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Americans Abroad: A Look Ahead

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Photo by Joe Toth/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

Clint Dempsey has made quite the statement in 2011, and this weekend will provide him with a chance to finish it in style.

Having enjoyed a career year, Dempsey's final game of 2011 will pit him and Fulham against Norwich City in a match that could see the Cottagers inch closer to the top half of the Premiership table. Dempsey is likely to go up against compatriot Zak Whitbread in the marquee Americans Abroad match-up on Saturday, before taking to the field again on Monday against Arsenal.

Another player who is slated to play in two games over the course of three days is Brad Guzan. Coming off his first clean sheet of the season, Guzan will attempt to help Aston Villa contain Chelsea and its star-studded attack on Saturday prior to its 2012 opener against Swansea City two days later.

Wondering what other matches are worth keeping an eye on? Look no further than Daniel Potts and West Ham's United tilt against Conor Doyle's Derby County, or Tim Howard and Everton's New Years Day clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Here is who the Americans Abroad play against this weekend:

FRIDAY

Frank Simek and Carlisle United play Huddersfield Town.

SATURDAY

Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers play Wolverhampton Wanderers. (Holden is out injured.)

Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa play Chelsea. (Lichaj is out injured.)

Zak Whitbread and Norwich City play Clint Dempsey and Fulham.

Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Swansea City.

Conor Doyle and Derby County play Daniel Potts and West Ham United.

Jonathan Spector and Birmingham City play Blackpool.

Robbie Findley and Nottingham Forest play Cardiff City.

Anton Peterlin and Walsall play Rochdale.

Mike Grella and Brentford play Milton Keynes Dons.

SUNDAY

Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann and Everton play West Bromwich Albion.

MONDAY

Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa play Swansea City. (Lichaj is out injured.)

Zak Whitbread and Norwich City play Queens Park Rangers.

Clint Dempsey and Fulham play Arsenal.

Conor Doyle and Derby County play Hull City.

Robbie Findley and Nottingham Forest play Ipswich Town.

Jonathan Spector and Birmingham City play Peterborough United.

Daniel Potts and West Ham United play Coventry City.

Anton Peterlin and Walsall play Bury.

Frank Simek and Carlisle United play Sheffield United.

Mike Grella and Brentford play Charlton Athletic.

Maurice Edu, Alejandro Bedoya, Carlos Bocanegra and Rangers play Motherwell.

Dominic Cervi and Greenock Morton play Ayr United.

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Which matches are you most looking forward to? Expecting Dempsey to end 2011/start 2012 with a bang? How do you see Guzan faring against Chelsea? Think Potts will be able to handle two games in three days?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I am really looking forward to that Everton vs. Spurs clash down the road. As a Spurs supporter I obviously want them to get the 3 pts, but there will be 3 marquee Americans playing in that game, and Lando might be out to put a few past Friedel after his press comments. Should be lots of fun for a USMNT fan to watch.

    Reply
  2. Where’s fischy’s lovechild, Rossi’s, update? Come on now, he’s the best “American” field player, so why isn’t he featured? Tapping fingers…

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  3. In a Villa season where I’ve had next to nothing to cheer for and nearly nothing positive to say about anyone, Brad Guzan has come in and done quite well in place of Shay Given. The Villa support are quite high on him, as well. If Guzan can keep up this run of form, McLeish may have a bit of a selection headache when Given comes back from injury. Apart from that, Villa have been awful and I wish I’d chosen to support Tottenham instead.

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  4. I figured there was some kind of registration/certification process with the FA that even if Landon signed at 12:01 AM on the 1st, he wouldn’t be eligible for the team sheet the same day.

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  5. he mentioned he had arrived at Finch Farm already, but i believe his contract doesnt allow him to play until the Bolton match on the 4th

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  6. I think I saw a Twitter rumor earlier that said Donovan had arrived at Everton for training and there’s a slight chance he could even play Sunday.

    I can’t imagine that’s true, but can anybody cofirm?

    Reply

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