American Exports preview: EPL debut for Jones?

AMSTERDAM - With another busy weekend ahead in Europe, we have compiled a handy guide to the best games on the card involving Americans.

All times are in ET.

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BUNDESLIGA

Hannover 96 v Schalke

Saturday, 9:30 a.m. on Dish German Sports

Americans: Steve Cherundolo (H96)

The skipper will take his usual place at right back for the season's surprise package, but Beasley remains sidelined with a muscle strain. The second place Reds will attempt to chip away at Borussia Dortmund's 12-point title cushion by hosting the leaders' arch rivals. Hannover won at Schalke in August and have won two straight home games. The visitors will arrive without Asian Cup participant Atsuto Uchida.  

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Aston Villa v Manchester City

Saturday, 12:30 p.m. on Fox Soccer Channel

Americans: Brad Friedel, Eric Lichaj (Aston Villa)

Villa's big netminder will try to extend an impressive run when second-place Manchester City come to town. Friedel has not lost a home game to Citeh since 2003, a span of five wins and three draws with four clean sheets that started at Blackburn. The hosts will be boosted by the additions of Darren Bent and Jean Makoun, and the suspension return of Ashley Young. Man City, who've lost just once in 13 league games, are missing Mario Balotelli.

Blackburn Rovers v West Bromwich Albion

Sunday, 11 a.m. on Fox Soccer Channel

American: Jermaine Jones (BR)

The Schalke loan item is expected to dress for his debut and seems likely to feature in some way as Rovers host one of their favorite guests. The Baggies have not won at Ewood park in over 45 years, and though they snapped a five-game losing slide last weekend, they travel without Pablo Ibáñez and Steven Reid. Meanwhile, Blackburn will give late fitness tests to midfielders Vince Grella and Steven Nzonzi.

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SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Hearts v Rangers

Saturday, 7:45 a.m.

American: Maurice Edu ('Gers)

The U.S. international could be back in the starting lineup after a pair of sub appearances coming back from injury. Rangers have lost just one of nine meetings with Hearts since Edu signed in 2008, and have won three straight at Tynecastle. The Light Blues will be without departed striker Kenny Miller and injured wingback Saša Papac. The home team - now up to third after nine wins from a 10-game unbeaten rub - has ruled out several players, including attackers Andrew Driver, Kevin Kyle and Rudi Skacel.

JUPILER LEAGUE

Anderlecht v Standard Liège

Sunday, noon

American:Sacha Kljestan(AND)

Kljestan&Co. will want to open up their six-point league lead when arch nemesis Standard invades Constant Vanden Stock. The break has allowed the Mauves to become largely fit, with captain Olivier Deschacht still on the mend. The visitors are in fine squad shape ahead of the most hard-fought fixture in Belgium. The last seven clashes at Anderlecht have seen two wins a side and three draws.

BEST OF THE REST

EPL: Everton (Tim Howard) v West Ham United (Jonathan Spector) - Sat. 10 a.m., delayed at 6 p.m. on Fox Soccer Plus

EPL: Fulham (Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson) v Stoke City - Sat. 10 a.m., delayed Sun. 10:30 a.m. on Fox Soccer Plus

Bundesliga: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Michael Bradley) v Bayer Leverkusen - Sun. 9:30 a.m. on ESPN3.com/Dish German Sports

Coupe de France: Racing Strasbourg vÉvian (Quentin Westberg) - Sat. 2:45 p.m.

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