AMSTERDAM — It looks like it's going to be a tough weekend for lots of Americans at European clubs. Thankfully, we're here to help you keep it all straight. All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal vs. Tottenham (Sunday, 8:30 am on Fox Soccer)
American: Brad Friedel (Spurs) - The former US netminder has won his last two against the Gunners, as well as his last outing at the Emirates. But if he's going to make it three straight, he'll have to do it without the back line services of former Arsenal man William Gallas.
Tottenham won at Arsenal last season and have dropped just one of the last four north London derbies there. However, they also have only one shutout of the Gunners in their last 32 meetings.
Chelsea vs. Bolton (Saturday, 10 am on Fox Soccer)
American: Tim Ream (Bolton) - While national outlets are predicting the US defender will return to the bench after his FA Cup debut, local papers say Ream could start ahead of Zat Knight at Chelsea. However, Bolton's lengthy injury list still includes Stuart Holden.
Chelsea look set to go without captain John Terry, but Wanderers still must pay close attention to Frank Lampard, who has 11 career goals against them. The Blues have won four straight in the series, where they currently hold a 282-minute shutout streak against Bolton.
Norwich City vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 8:30 am on Fox Soccer Plus)
American: Zak Whitbread (Norwich) - The American is expected back in defense for this visit from the champs, who shall arrive short Darren Fletcher, Antonio Valencia and Nemanja Vidic.
A victory would give Norwich their first EPL three-game win streak since 1993. Of course, that's easier said than done, but the Canaries did top United in their last time outing at Carrow Road.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Borussia Dortmund vs. Hannover 96 (Sunday, 11:30 am on My Sports Germany)
American: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover) - The Reds captain is slated to reclaim his right back place after missing out in midweek with a calf knock. If he works at least a half on Sunday, he hits an appearance milestone that automatically extends his contract through next season.
Hannover are unbeaten in their last nine league games, but champs Dortmund have been bulletproof for 16, and have runs of six straight wins and 297 clean-sheet minutes going at the moment. They've also beaten the often-pesky Reds two in a row at home.
DUTCH EREDIVISIE
AZ Alkmaar vs. Heerenveen (Sunday, 10:30 am on Eredivisie.tv)
American: Jozy Altidore (AZ) - While Charlison Benschop is hoping to overcome Thursday night's thigh knock, his recent ineffectiveness may tilt the starting nod back to Altidore whether he's fit enough or not.
Maarten Martens is also in doubt as the Cheese Farmers get set to tackle the hottest team in the Eredivisie. Heerenveen have won five straight league games and have been beaten just once in their last 23 overall. The Frisians won the home clash 5-1 in December, but have won just once at AZ in 10 previous visits.
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Inverness CT vs. Rangers (Sunday, 7:45 am)
Americans: Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers) - Alejandro Bedoya still seems to be battling injuries and Maurice Edu is on a yellow-cards ban, so Bocanegra will carry the Flag as Rangers hit the road in need of a victory boost.
Now just three points ahead of Motherwell for the SPL's second Champions League invite, Rangers get to visit one of their favorite hosts. The Light Blues have four shutout wins and a draw from the last five trips to Inverness.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Queens Park Rangers vs. Fulham (Clint Dempsey) - Sat. 10 am on Fox Soccer Plus
Germany:
Augsburg vs. Hertha Berlin (Alfredo Morales) - Sat. 9:30 am on My Sports Germany
Werder Bremen vs. FC Nürnberg (Timothy Chandler) - 12:30 pm on My Sports Germany
Wolfsburg vs. Hoffenheim (Joseph Gyau, Fabian Johnson, Daniel Williams) - Sat. 9:30 am on My Sports Germany
Italy:
Chievo (Michael Bradley) vs. Cesena - Sun. 9 am
France:
Toulouse vs. Sochaux (Charlie Davies) - Sun. 11 am on Fox Soccer 2Go
Belgium:
Gent (Mikkel Diskerud) vs. Mons - Sun. 2 pm
Lierse vs. Anderlecht (Sacha Kljestan) - Sun. 2:30 pm
