by FRANCO PANIZO
World Cup qualifying is in the rear-view mirror, and for the Americans Abroad that means it is time to get back into club soccer.
After missing international duty due to an ankle injury, Tim Howard should be healthy enough to start for Everton in possibly the most intriguing match of the weekend when the Toffees host Manchester United, Howard's former club.
The last time these two teams met Howard was hailed a hero, as he saved a pair of penalty kicks in Everton's FA Cup semifinal victory last season. But Everton has looked like a shell of its former self this season, and the club has only managed to win one game in its past five.
Another American to keep an eye on is Clint Dempsey, who has netted in three consecutive games. With Fulham playing Birmingham this weekend, there is a strong possibility Dempsey could stretch that scoring streak to four.
Looking for a battle of Americans? Look no further than the West Ham United-Hull City clash, which could pit Jonathan Spector against Jozy Altidore for the first time in their careers.
Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad will be playing this weekend:
FRIDAY
Ian Joyce and Southend United play Jemal Johnson and Milton Keynes Dons.
Kenny Cooper and TSV 1860 Munich play Arminia Bielefeld. (Cooper is injured.)
SATURDAY
Jozy Altidore and Hull City play Jonathan Spector and West Ham United.
Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fulham play Birmingham.
Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Burnley.
Tim Howard and Everton play Manchester United.
Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers play Chelsea.
Frank Simek and Sheffield Wednesday play Ipswich Town.
Jay DeMerit and Watford play Scunthorpe United. (DeMerit is out injured.)
Zak Whitbread and Millwall play Jon-Paul Pittman and Wycombe Wanderers. (Whitbread is out injured.)
Mike Grella and Leeds United play Brighton.
DaMarcus Beasley, Maurice Edu and Rangers play Kilmarnock. (Edu is out injured.)
Michael Bradley and Borussia Moenchengladbach play Eintracht Frankfurt.
Jermaine Jones and Schalke 04 play Steve Cherundolo, Sal Zizzo and Hannover 96. (Jones and Zizzo are out injured.)
Matt Taylor and FSV Frankfurt play RW Oberhausen.
Carlos Bocanegra and Stade Rennes play Le Mans.
SUNDAY
David Yeldell and TUS Koblenz play Alemania Aachen.
Michael Orozco and San Luis play Toluca in the Apertura quarterfinals.
MONDAY
Luis Robles and Kaiserslautern play FC Union Berlin.
Marcus Tracy and Aalborg play Benny Feilhaber, Jeremiah White and AGF Aarhus.
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Which Americans Abroad match are you most looking forward to? Which player(s) do you see having a big impact? Think Howard and Everton can get a result vs. Manchester United? Do you see Dempsey extending his scoring streak? Who will win the Spector-Altidore matchup?
Share your thoughts below.