By FRANCO PANIZO
If Landon Donovan is to silence his critics once and for all, now is the time.
After a week of adjusting to life in England and training with Everton, Donovan has a chance to make his much-awaited Premiership debut when the Toffees visit Arsenal and Emirates Stadium this weekend. Arsenal has not lost since November, and if Donovan can make an immediate impact by helping injury-plagued Everton to a result, then the U.S. national team midfielder will be one step closer to proving he can hang in Europe.
While Donovan is hoping to make his debut this weekend, Carlos Bocanegra is looking to return to action for Stade Rennes. Bocanegra has not played for Rennes since Dec. 5, and could get an opportunity to get back on the field against Caen in the ninth round of the Coupe de France.
Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad will be playing this weekend:
SATURDAY
Jozy Altidore and Hull City play Chelsea.
Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and Everton play Arsenal.
Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan and Aston Villa play Wigan Athletic.
Clint Dempsey and Fulham play Portsmouth.
Mike Grella and Leeds United play Jon-Paul Pittman and Wycombe Wanderers.
Carlos Bocanegra and Stade Rennes play Caen in the ninth round of the Coupe de France.
Kamani Hill and Vitoria de Guimaraes play Maritimo.
Jonathan Spector and West Ham United play Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
DaMarcus Beasley, Maurice Edu and Rangers play Hamilton Academical in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
Oguchi Onyewu and AC Milan play Juventus. (Onyewu is out injured.)
Freddy Adu, Eddie Johnson and Aris Salonika play Iraklis. (Adu and Johnson are reportedly not available for the match.)
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Which Americans Abroad match are you most looking forward to? Which player(s) do you see having a big impact? Excited at the thought of seeing Donovan playing in the Emirates? Think Bocanegra will get back on the field vs. Caen? Upset that Johnson and Adu won't make their debuts this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
assist for donobvan!
Internet feed anyone?
Donovan’s starting, let’s see what kind of shape he’s in.
I recognize that facial expression. It’s the one that says “ugg, why do we have to take this picture looking directly into the sun”
Hooray! http://www.epltalk.com/breaking-news-epl-games-temporarily-return-to-setanta-sports-usa/14618
Can’t wait to see Donovan’s Euro duck smashed to bits!
Yes indeed, “your mother’s (blank)” is a classic all right
Wigans pitch equipment broke and good chance that game will be postponed too.. Looks like a 10am slot opening for everton 🙂
LD could play removed or as CF
he’s got wicked skills and can pull it off. BUT everyone thinks he’s got a glass jaw and he will be tested HARD. He’s gotta show toughness as well as the ability to shake defenders
Sorry for repeat if it is one. phone jacked me up. Ok 1 question Ives:
Bulls have Borman & Miller to rotate at LB and LM & Goldie at LB and Obster at LM. Why take a rookie in Peterman at LB if we already have Opara who can play all 4 positions?
Do you think Miller will rotate CDM with Stammler & Sassano?
Well ok that’s 1 question with 2 parts.
I like the Opara vs. Tchani dilemma. We need both D & AM
I hope Moyes knows enough about Donovan to know not to put him in as a striker. My fear is that Moyes-due to injuries, players gone to the African Cup, etc,- will put Donovan in as a true striker and we wont see LD’s amazing pace and ball distribution.
Ask any USC football fan about #55.
Ask any SFO 49ers fan about 16, 42, 80, or 16/2 (that’s 8).
Ask any MLB fan about 42.
Classic!