AMSTERDAM – It may be do-or-die for the title hopes of Bob Bradley's Stabaek when they visit Tippeligaen leaders Rosenborg on a weekend full of tasty European matchups involving Americans.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City at Arsenal (Saturday, 10 am on USA)
The US handyman will likely return to the heart of defense for the injury/suspension-hit Potters. Cameron has enjoyed some fine outings against the Gunners and owns a respectable 2-3-1 career record in the series. However, all three of those defeats came in London, where Stoke have dropped 11 straight. In addition to several key absences, the Saturday guests will hand late fitness tests to Marko Arnautovic, Mame Biram Diouf and Glen Johnson.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa at Leicester City (Sun. 11 am on NBCSN)
The US netminder and his teammates will make the short trip to face the Foxes in a traditionally unkind road fixture. Guzan split last season's series against Leicester, with the home side winning each contest. Despite that loss, Villa have put together a decent 1-1-3 run form their last five at King Power Stadium. It looks as though the American will get a new defender to holler at as deadline pickup Joleon Lescott seems set for a debut.
Tim Howard – Everton vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 7:45 am on NBCSN)
The Toffees star is set for his 29th meeting with the reigning league champs, which will be seven more than he's had against any other opponent in his pro career. Believe it or not, he's fared better against the Blues since leaving Manchester United, going 4-8-6 with five shutouts in EPL play as an Everton man. More recently, though, Chelsea have topped Howard & Co. three times in a row and in five if their last six clashes.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Aron Johannsson – Werder Bremen at Hoffenheim (Sunday, 9:30 am on Fox Sports 1)
Back from US duty, Johannsson will look to score in consecutive Bundesliga games against a team that is no stranger to giving up goals. Hoffenheim have conceded multiple strikes in four of their last six league games. They are also a dreary lifetime 1-4-2 at home to Bremen, with 10 goals leaked from their last three visits.
Alfredo Morales – Ingolstadt vs. Wolfsburg (Sunday, 9:30 am on Fox Soccer 2Go)
Morales and friends have won the first two Bundesliga road matches in club history and now they will try to bring that success home. With the US midfielder expected to start, it should be his first match against last season's runners up. The only previous game between the two was a slim DfB-Pokal home win for the Wolves back in 2013.
NORWEGIAN TIPPELIGAEN
Coach Bob Bradley, Cole Grossman – Stabaek at Rosenborg (Sunday, noon)
After missing the chance to gain ground on leaders Rosenborg last weekend, Stabaek now get their big shot at reducing an eight-point title deficit. Grossman had an assist in the last meeting between these two teams, a 3-2 home loss for the Blue Ones. It was Bradley's first defeat against the Troll Kids after a pair of big wins, including one in Trondheim. It's not just him making this series a thrill; the second place visitors will arrive for this one with a 6-6 record from their last dozen games at Lerkendal Stadion.
BEST OF THE REST
France:
Alejandro Bedoya (doutbful) – Nantes vs. Rennes, Sun. 11 am on beIN Sports Connect
Norway:
Rhett Bernstein – Mjondalen at Tromso, Sun. 9:30 am
Alex DeJohn – IK Start at Sarpsborg 08, Sun. noon
Ethan Horvath – Molde FK at Sandefjord, Sat. noon
A.J. Soares – Viking at Valerenga, Sun. 2 pm
Zarek Valentin – Bodo/Glimt at Odds BK, Sun. noon
Scotland (Championship):
Gedion Zelalam – Rangers vs. Livingston, Sat. 10 am
