AMSTERDAM – The weekend brings another tasty menu of European tilts involving Americans, with FC Utrecht hotshot Rubio Rubin set for his first Eredivisie duel with Aron Jóhannsson.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Jozy Altidore – Sunderland at Newcastle (Sunday, 8:30 am on NBCSN
Despite last week's hard-to-stomach miss, it seems likely Altidore will play some part for Sunderland against the hated Magpies. The US striker went the distance in both games of last season's glorious sweep, with the game-winning assist on his career debut against Newcastle. The Black Cats are currently enjoying a three-game win streak in the derby series, including the last two at St. James.
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 3 pm on NBCSN)
The US handyman should again start in midfield when the Potters lace up for some Monday night football against the visiting league leaders. Stoke's victory in last season's home meeting was the first time in five clashes that Cameron did not end up on the losing side. Chelsea enter the game with but one win in four road games, as well as one in their last four at the Britannia.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Manchester United (Saturday, 10 am on NBCSN/Mun2)
To get right back on the winning track, Guzan will need to break a nasty duck: he's lost all four of his previous starts against United by a combined 12-1 tally. The troubles go back further than the American and his current teammates, though. Villa have lost seven straight to the Red Devils and haven't beaten them at home since 1995, a span of 21 games.
Tim Howard – Everton at Southampton (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
The bearded one will try to help the Toffees climb into the top reaches of the table against suddenly slumping Southampton. Despite four straight defeats, the Saints still stand fifth and have lost just one of five career visits from Howard. It also does not bode well that the away team is winless in the last 10 series tilts between these two clubs.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Timmy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt at Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 9:30 am on MyGermanTV+)
The Eintracht right back has left BayArena defeated the last two seasons, but that was with relegated FC Nürnberg. His current crew have but one loss in five and are aiming to crash the European places. Fourth place Leverkusen are unbeaten in 12 at home, but did fall the Frankfurt boys last December.
DUTCH EREDIVISIE
Aron Jóhannsson – AZ Alkmaar vs. Rubio Rubin – FC Utrecht (Saturday, 2:45 pm)
With Utrecht striker Ruud Boymans on the injury shelf, warming rookie Rubin could keep the center forward role, giving us a symmetrical duel against US teammate Johannsson to enjoy. The Oregon native has two goals in three games and stands second among the Red-and-White Army with four assists. His AZ counterpart, meanwhile, has scored in his last two at AFAS-Stadion and has two goals in as many home games against Utrecht. The Cheese Farmers are also 7-0-1 in the last eight home contests in the series.
BEST OF THE REST
Germany:
John Brooks – Hertha Berlin vs. Hoffenheim, Sun. 9:30 am on GolTV
Julian Green – Hamburg at Schalke 04, Sat. 9:30 am on MyGermanTV+
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Moenchengladbach at Augsburg, Sat. 9:30 am on MyGermanTV+
France:
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes at Lorient, Sat. 2 pm
Belgium:
Sacha Kljestan – Anderlecht at Waasland-Beveren, Sat. noon
