ST. PETERSBURG, Russia – The weekend card for Americans playing in Europe is Saturday-heavy, with both Geoff Cameon's Stoke City and Tim Howard's Everton set to strive for road wins that could take them closer to the Premier League top five.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City at West Ham United (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
The US handyman will likely appear in midfield again after last week's fine showing there. Cameron has never lost to the Hammers, winning two of five clashes with an assist to his credit. The Potters, who have won three of four in league play, could leapfrog as many as five clubs with another victory. Unbeaten in their last three at West Ham, Stoke will arrive with six shutouts from their last six EPL contests.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Arsenal (Sunday, 8:30 am on NBCSN)
The cellar dwellers have not won since opening day, and they have not beaten the Gunners at home since 1998 (a span of 16 games). Still after his 50th career Villa win, Guzan is but 1-1-5 against their weekend visitors. Lowering the degree of difficulty a bit is the fact that Arsenal – a club that traditionally tortures American goalkeepers – remain without stars Mikel Arteta, Santi Cazorla, Alexis Sanchez and Jack Wilshere.
Tim Howard – Everton at Norwich City (Saturday, 7:45 am on NBCSN)
While the Toffees can cozy back up to the European places with a win, Howard is 0-2-2 with an even 2.00 goals against average against the Canaries in his career. The US star is unbeaten in his last five EPL outings, but has but one victory in his last six league road games. The visitors are hoping skipper Phil Jagielka and midfield ace James McCarthy can ace late fitness tests.
DeAndre Yedlin – Sunderland vs. Watford (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
It is unclear whether Yedlin will keep his right back place to get his first look at the surprising Hornets. Though Watford has four wins from their last six matches, they have lost four straight against the Black Cats and have never won a top flight game at the Stadium of Light. The hosts might need to go without Steven Fletcher, but fellow striker Jermain Defoe looks set to return.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
John Anthony Brooks – Hertha Berlin at Darmstadt (Saturday, 9:30 am on Fox Soccer 2GO)
The capital crew is thriving despite a rash of injuries. Three wins in four have Hertha sitting in the last Champions League slot as the Bundesliga nears the winter break. Sure starter Brooks will be getting his first look at the promoted hosts, who snapped a four-game win drought last weekend. While the teams have not met in nine years and in Bundesliga play since 1979, Darmstadt have yet to score the Berlin boys in three tries.
Fabian Johnson – Borussia Moenchengladbach at Bayer Leverkusen (Saturday, 12:30 pm on Fox Sports 2)
The Foals will wait until Saturday morning to determine whether Johnson will take his usual starting place on left wing. The US star, who has a goal and two assist in in his last four games against Leverkusen, left Tuesday's Champions League loss with a knock. Third place 'Gladbach are an impressive 2-1-2 from their last five trips to BayArena.
BEST OF THE REST
Germany:
Timothy Chandler – Eintracht Frankfurt at Borussia Dortmund, Sun. 11:30 am on Fox Sports 2
France:
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes vs. Toulouse, Sat. 2 pm on beIN Sports Connect
Bulgaria:
Bjorn Maars Johnsen – Litex Lovech at Levski Sofia, Sat. 9:30 am on Gong Play
Scotland (Championship):
Gedion Zelalam – Rangers vs. Greenock Morton, Sat. 10 am
