042613_isi_donovanlandon_mlsmj042013149 Michael Janosz/isiphotos.com
5 to Watch This Weekend

Yanks on TV: Dempsey, Donovan, Torres and More

Will Clint Dempsey and Jermaine Jones qualify for the Champions League? Will Geoff Cameron avoid relegation? Will Landon Donovan claw his way back into the U.S. national team? We'll soon find out.
BY Eduardo Mendez Posted
April 26, 2013
2:28 PM
Perhaps an all-German Champions League final wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.

If American networks appreciated the Bundesliga, you probably wouldn’t miss this weekend's Hoffenheim-Nuremberg showdown featuring some of America’s finest talent. Unfortunately, that match will not be televised domestically, but there’s enough American soccer on television this weekend to quench the most insatiable of thirsts. Here's your guide to this weekend’s action.

SATURDAY Wigan Athletic vs. Tottenham
10:00 a.m. (all times Eastern)
Fox Soccer Channel

Before the season, many questioned Clint Dempsey’s ability to consistently contribute to Tottenham’s success. After the American’s last two performances, those critics have surely been silenced. Dempsey has recorded three goals in his last two appearances—none bigger than his 75th-minute equalizer in a 3-1 victory over Manchester City last Sunday. But things get a bit trickier this weekend. Tottenham face a desperate Wigan Athletic side fighting relegation. It’s been a grueling three weeks on the road for the Latics, and a return trip home may help them steady the ship. Tottenham must avoid the upset, as any stumble might cost Dempsey his Champions League dreams.

Tigres vs. Monterrey
8:00 p.m.
UniMas

Tigres is on a mission. The golden ideal of an undefeated season is no longer obtainable, but the Liga MX title is. Jose Torres and company currently sit atop the table—albeit narrowly—with 32 points. A matchup with some familiar Mexican foes await the Gold and Blue in the Clasico Regiomontano this week. This will be the 97th meeting between Tigres and Monterrey. The two are as close as close can get, with Tigres holding a slight lead in the win column (34 to 33).

Real Salt Lake vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
9:00 p.m. (all times Eastern)
MLSsoccer.com Stream of the Week

Jurgen Klinsmann stated earlier this week that “there are clearly players ahead of Landon Donovan” in the national team picture. That won’t be the case if Donovan stays on his current trajectory. The American icon was knocking on the door for weeks since his return. He kicked it open in the 74th minute of last Saturday’s victory over Sporting Kansas City. Anpother tough test awaits the Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium against a team featuring up-and-comer Luis Gil. Don’t have a subscription to MLS Live? That’s fine. MLS understands the buzz around this Western Conference showdown. That’s why it is the MLS Stream of the Week, so be prepared to enjoy this one for free.

SUNDAY
Schalke 04 vs. Hamburg SV
11:30 a.m.
GolTV

Jermaine Jones and Schalke 04 host an approaching Hamburg side that sits just two points out of the final Champions League spot—the very spot Schalke hopes to retain. Jones returned to action last week after missing several matches with an injured foot. This crucial clash not only gives Jones a chance to solidify his team's Champions League spot, it will also provide an opportunity to reestablish his match fitness ahead of the three World Cup qualifiers in June.

Puebla vs. Atlas
1:00 p.m.
ESPN Deportes, ESPN 3

DaMarcus Beasley has been a second-half substitute for Puebla the last two weeks and he has scored in every other appearance since March 13. He failed to find the net in last week’s 2-0 loss to Atlante. So that means he is destined to tally Sunday afternoon, right? OK, maybe not, but we'll be watching to see how he performs regardless.

BEST OF THE REST
MLS: Sporting Kansas City vs. Portland Timbers (8:30 p.m., Saturday, MLS Live)—What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? We’ll find out Saturday when “Porterball” meets the MLS’ top defense.

Premier League: Stoke City vs. Norwich City (10:00 a.m., Saturday, Fox Soccer 2 Go)—We know you'll keep one eye on Dempsey’s race to the top. With the other you might want to check in to see if Geoff Cameron's Stocke City team are avoiding the bottom.

NO U.S. ANGLE BUT...
Premier League: Arsenal vs. Manchester United (11:00 a.m., Sunday, Fox Soccer Channel)—A guard of honor—featuring Robin van Persie—at the Emirates. Talk about must-see TV.

So what are you watching this weekend? Which matches did we miss that we should tune in for? Let us know in the new and improved comments section.

Eduardo Mendez is a Brooklyn-based writer and an ASN contributor.

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