AMSTERDAM — With most leagues on holiday (as well as injuries to Maurice Edu and Stuart Holden), we have the rundown on a limited all-EPL weekend docket for Americans playing in Europe.
Stoke City v Everton
Saturday, noon ET
American: Tim Howard (EVE)
Despite standing 11th ahead of their trip to Britannia Stadium, Howard and the Toffees are unbeaten on the road since August. Everton, who have fingers crossed for a Phil Jagielka return, have also not lost in their last four Stoke visits. For the home side, backline policeman Robert Huth is suspended, while winger Matt Etherington faces a late fitness check. The Potters have hit the skids at home of late, going winless in three with two defeats.
Tottenham v Fulham
Saturday, 10 am ET, Fox Soccer Premium
Americans: Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson (FUL)
While not the ritziest of local grudge matches, this is still a London derby and Fulham have not won at White Hart Lane since 2003. Dempsey, who last scored against Spurs nine meetings ago, will naturally start. This tilt may come to soon for Moussa Dembélé, perhaps giving Johnson another chance at minutes. The fifth place hosts are unbeaten in eight league games and have designs on closing ground on the leaders. However, they will be absent the likes of Jermain Defoe, Younes Kaboul (both suspended), MLS target Robbie Keane and Ledley King.
Chelsea v Aston Villa
Sunday, 12:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer Channel
Americans: Brad Friedel, Eric Lichaj (AV)
With Luke Young still sidelined, Lichaj should start with Friedel in the keeper's record-extending 248th consecutive EPL match. Villa are hoping to return Emile Heskey and Ashley Young to an attack searching for form. The visitors have been shut out six times since Chelsea came to town for a scoreless draw in mid-October, winning just two of 12 since. The Blues, who have just halted a seven-game win drought, are missing defenders Alex and Branislav Ivanovic.
Best of the rest:
West Ham United (Jonathan Spector) v Wolverhampton (Marcus Hahnemann) - Sat. 10 a.m., delayed 12 p.m. on Fox Soccer Plus
