AMSTERDAM – With another busy weekend across the pond on tap, we've highlighted the best matches involving Americans to help plan your pub raids. All times are ET.
PREMIER LEAGUE
Aston Villa vs. Fulham
Saturday, 10 a.m., FoxSoccer.tv
Americans: Michael Bradley, Brad Friedel, Eric Lichaj (AV); Clint Dempsey (FUL)
Villa's new catch, Bradley, has been included in the selection and Friedel will trod the line, as usual, with an in-form Dempsey and Fulham in town. The Cottagers have not won at Villa Park in nine games, but they have won three of their last four matches. The hosts are still missing Luke Young, but Stewart Downing may be back. Fulham, meanwhile, cannot count on Dickson Etuhu, but Eidur Gudjohnsen could see his club debut.
[inlinenode:327575]Tottenham vs. Bolton
Saturday, 10 a.m., FoxSoccer.tv
American: Stuart Holden (BOL)
The US international will take his usual place in a match between two clubs trying to come out of mini-slumps. Wanderers may be catching the home side at just the right time, with Gareth Bale, Ledley King, Luka Modric and Younes Kaboul all ruled out. Largely fit Bolton won the home meeting in November, but have suffered three straight shutout defeats at White Hart Lane.
BUNDESLIGA
Hannover 96 vs. Wolfsburg
Saturday, 9:30 a.m., Dish German Sports
American: DaMarcus Beasley, Steve Cherundolo (H96)
"Stevie Wonder" will captain his side in this derby, while Beasley returns to the selection from an injury nag. Hannover have suddenly lost three of four to slip from second to fifth and have been beaten six straight times with a combined tally of 17-5 by their rivals. Jan Schlaudruff joins a crowded Reds injury ward. Wolfsburg arrive with all the holdover regulars fit, plus winter window additions Dieumerci Mbokani, Jan Polak and Tuncay Sanli.
EREDIVISIE
FC Utrecht vs. FC Twente
Sunday, 8:30 a.m.
American: Oguchi Onyewu (TWE)
Our man Gooch could return to the selection, but may not start. Second-place Twente have won three on the trot, but have struggled recently at Galgenwaard, with just one win and one goal scored from the last four visits. Utrecht have decided not to rush star man Ricky van Wolfswinkel back from injury and strike stand-in Frank Demouge is listed as doubtful.
SCOTTISH FA CUP
[inlinenode:321654]Rangers vs. Celtic
Sunday, 7 a.m.
American: Maurice Edu ('Gers)
Sure, it's only a cup quarterfinal, but any Old Firm derby is a big event. After scoring a cracker and creating other dangers last time out, Edu will likely retain his starting place in a more advanced position that usual. Celtic lead the FA Cup series 22-16 with eight draws, and busted an Ibrox losing streak by winning there in early January. Lee McCulloch joins the Rangers injury list just as Nikica Jelavic is leaving it, while the Hoops are expecting to return Cha Du-Ri and Georgios Samaras.
Best of the rest:
EPL: Everton (Tim Howard) vs. Blackpool - Sat. 10 a.m.
EPL: Wigan vs. Blackburn (Jermaine Jones) - Sat. 10 a.m.
Ligue 1: Montpellier vs. Saint-Étienne (Carlos Bocanegra) - Sat. 1 p.m. on FoxSoccer.tv
Jupiler: Anderlecht (Sacha Kljestan) vs. Sint-Truiden - Sat. 2 p.m.
