By FRANCO PANIZO
Maurice Edu looks set to give Rangers' fans a late Christmas present this weekend as he aims to make his return from an injury that's sidelined him since early November.
Having been knocked out of action since Nov. 10 with a knee injury, Edu could make his way back into Rangers' lineup on Boxing Day when the club faces Motherwell. Rangers and Edu need a win against Motherwell as they sit just two points ahead of second-place Celtic.
RSC Anderlecht and Sacha Kljestan are in a near-identical situation in terms of the standings over in Belgium. Currently at the top of the table by just one point (ahead of Genk), Anderlecht will hope to remain as the league leader with a win over lowly Lierse SK.
Looking for a battle of Americans on Boxing Day? Look no further than Clint Dempsey and Fulham's clash against West Ham United and Jonathan Spector. Should Spector receive another start as a defensive midfielder, his ability to contain Dempsey could be a big factor in the outcome of the game.
Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad play on Sunday:
SUNDAY
Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fulham play Jonathan Spector and West Ham United.
Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers play West Bromwich Albion.
Tim Howard and Everton play Birmingham.
Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers play Wigan Athletic.
Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa play Tottenham Hotspur.
Zak Whitbread and Norwich City play Crystal Palace. (Whitbread is out injured.)
Conor Doyle and Derby County play Doncaster Rovers.
Jemal Johnson and Milton Keynes Dons play Leyton Orient.
Anton Peterlin and Plymouth Argyle play AFC Bournemouth.
Frank Simek, Mike Grella and Carlisle United play Oldham Athletic.
Maurice Edu and Rangers play Motherwell.
Sacha Kljestan and RSC Anderlecht play Lierse SK.
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Think Rangers' game against Motherwell is the right situation to bring back Edu? Expect Kljestan to start as Anderlecht fights to remain in first? Who wins, Dempsey and Fulham or Spector and West Ham?
Share your thoughts below.
You don’t become a better player by playing against mediocre opponents. That’s the entire point of US players going over to play in leagues like the EPL. Lichaj is looking to solidify his place at both Aston Villa and the USMNT, and experiences like this will help him.
Spector has been put on the sale for January. Hope he heads to a nice club in Germany. He could excel there. As a defender or midfielder, versatility helps.
Hoping Dempsey gets the brace against WH and keeps scoring.
Amen
anyone following the Belgian league? It’s a 2nd tier league but ranked like 13th in Europe which is not bad at all. anyway how is Kljestan perceived in the league? 1 of the best on his team?
Plus, it’s those games where you play the best and get toasted that make you better as a player.
Haha Bale is good but that doesn’t mean Lichaj should pack it, he should be excited to play him. Let’s remember Bale looked average against Rafeal and United so he can be contained.
How about we try a novel idea? Lichaj goes out there and shuts down Bale … hmmm wouldn’t that be something. As Americans, we are always wanting the challenge to prove ourselves. No better stage than this. I believe Eric will be up to the task.
Mannnnn, for once I hope Lichaj doesn’t play. WHY? Cuz he’ll be getting toasted by the best left winger in all of football, BALE. Don’t be a Maicon, Eric…pull a hammy before the game.