AMSTERDAM – Several Americans will suit up for weekend action, with Brad Friedel hoping for an FA Cup start against derby rivals Arsenal.
All times listed in ET.
ITALIAN SERIE A
Michael Bradley – AS Roma at Juventus (Sunday, 2:45 pm on beIN Sport/RAI)
With his midfield mates done taking a round of yellow-card suspensions, the US midfielder could return to the sub's bench for this clash with the clear league leaders. The visitors might do well to get him in the game, though; Bradley is undefeated in three career appearances against the Bianconeri. Juventus come in with eight straight wins and a 17-match unbeaten streak at home, and they have taken three in a row against Roma there.
ENGLISH FA CUP
Clint Dempsey – Fulham at Norwich City (Saturday, 10 am)
The Telegraph has now reported that Clint Dempsey will be cleared for selection, but the Cottagers have yet to confirm this. Dempsey has six goals in his last four FA Cup starts, as well as a goal and a helper in four games against Norwich. Fulham have not lost away to the Canaries since 1986, a span of five wins and two draws.
Brad Friedel – Tottenham at Arsenal (Saturday, 12:15 pm on FOX)
Though he has not been announced as starter, the history of Spurs' goal rotation suggest that Friedel will be between the pipes against the hated Gunners for the 29th time in his career. The former USMNT star is 1-1 against Arsenal in a Tottenham shirt and has evenly split three career FA Cup meetings with them (1-1-1). The home team has taken five straight in the series, with a 3-2 edge to Saturday's hosts.
Tim Howard – Everton vs. Queens Park Rangers (Saturday, 10 am)
The only American goalkeeper to win an FA Cup final will start his run for a third championship match appearance against a side that probably will not include US teammate Oguchi Onyewu. Howard has won 23 of 34 lifetime games in the tourney, and lost just two of the last 14. He is 1-1-2 in four meetings with QPR, who dropped both of their prior FA Cup clashes with Everton.
FRENCH COUPE DE LA LIGUE
Alejandro Bedoya – Nantes vs Nice (Sunday, 8:15 am)
It is not clear whether the US attacker, who has four goals in his last 11 games, will take his usual place for this quarterfinal tilt. Bedoya fired the late winner when they topped third-round derby visitors Lorient, but was not involved in their round-of-16 victory. Nantes, who have never won this tournament, have posted three straight wins and four consecutive shutouts at home to Nice.
BEST OF THE REST
England (all FA Cup):
Jozy Altidore – Sunderland vs. Carlisle United, Sun. 9 am
Geoff Cameron – Stoke City vs. Leicester City, Sat. 10 am
Brad Guzan – Aston Villa vs. Sheffield United, Sat. 10 am
Duane Holmes – Huddersfield Town at Grimsby Town, Sat. 10 am on Fox Sports 2
Eric Lichaj – Nottingham Forest vs. West Ham United, Sun. 7 am on Fox Sports 2
Tim Ream – Bolton vs. Blackpool, Sat. 10 am
Brek Shea – Barnsley vs Coventry City, Sat. 10 am
Zak Whitbread – Derby County vs. Chelsea, Sun. 9:15 am on Fox Sports 1
Daniel Williams – Reading at Brighton & Hove Albion, Sat. 10 am
