AMSTERDAM – Several Americans are getting geared up for weekend action overseas, with new father Alejandro Bedoya back in uniform to help Nantes invade derby rivals Rennes.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. Crystal Palace (Saturday, 11 am on Premier League Extra Time)
With most everybody back to full fitness in defense, it remains to be seen if Cameron will start against a surprising Eagles side. Whoever starts at the back, their margin for error will be slim with the Potters missing attackers Bojan Krkic, Peter Odemwingie, Stephen Ireland and Jon Walters. After having a three-game winning run halted last weekend, dark horse Stoke will try to regain ground in the Europa League race. The hosts are very tough to beat at the Britannia these days, but Palace have accomplished a stunning 5-2-2 record in their last nine games there.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Swansea City (Saturday, 11 am on Premier League Extra Time)
Now that he's backstopped Villa clear of the drop zone, Guzan will try to lead them to their first three-game EPL win streak since Brad Friedel walked their line five years ago. The American, who has won just once in six meetings with Swansea, will be without defenders Aly Cissokho and Ron Vlaar for this one. The Villans have taken four of six at home, but three of those were FA Cup wins worked by Shay Given.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Moenchengladbach at Bayern Munich (Sunday, 12:30 pm on GolTV)
The American is aiming for a starting nod when the league-leading Bavarians welcome his side. Johnson has yet to feature in a victory over Bayern with any of his employers, going 0-2-2. Though they've only won twice in Munich over the last 50 years, 'Gladbach have gone 1-1-1 on their last three visits to Allianz Arena. The Foals are fully fit, but FC Hollywood will be without suspended defender Mehdi Benatia and the injured duo of Javi Martinez and Thiago.
Jerome Kiesewetter – Stuttgart vs. Timothy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt (Saturday, 10:30 am on MyGermanTV+)
With a goal and three assists to his credit in six career games against Stuttgart, Chandler will take up his usual starting place for Eintracht. A win could potentially move the visitors to within a point of the last Europa League slot, but they are 1-6-2 in their last nine road contests. Meanwhile, US youth international Kiesewetter is vying for his second career Bundesliga appearance. The Schwabians have always been dominant in this home fixture, but the Frankfurt crew have managed an even 1-1-1 split the last three times over.
FRENCH LIGUE 1
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes at Rennes (Saturday, 3 pm on beIN Sport Connect)
The brand new papa returns to the selection for a Derby de la Bretagne having missed three of the last four games. Bedoya may well start, what with Johan Audel out and Rémi Gomis facing a late fitness check. Nantes have won two of three, but are winless in seven away from home. The Canaries, who have traditionally been fairly rude guests in this series, have posted a 3-2-1 record in their last six at Rennes.
SWEDISH SVENSKA CUPEN
Heath Pearce
– IFK Göteborg vs. BK Häcken (Saturday, 1 pm)
The veteran defender is expected to keep his place in central defense for the Blåvitt when they shoot for a place in the cup final. Göteborg have yet to concede a goal in 270 minutes with Pearce on the field. Häcken have opened the campaign with four straight cup wins, but they they've managed just one win in seven tries at Gamla Ullevi.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Tim Howard – Everton at Queens Park Rangers, Sun. noon on Premier League Extra Time
Netherlands:
Aron Johansson – AZ Alkmaar vs. Cambuur, Sat. 3:45 pm
Austria:
Conor O'Brien – Wiener Neustadt vs. Rapid Wien, Sun. 11:30 am
