw the home team win each time, the US international is 3-3-2 lifetime against the Miners with one assist.
NORWEGIAN TIPPELIGAEN
A.J. Soares – Viking vs. Coach Bob Bradley, Cole Grossman – Stabaek (Sunday, 2 pm)
It is probably the last stand for the Europa League hopes of Soares & Co., while Bradley's boys are essentially trying to hold off a charge to claim second place. The Stabæk boss is 1-1-1 against the Dark Blues, while Grossman was Man of the Match with the loan goal of the game the first time he joined the series back in April. Soares will make his series debut this weekend in an effort to help the Stavanger crew take this home fixture for the fifth straight year.
BEST OF THE REST
Germany
:
Timothy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt at Hannover 96, Sat. 9:30 am on Fox Soccer 2GO
Alfredo Morales – Ingolstadt vs. John Anthony Brooks (questionable) – Hertha Berlin, Sat. 12:30 pm on Fox Sports 2
Norway:
Ethan Horvath – Molde FK at Aalesunds FK, Sun. 9:30 am
Zarek Valentin – Bodø/Glimt vs. Lillestrøm, Sun. 11 am
