By FRANCO PANIZO
Eddie Johnson has been receiving sporadic minutes with Fulham as of late, but this weekend's FA Cup action may be just what he needs in order to receive a start.
Fulham take on League One club Peterborough United, and that could give Johnson an opportunity to get his first start since early October. Johnson has come off the bench twice in the past two weeks but has only played a combined 41 minutes, so he could use a start, especially if he wants to attract other clubs to make a deal for him during the winter transfer window.
Johnson isn't the only one hoping to impress this weekend against weaker opposition. Jonathan Spector might see the field for West Ham United in its FA Cup fixture against Barnsley, and that may give the U.S. national team defender a chance to lure in potential buyers. Spector last played in a Dec. 28 draw against Everton, coming off the bench for the Hammers in the 1-1 game.
This weekend also marks the return of Mexican League action. The Clausura campaign kicks off with matches that include Edgar Castillo and Puebla facing Chivas de Guadalajara and Jose Torres, Herculez Gomez and Pachuca battling America.
Here is a rundown of who the Americans Abroad play this weekend:
SATURDAY
Stuart Holden and Bolton Wanderers play York City in the FA Cup.
Marcus Hahnemann and Wolverhampton Wanderers play Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup.
Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson and Fulham play Peterborough United in the FA Cup.
Brad Guzan and Hull City play Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup.
Zak Whitbread and Norwich City play Leyton Orient in the FA Cup.
Robbie Findley and Nottingham Forest play Preston North End in the FA Cup.
Tim Howard and Everton play Scunthorpe United in the FA Cup.
Brad Friedel, Eric Lichaj and Aston Villa play Sheffield United in the FA Cup.
Frank Simek, Mike Grella and Carlisle United play Torquay United in the FA Cup.
Jonathan Spector and West Ham United play Barnsley in the FA Cup.
Anton Peterlin and Plymouth Argyle play AFC Bournemouth.
Jemal Johnson and Milton Keynes Dons play Exeter City.
Sammy Ochoa and Estudiantes Tecos U.A. de G. play Cruz Azul.
Jonathan Bornstein and Tigres UANL play Queretaro. (Bornstein is out injured.)
Sonny Guadarrama and Atlante play Santos.
SUNDAY
Dominic Cervi and Dundee play Motherwell in the Scottish Cup.
Jozy Altidore and Villarreal play Real Madrid.
Oguchi Onyewu and AC Milan play Udinese.
Edgar Castillo and Puebla play Chivas de Guadalajara.
Jose Torres, Herculez Gomez and Pachuca play America.
MONDAY
Conor Doyle and Derby County play Crawley Town in the FA Cup. (Doyle is with the U.S. U-20 national team.)
Maurice Edu and Rangers play Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup.
----------------
Expecting Johnson to receive a start this a weekend? Do you see Spector starting and impressing against Barnsley? Think both can parlay solid showings into transfer? How will Castillo and Puebla and Torres, Gomez and Pachuca begin their respective seasons?
Share your thoughts below.
