AMSTERDAM – The weekend brings its usual slate of European action involving Americans, including Aston Villa's Brad Guzan taking his fifth stab at a first victory over Premier League foe Newcastle United.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Jozy Altidore – Sunderland vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 11 am on NBCSN/Telemundo)
The US striker should again pull sub duty when the Black Cats try to score their first league win over United since 1997. Sunderland did achieve a big League Cup win over the Red Devils in January, but have dropped seven of the last eight EPL tilts. The home side remain without Emanuele Giaccherini, but the injury-hit Manchester giants expect to have Robin van Persie back for the contest.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Newcastle (Saturday, 7:45 am on NBCSN)
Having posted an opening day shutout win last weekend, Guzan will now try to top Newcastle for the first time. The US star in winless in four previous tries, losing the last three. His margin for error may again be slim, what with top Villa strikers Christian Benteke and Libor Kozák still sidelined. The Magpies are unbeaten in three at Villa Park, and in six games for the overall series.
Tim Howard – Everton vs. Arsenal (Saturday, 12:30 pm on NBC/Mun2)
Howard enjoyed his best season series ever against the Gunners in 2013/14, notching a road draw and a clean sheet victory at Goodison Park. The netminder also went 12-2-3 with eight shutouts at home last season. Ross Barkley and Bryan Oviedo are out for the hosts, while former Toffee Mikel Arteta heads a long Arsenal injury list.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. Stuttgart (Sunday, 11:30 am on GolTV)
Fresh off setting up the winner in his 'Gladbach debut on Thursday, Johnson will be in contention for a start as the Bundesliga season opens. He did play in both defense and attack during that Europa League playoff round victory, so the exact location of his weekend station is unclear. The Foals, who remain sans forward Max Kruse, have won two of the last three at Stuttgart.
FRENCH LIGUE 1
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes vs. AS Monaco (Sunday, 3 pm on beIN SPORTS Connect)
The Canaries attacker should start behind the striker when they attempt to continue their unbeaten start to the season with a result against big-spenders Monaco. Bedoya scored against them in a Nantes away loss last term. Though the principality side have surprisingly opened with a pair of losses this season, they have dropped just one of their last seven at Stade de la Beaujoire.
DUTCH EREDIVISIE
Rubio Rubin – FC Utrecht at Feyenoord (Sunday, 8:30 am)
With Utrecht still suffering a selection crisis in attack, Rubin could be back in the lineup to get his first taste of De Kuip, arguably the most intimidating stadium in the Netherlands. The Red & White Army have not bested their nearby rivals away in nearly 10 years, a span of two draws and eight defeats across all competitions.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City at Hull City, Sun. 8:30 am on Premier League Extra Time
Germany:
Timothy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Freiburg, Sat. 9:30 am on MyGermanTV+
John Brooks – Hertha Berlin vs. Werder Bremen, Sat. 9:30 am on MyGermanTV+
Joe Gyau – Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen, Sat. 12:30 pm on GolTV
Belgium:
Sacha Kljestan – Anderlecht vs. Waasland-Beveren, Sun. 8:30 am
Norway:
Jeb Brovsky – Strømsgodset vs. Andrew Jacobson & Michael Stephens – Stabæk, Sat. 9:30 am
Mikkel Diskerud – Rosenborg vs. Sarpsborg 08, Sun. noon
Serbia:
Freddy Adu – FK Jagodina vs. Radnički Kragujevac, Sat. 11 am
