AMSTERDAM – Most of the Americans set for weekend action overseas will be able to kick their feet up at home, but Brad Guzan must hit the road for a USMNT netminder showdown with Tim Howard. All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj (AV), Tim Howard (EVE) – Everton vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 10 am on Fox Soccer 2Go)
The Aston Villa 'keeper has lost only once in five EPL road games as he enters Goodison to square off with US stablemate Howard for the first time in his pro career. The Everton star has only one win from his last four net duels with a compatriot, but he's also lost just once in the previous nine with Villa. It remains to be seen if Lichaj can break back into the lineup.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Jermaine Jones – Schalke vs. Greuther Fürth (Saturday, 9:30 am)
The US midfielder returns from suspension, likely to reclaim his regular place as the Miners try to get back in the race for second. Jones has a goal in three career shutout wins over Fürth. Schalke, who managed just one win in four league games without the American agitant, will go without Ibrahim Afellay and Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
DUTCH EREDIVISIE
Jozy Altidore – AZ Alkmaar vs. Groningen (Saturday, 12:45 pm)
The Cheese Farmers and their power forward have come out of the winter break flying; Altidore had four goals in a pair of January blowout wins. Overall, he has bagged eight goals in his last six games. The hosts, who have topped Gang Green in 10 of their 15 Alkmaar meetings with but two defeats, can climb as high as seventh with a victory.
BELGIAN JUPILER LEAGUE
Sacha Kljestan – Anderlecht vs. Standard Liège (Sunday, noon)
The former Chivas USA man is back from a ban, now with loan arrival Demy De Zeeuw to compete with and expected departure Lucas Biglia still around. The holders have won 11 league games in a row and 12 straight domestic matches at the Constant Vanden Stock. They've also taken the two derbies with Standard that Kljetsan started.
TURKISH SÜPER LIG
Maurice Edu – Bursaspor vs. Galatasaray (Saturday, noon)
The loan midfielder should start again as Bursa hosts perhaps the friendliest of their nearby Istanbul rivals. Edu has quickly become a fan favorite, even if the club went winless on a three-game road swing after his debut win at home. The Green Crocodiles have four straight wins and a 304-minute shutout streak against guests Galatasaray.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel – Tottenham Hotspir at West Bromwich Albion, Sun. 8:30 am on Fox Soccer
Germany:
Timothy Chandler – FC Nürnberg vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach, Sun. 9:30 am on GolTV
Fabian Johnson (probable), Daniel Williams – Hoffenheim vs. Freiburg, Sat. 9:30 am
Michael Parkhurst – Augsburg at Wolfsburg, Sat. 9:30 am
Spain:
Carlos Bocanegra – Racing Santander at Sporting Gijón, Sat. noon
