AMSTERDAM — It'll be another action-packed weekend for US internationals working day jobs in Europe, with Tim Howard trying to backstop Everton into the final four of the FA Cup against Tim Ream's Bolton. All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH FA CUP
Everton vs. Sunderland (Saturday, 8:45 am on Fox Soccer)
American: Tim Howard (EVE) - The US netminder will try to shake off midweek derby disappointment and enhance his bid for a third career FA Cup final at Wembley. Howard is unbeaten in seven at home, with five of those games ending in shutout wins for the Toffees.
Sunderland have never beaten Howard given eight tries to date and all four meetings with Everton at Goodison ended in losses. Overall, the Black Cats are winless in 15 against their weekend hosts and haven't topped them away since 1996.
Tottenham vs. Bolton (Saturday, 1:30 pm on Fox Soccer)
Americans: Brad Friedel (Spurs), Tim Ream (BW) - While the Tottenham league starter is again expected to play tourney match backup, Ream should retain his place in defense for Wanderers.
Bolton have dropped four straight at White Hart Lane and have not won there since 2004. In the six prior FA Cup meetings between the two, Spurs hold a 4-2 advancement advantage.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Hannover 96 vs. FC Cologne (Sunday, 12:30 pm on My Sports Germany)
American: Steve Cherundolo (H96) - Fresh off helping both himself and his club to a first ever European quarterfinal, the skipper will take up his usual right back slot as the Reds get busy chasing down another invite for next fall.
While Hannover have just one win in five, they are still one of only two remaining home unbeatens in the Bundesliga. However, they have won on four of the last five FC Cologne visits.
FRENCH LIGUE 1
Sochaux vs. Nice (Sunday, noon on Fox Soccer 2Go)
American: Charlie Davies (SCHX) - Despite winning on last week's debut behind three goals, new Sochaux boss Eric Hély has recalled Davies into the provisional selection.
Les Lionceaux are bottom in the table, winless at home since November and without a league win streak since August. A visit from Nice could be just the right medicine, as they've posted four straight clean sheet victories over the Eaglets on home turf.
DANISH SUPERLIGA
FC Nordsjælland vs. Brøndby (Sunday, 11 am)
Americans: Clarence Goodson (BIF), Michael Parkhurst (FCN) - The Wild Tigers, who should again start Parkhurst at right back, have lost just one home game across competitions this season. Goodson, meanwhile, will oppose his countryman by marshaling a Brøndby defense that hasn't conceded more than a single goal in the last seven league outings.
While FCN are the ones applying pressure on leaders FC Copenhagen, it is Brøndby who have dominated this matchup. Though Nordsjælland posted a home victory last September, they snapped a six-match Farum Park drought against the Lads from the Western Outskirts.
SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Dundee United vs. Rangers (Saturday, 8:30 am on Fox Soccer Plus)
Americans: Alejandro Bedoya, Maurice Edu ('Gers) - With the administration soap opera continuing unabated (including a Friday offer to buy the club out of Chicago), the Ibrox crew just want to solidify their hold on the SPL's second Champions League berth.
Suspended defender Carlos Bocanegra is among several Light Blues set to miss out through ban or injury, meaning Edu could be drafted along the back line, thus potentially opening a midfield slot for Bedoya. Rangers have won three in a row at Dundee United and will want revenge after losing to them at home last month.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Fulham (Clint Dempsey) vs. Swansea City - Sat. 11 am on ESPN3.com
Newcastle vs. Norwich City (Zak Whitbread) - Sun. noon on Fox Soccer Plus
Italy:
Bologna vs. Chievo (Michael Bradley) - Sun. 10 am
Germany:
FC Nürnberg (Timothy Chandler) vs. Wolfsburg - Sat. 10:30 am on My Sports Germany
Kaiserslautern (Andrew Wooten) vs. Schalke (Jermaine Jones) - Sun. 10:30 am on GolTV
The Netherlands:
AZ Alkmaar (Jozy Altidore) vs. NAC Breda - Sun. 11:30 am on Eredivisie.tv
Belgium:
Sint-Truiden vs. Anderlecht (Sacha Kljestan) - Sun. 9:30 am
Israel:
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona (Bryan Gerzicich) - Sun. 2:50 pm
Maccabi Netanya (Lep Krupnick) vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv - Sat. 11 am
