AMSTERDAM – We're back as usual to get you prepped for a weekend's worth of hot overseas action involving Americans, plus a look ahead to AS Roma midfielder Michael Bradley's visit to San Siro to face boyhood favorites AC Milan on Monday.
All times listed in ET.
ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
Jozy Altidore – Sunderland at West Ham United (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
Altidore should get a start in his third crack at the Hammers, whose lengthy absence list includes suspended captain Kevin Nolan. Sunderland have dropped three of four winless games, but still have a better record than West Ham over the last five games.
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 8:30 am on NBCSN)
Guzan will make his third career start against the struggling champs, after suffering a sweep last season. Guzan will probably be without back line cop Ron Vlaar (among others) as he defends a 189-minute Villa Park shutout streak, while United's injury list includes Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic. Villa have not beaten the Red Devils at home since opening day, 1995.
Tim Howard – Everton vs. Fulham (Saturday, 10 am on Premier League Extra Time)
With the Toffees just two points back of second place and an eight-game unbeaten run to protect, Howard welcomes one of his favorite opponents. The US No. 1 has six wins and three clean sheets from an eight-match undefeated streak against the Cottagers, and he’s allowed just three goals in winning all seven of his Everton starts against Fulham at Goodison Park.
ITALIAN SERIE A
Michael Bradley – AS Roma at AC Milan (Monday, 2:45 pm on beIN Sport/RAI)
Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic is serving a ban, so the USMNT's man in the middle is likely to get the fill-in nod against his favorite club growing up. Bradley helped the Giallorossi win last season's "double-header" against Milan. Among Europe's top eight leagues, the hosts stand with Bayern Munich as the only remaining unbeatens this season. They also haven't lost to anyone away since March, and have gone 4-2-2 in their last eight at San Siro.
GERMAN BUNDESLIGA
Steve Cherundolo – Hannover 96 vs. Timothy Chandler – FC Nürnberg (Saturday, 9:30 am)
The "Mayor of Hannover" could go back to his day job as the Reds skipper, which would be a good omen for the home side. They've beaten FCN three straight with Cherundolo in the lineup, and five of the last six. If he plays, it will be an intriguing clash between US right backs aiming to get back in the World Cup frame. Chandler's showings this term are noticeably improved, but still fall short of his potential.
FRENCH LIGUE 1
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes vs. Toulouse (Saturday, 2 pm)
Just in case some haven't noticed, Bedoya is turning into a real Ligue 1 threat to score killer goals. In 13 Nantes appearances, he's hit the game-winner twice, and his third strike leveled late in a comeback win. The fourth-place Canaries have won five of eight at home this season, but just one of the last six Toulouse visits to Stade de la Beaujoire.
BEST OF THE REST
England:
Geoff Cameron, Brek Shea – Stoke City at Hull City, Sat, 12:30 pm on NBCSN
Germany:
Fabian Johnson – Hoffenheim vs. Borussia Dortmund, Sat. 9:30 am
Jermaine Jones – Schalke vs. Freiburg, Sun. 9:30 am
Netherlands:
Aron Jóhannsson – AZ Alkmaar at Heracles, Sun. 8:30 am
Belgium:
Sacha Kljestan – Anderlecht at Gent, Sun. noon
Austria:
Terrence Boyd – Rapid Vienna vs. Wiener Neustadt, Sun. 1 pm
