Another weekend is upon us, and that means Americans playing their club soccer abroad will turn their attention to executing top-notch performances.
The most notable matchup comes out of the Premier League, where Everton netminder Tim Howard and Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan will encounter each other as their respective teams go head-to-head. Howard and the Toffees are fresh off a superb 3-0 win against Manchester United, while Villa put in a valiant attempt to challenge Manchester City and lost, 3-2, last week. Guzan hasn’t won in four meetings vs. Everton when Howard’s started.
Ahead of Stoke City’s journey to Swansea on Saturday, Geoff Cameron has reportedly been coping with hamstring “tightness”, which, manager Mark Hughes said, will be a game-time decision and could keep him out of the clash. Phil Bardsley, who has been out of selection due to poor play, would likely replace Cameron.
To Tottenham, Spurs defender DeAndre Yedlin finally made his first team debut as a 79th-minute substitute in last week’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa, and he showed moments of promise. His selection for the upcoming vital clash against Manchester City at White Hart Lane is undetermined at this point, but if Mauricio Pochettino needs an attacking spark late in the game, the 21-year-old may be called upon.
[RELATED: Cameron on Chelsea’s defensive success, life at NBC studio]
In the Bundesliga, Hertha BSC, featuring young German-American defender John Brooks, will take on Borussia Mönchengladbach, starring veteran midfielder Fabian Johnson. Many have commended Brooks for his growth this season, and currently, his success has helped his side allow only four goals in eight previous competitions. Johnson, too, is witnessing above average form right now with one goal and four assists in his past seven starts. Hertha is situated at 13th place, and the Foals are battling hard in the top three.
Over to Ligue 1, Alejandro Bedoya of Nantes has started the last four games for his team and scored two goals in that span. The USMNT regular has shown flashes of quality in France, and he will have the chance to extend his form this weekend in a clash against leader Paris Saint-Germain. The Canaries are slotted at 10th place in the league table.
Others
Norway: Bob Bradley, Cole Grossman when Stabæk faces Rhett Bernstein, Mjøndalen
Germany: Timothy Chandler in Eintracht Frankfurt at Werder Bremen