ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – The weekend will feature several important European matches involving Americans, with red-hot Fabian Johnson and Borussia Monchengladbach hoping to make it two wins in a row over Bundesliga title holders Bayern Munich.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. Manchester City (Saturday, 7:45 am on NBCSN)
With skipper Ryan Shawcross expected back, it remains to be seen if Cameron will start. If he does, Glen Johnson's doubtful status means he could turn up at right back. The US handyman has yet to taste victory against City, but he has participated in two draws in three tries against them at the Britannia. The visitors will arrive without stars Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa at Southampton (Saturday, 10 am on NBC Sports Live Extra)
Guzan & Co. have not won since September and have not taken a league contest since opening day. Should he post a sorely-needed win, it will be his 50th for the club across all competitions. The American has a 1-2-2 lifetime mark in EPL play against the Saints, but that lone win came on his last visit to St. Mary's. Villa have several players on the absence list, but are crossing fingers that Micah Richards will be able to go.
DeAndre Yedlin – Sunderland at Arsenal (Saturday, 10 am on NBC Sports Live Extra)
Though Billy Jones is set to return, Yedlin could keep his place after last week's fine win over Stoke. The Black Cats have not won at Arsenal in 32 years, but they have posted three scoreless draw from their last five visits to the Emirates. Sunderland have a considerable injury list that includes Jermain Defoe and Seba Larsson, but it pales in comparison with the Gunners' recovery ward roll call. The hosts will be missing the likes of Mikel Arteta, Alexis Sanchez, Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck.
Tim Howard – Everton vs. Crystal Palace (Monday, 3 pm on NBCSN)
Despite a pair of clean sheets in four series matches, Howard is still looking for his first career victory against the Eagles. At the same time, the US netminder is also aiming to extend a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions. Palace suffered at Goodison Park for the longest time, but have now won four of the last six there. Everton will be without captain Phil Jagielka, while midfield ace James McCarthy is listed as doubtful. The visitors will arrive without winger Wilfried Zaha, among others.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
John Anthony Brooks – Hertha Berlin vs. Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 9:30 am on GolTV/FS2)
Hertha and Bayer will both be trying to breach the Europa League zone with a win. The capital crew have won four of five at home, and have dropped just one of their last nine home games with Brooks on the field. However, they've also dropped four straight against Leverkusen, who they have not bested in six years. The Berlin boys have a lengthy list of absences for this one, including Anis Ben-Hatira, Sebastian Langenkamp and recent training returnee Julian Schieber.
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Monchengladbach vs. Bayern Munich (Saturday, 9:30 am on FS1)
The Foals, who are unbeaten in their last seven league tilts and in 11 games overall, can climb as high as third with a win against the champs. That is, of course, easier said than done, but 'Gladbach did pull the trick at Bayern in their last clash. In-form starter Johnson has four goals and two helpers since Halloween, and the team is 17-1-4 in the last 22 Bundesliga games he's started. Last season, he helped the challengers post the aforementioned win and a home draw against mighty Bayern. This time, FC Hollywood will take the pitch without David Alaba, Douglas Costa, Mario Gotze and Arjen Robben.
BEST OF THE REST
Germany:
Alfredo Morales – Ingolstadt vs. Hoffenheim, Sat., 9:30 am on Fox Soccer 2GO
Timothy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Darmstadt, Sun., 11:30 am on FS2
France:
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes at Ajaccio, Sat., 2 pm
Bulgaria:
Bjorn Maars Johnsen – Litex Lovech vs. Ludogorets, Sat., 9:30 am on Gong Play
