AMSTERDAM – A potential showdown between US attack aces highlights the menu of action involving European-based Americans over the weekend, as Jozy Altidore's Sunderland pay a Premier League call on Clint Dempsey and Fulham.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. Liverpool (Sunday, 11 am on NBCSN)
The US international could slide into central defense with Robert Huth questionable. Wherever he plays, Cameron should see plenty of EPL top scorer Luis Suárez, who has 20 goals in just 15 games this season. With their top two netminders injured, Stoke will go with third choice Jack Butland. The Potters will wager a seven-game home unbeaten run in league play against Liverpool, who have won just once in their last six trips to the Brittania.
Clint Dempsey – Fulham vs. Jozy Altidore – Sunderland (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
The Cottagers should start their returning loan star, and Altidore could also be in Sunderland's lineup. Not only is Steven Fletcher coming off a knock in the last game, but it would be the American's turn if Gus Poyet continues alternating starts for the two as he has for the last month. The Black Cats have lost just one of their last eight overall games. They have also managed an even 2-2-2 split in their last six at Fulham.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Arsenal (Monday, 3 pm on NBCSN)
Having already backstopped a big opening day victory at the Emirates, Guzan will try to help Villa post their first season sweep over the Gunners since 1993. Table-toppers Arsenal, who are currently tied for the best road record in the EPL, are unbeaten in their last 14 games at Villa Park. Each squad has several players expected to miss out, most notably Ron Vlaar for the home side and Aaron Ramsey for the Gunners.
Tim Howard – Everton vs. Norwich City (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
The Toffees netminder has dropped just one of his last 13 league matches, but he's yet to beat Norwich in the six tries since leaving Manchester United nearly a decade ago. Howard stands joint-top in the EPL with nine shutouts, something he has never posted against the Canaries. The American gets Leighton Baines back in defense for this one, but likely must continue without Phil Jagielka for one more match. Everton has traditionally been given all they can handle in this series, which stands tied over the last 50 meetings across all competitions.
FRENCH LIGUE 1
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes vs. Lorient (Sunday, 8 am)
After sitting their midweek cup loss, Bedoya should return to his now-customary No. 10 role in Nantes' 4-3-3 set. The US attacker has four goals and an assist in his last 10 outings, and those five games with a scoring notch are the only ones won by Nantes over the last three months. Nearby rivals Lorient come in having won three straight road matches, but they've won but once in five at Stade de la Beaujoire to date.
BEST OF THE REST
Tim Ream – Bolton vs. Eric Lichaj – Nottingham Forest, Sat. 10 am
