AMSTERDAM – It will be another hectic weekend for Americans playing overseas, with Everton star Tim Howard wagering his seven-game unbeaten run at Premier League leaders Arsenal.
All times listed in ET
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Jozy Altidore – Sunderland vs. Brad Friedel – Tottenham (Saturday, 12:30 pm on NBCSN)
The US striker should keep his starting place after a star turn with a goal against Chelsea in midweek, while Friedel serves as Spurs' backup. Altidore will be making his first appearance against Tottenham, who hold the second-best road record in the EPL this term and are unbeaten in their last three at the Stadium of Light.
Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea – Stoke City vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
While Shea again fights for a place in the selection, Cameron will try to rebound from a rare off day at right back for the Potters. It's possible he could slide over to cover for the injured Robert Huth. Stoke will come in with a four-game undefeated run at home, including three shutouts. However, they have not beaten Chelsea anywhere since 1975, a span of 13 matches.
Tim Howard – Everton at Arsenal (Sunday, 11 am on NBCSN)
The Toffees backstop will carry a 291-minute road shutout streak into the Emirates, where he posted a shut out last season. Howard has yet to win there with Everton, but has managed three draws in seven tries. Overall, he's lost 10 of 15 meeting with the Gunners since his only victory in the series back in 2007. This time, he goes without ace left back Leighton Baines. Arsenal have won six in a row at home and haven't conceded there in 290 minutes.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Jermaine Jones – Schalke at Borussia Mönchengladbach (Saturday, 9:30 am)
The box-to-box midfielder is expected to start, giving him the chance to atone for a rough cup outing earlier in the week. Jones has only participated in a loss to nearby rivals 'Gladbach once in five league meetings. The Foals, who stand four points above Schalke in fourth place, are on a five-game win streak. They lost at home to the Miners last season, but had won five in a row there prior to that.
ITALIAN SERIE A
Michael Bradley – AS Roma vs. Fiorentina (Sunday, 6:30 am on beIN Sport/RAI)
Daniele De Rossi and Miralem Pjanic may be available, but each endured knocks this week, so Bradley might make consecutive starts for the first time this season. The USMNT midfield maestro is also a good-luck charm this weekend; he ended up a winner in each of his five previous tilts against La Viola. Though Fiorentina won at Stadio Olimpico last season, it was their first triumph there since 1992.
DUTCH EREDIVISIE
Aron Jóhannsson – AZ Alkmaar vs. FC Twente (Saturday, 1:45 pm)
The US forward returns to the friendly confines, who has scored in eight of his 10 Eredivisie games wearing an AZ home shirt. Jóhannsson will be getting his first shot at the Tukkers, who stand three points higher than the hosts in third place. The Cheese Farmers occasionally struggle when hosting Twente, who invaded AFAS-Stadion for a 3-0 win last season.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
- Cody Cropper – Southampton vs. Manchester City
- Brad Guzan – Aston Villa at Fulham, Sun. 8:30 am on NBCSN
Germany:
- John Anthony Brooks (probable) – Hertha Berlin at Braunschweig, Sun. 11:30 am on GolTV
- Steve Cherundolo – Hannover 96 at Stuttgart, Sat. 9:30 am
- Fabian Johnson (questionable) Hoffenheim at Eintracht Frankfurt, Sat. 9:30 am
Belgium:
- Sacha Kljestan – Anderlecht vs. Waasland-Beveren, Sat. noon
Austria:
- Terrence Boyd – Rapid Vienna at RZ Pellets WAC, Sun. 10:30 am
