AMSTERDAM — There's no shortage of key weekend clashes involving American Exports this time out, including Carlos Bocanegra's first Old Firm derby. All times listed in ET.
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Rangers vs. Celtic (Sunday, 7:30 a.m.)
Americans: Alejandro Bedoya, Carlos Bocanegra, Maurice Edu (Rangers)
Not only is this tilt the first Old Firm throwdown of the campaign, it will be the first for Bocanegra. Edu will also start for the Light Blues and Bedoya has beaten a calf strain to make the provisional squad.
Top 'Gers gun Nikica Jelavić also been passed fit for the hosts, who top the table over their arch nemesis by a point. However, Celtic have won two and drawn one from both the last three league meetings and the last three overall at Ibrox.
ITALIAN SERIE A
Parma vs. Chievo (Sunday, 9 a.m.)
American: Michael Bradley (CV)
The US midfielder's debut watch hits the road in round two and it's a fair bet he'll see action in the spine of the Flying Donkeys' 4-1-3-2 set this time.
The teams have posted scoreless draws three straight times and the home side has not lost in 11 meetings. Meanwhile, Parma are on a three-game home win streak.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Fulham vs. Manchester City (Sunday, 10 a.m. on FoxSoccer.tv)
American: Clint Dempsey (FUL)
Still looking to crack the win column this EPL season, Deuce & Co. will "welcome" the other title chasers from Manchester this weekend.
The Citizens have three wins and two draws on their last five visits to Craven Cottage. Dempsey has three career goals at Citeh, but as of yet none at home in this series.
Tottenham vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 8:30 a.m. on Fox Soccer Plus/FoxSoccer.tv)
American: Brad Friedel (Spurs)
Back from his Europa League breather, Friedel will take the line eager to shut down his former employers. The veteran has just one win in his last seven against the Reds.
At the same time, Liverpool have lost four straight at White Hart Lane. Each side is hoping to return their midfield general; Rafael van der Vaart for Spurs and Steven Gerrard for the visitors.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Hannover 96 vs. Borussia Dortmund (Sunday, 9:30 a.m.)
American: Steve Cherundolo (H96)
The home skipper is expected to return to his usual right back slot after a midweek Europa League shift on the left. Despite being winless in three, Hannover stand a point above the champs in eighth.
Dortmund are unbeaten in their last three at the AWD and have hit for four goals against the Reds in three of the last five meetings overall. However, they should arrive without attack stars Lucas Barrios and Mario Götze.
BELGIAN JUPILER LEAGUE
Gent vs. Anderlecht (Sunday, 8:30 a.m.)
American: Sacha Kljestan (AND)
The US midfielder will take his usual two-way place as the Mauves take their first crack of the season at holders Gent — who just so happen to also stand top now, two points above their Sunday visitors.
Actually, it's among Anderlecht's favorite trips recently; they've posted five wins and 16 goals without a loss from their last seven times at Jules Ottenstadion.
DANISH SAS LIGA
FC Copenhagen vs. Aalborg BK (Sunday, noon)
American: Chris Rolfe (AaB)
The former Chicago Fire man will take his customary place in right attack midfield as second place Aalborg try to keep the first place defending champions within sight.
Marcus Tracy is not quite back for the visitors, who are already seven points behind FC Copenhagen after eight games. Furthermore, the hosts are on a seven-match SAS Liga winning streak and have not lost to AaB in their friendly confines since Danny Califf helped beat them in 2007.
FC Nordsjælland vs. Brøndby (Sunday, 10 a.m.)
Americans: Clarence Goodson (BIF), Michael Parkhurst (FCN)
Like a roulette ball, there's really no telling where Parkhurst will land in the back half of this weekend's home lineup. But while Parkhurst has played four positions in the last month, Goodson is always inked into the heart of defense for Brøndby.
The Wild Tigers have won three of an unbeaten four, while their guests just snapped a four-game win drought last weekend. Brøndby have had plenty of success at Farum Park, with seven wins and just one defeat in the last 11 there.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Everton (Tim Howard) vs. Wigan - Sat. 10 a.m. on FoxSoccer.tv
Germany:
FC Nürnberg (Timothy Chandler) vs. Werder Bremen - Sat. 9:30 a.m.
The Netherlands:
RKC Waalwijk vs. AZ Alkmaar (Jozy Altidore) - Sun. 8:30 a.m. on Eredivisie.tv
Portugal:
Rio Ave vs. Sporting CP (Oguchi Onyewu) - Sun. 4:15 p.m.
Denmark:
FC Midtjylland vs. SønderjyskE (Conor O'Brien) - Sun. 8 a.m.
Norway:
Stabæk (Mikkel Diskerud) vs. Odd Grenland - Sun. noon
