By FRANCO PANIZO
If Tim Howard and Everton are to extend their seven-game unbeaten streak on Sunday, they will have to do so against one of the hottest offensive teams in the Premiership right now.
The Toffees are set to host Chelsea in their final match of 2012, and Howard will likely need to put forth a big performance in order to stymie a team that has scored 14 goals in their last three games across all competitions. Everton are in fifth place and two points shy of Chelsea in the Premiership standings, so a surprise win for the Toffees could see them jump into third at about the halfway point of the season.
Another match worth keeping an eye on is Stoke City’s clash with Southampton on Saturday. No, Geoff Cameron will not be available for that match due to yellow card accumulation, but that could open the door for Maurice Edu to end his playing time drought. Edu has not seen the field for the Potters since making his lone 10-minute appearance for the club in an Oct. 7 scoreless draw with Liverpool.
Zak Whitbread, meanwhile, will attempt to make another consecutive start for Leicester City. The injury-prone centerback has quietly started in 13 straight games, and he seems a safe bet to get the nod against in Leicester’s battle with Burnley on Saturday.
Here is who the Americans Abroad face this weekend:
SATURDAY
Clint Dempsey, Brad Friedel and Tottenham Hotspur play Sunderland.
Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa play Wigan Athletic.
Sebastian Lletget and West Ham United play Reading.
Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu and Stoke City play Southampton.
Tim Ream, Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers play Jonathan Spector, Will Packwood and Birmingham City.
Zak Whitbread and Leicester City play Burnley.
Conor Doyle and Derby County play Charlton Athletic.
Robbie Findley and Nottingham Forest play Crystal Palace.
Frank Simek and Carlisle United play Bury.
Robbie Rogers and Stevenage play Notts County.
Mike Grella and Scunthorpe United play Tranmere Rovers.
SUNDAY
Tim Howard and Everton play Chelsea.
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Which of these games are you most looking forward to? Expecting Howard and Everton to pull off an upset victory? Do you see Edu playing for Stoke City?
Share your thoughts below.