Chris Richards is coming off back-to-back substitute appearances for Crystal Palace in Premier League action, but the American defender could be a good option to start as Patrick Vieira’s side enter EFL Cup play this week.
Richards and his Eagles teammates will visit Oxford United on Tuesday aiming for advancement in the league cup. The U.S. men’s national team centerback has yet to start for the Eagles in league play, but has featured for Palace’s Under-21 side in recent weeks. With Crystal Palace aiming to keep their impressive start to the EPL season going, Vieira may call on Richards among other depth players to start at the Kassam Stadium this Tuesday. Oxford United has only won one match in regulation so far this season, making Tuesday’s contest a good chance for Richards to earn first-team minutes.
In Europe, Malik Tillman and James Sands will try and help Rangers advance into the UEFA Champions League group stage with a win over PSV on Tuesday. Sam Vines and Konrad de la Fuente will also aim for advancement in their qualifying tournaments.
Elsewhere in England, Josh Sargent and Norwich City host AFC Bournemouth in EFL Cup action. Matthew Olosunde will push to start for Preston North End at Wolves.
Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad:
Europe
Champions League Qualifying
Malik Tillman, James Sands and Rangers visit Richie Ledezma and PSV on Wednesday. (Teams tied 2-2 on aggregate)
Josh Cohen and Maccabi Haifa visit Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday. (Maccabi Haifa leads 3-2 on aggregate)
Europa League Qualifying
Konrad de la Fuente and Olympiakos host Apollon Limassol on Thursday. (Teams tied 1-1 on aggregate)
Henry Wingo and Ferencvaros visit Shamrock Rovers on Thursday. (Ferencvaros leads 4-0 on aggregate)
Romain Gall is OUT (Injury) for Malmo.
Conference League Qualifying
Sam Vines and Royal Antwerp host Istanbul Basaksehir on Thursday. (Teams tied 1-1 on aggregate)
Rokas Pukstas and Hajduk Split host Villarreal on Thursday. (Villarreal leads 4-2 on aggregate)
England
EFL Cup
Josh Sargent and Norwich City host AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Leeds United host Barnsley on Wednesday.
Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Marlon Fossey and Fulham visit Crawley Town on Tuesday.
Chris Richards and Crystal Palace visit Oxford United on Tuesday.
Matthew Olosunde and Preston North End visit Wolves on Tuesday.
Daryl Dike is OUT (Injury) for West Brom.