Sept 27-29 viewing guide and open thread

There’s another solid slate of games this weekend across Europe, with a number of USMNT regulars in action as well as a few fringe players available to keep track of in nationally-broadcast games. Additionally, Tyler Adams and DeAndre Yedlin are reportedly closer to returning, potentially increasing the viewing opportunities. Here’s what we’ll be watching this weekend:

Friday

Union Berlin v Eintracht Frankfurt - 2:30p on FS2

Timothy Chandler made a late substitute appearance for Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend in the team’s 2-2 draw with Borussia Dortmund. It was an eventful seven minutes of play for Chandler as his team would tie the game minutes later on a Thomas Delaney own goal and Chandler would pick up a yellow card in stoppage time. Chandler’s only start of the season came two weeks ago as the team rotated ahead of their midweek Europa League match. Frankfurt once again have a Europa League match next week so it would not be shocking to seem him start and/or play significant minutes this weekend. Frankfurt are playing a struggling Union Berlin side that has one win and one draw through their first five games.

Saturday

RB Leipzig v Schalke 04 - 9:30a on FS2

Tyler Adams has reportedly returned to full training with RB Leipzig and thus is nearing return to game action, though it’s unknown if he will be available for this weekend’s top five matchup with Weston McKennie and Schalke. Currently, RB Leipzig sit in first place in the Bundesliga and are coming off a 3-0 win over Werder Bremen. The team has the third most goals in the league and their stingy defense has allowed just three goals through five matches.

Schalke who sit in 5th place in the Bundesliga, have won three straight games. Weston McKennie was back in a starting role for Schalke last weekend in their 2-1 win over Mainz 05. The young man was once again playing a bit all over the place and it will be interesting to see if the team looks for a consistent role for him moving forward or if “a bit all over the place” role is his consistent role.

Other Notes:

• Christian Pulisic started midweek for Chelsea in their 7-1 Carabao Cup win over fourth-tier Grimsby Town. While Pulisic picked up an assist, he didn’t do much to distinguish himself either positively or negatively which means he’s likely back to the bench on Saturday when Chelsea face Brighton & Hove Albion at 10a on NBCSN.
• Josh Sargent received his second start of the season last weekend in the teams 0-3 loss to RB Leipzig. Werder Bremen are in 10th place with two wins and three losses thus far, and this weekend they will be facing third place Borussia Dortmund at 12:30p on FS2.
• Ventura Alvarado and Necaxa are coming off a 2-1 win and looking to keep pace at the top of the table. Currently the team is in second place, three points behind Santos Laguna (though with a point in hand). They take on Juarez this weekend at 8p on ESPN Deportes.

Sunday

Fortuna Düsseldorf v Freiburg - 9:30a on FS1

Zack Steffen continues to get lots of work behind a league-worst Fortuna Düsseldorf defense that has given up 89 shots through five games. The team is currently in 13th place with four points and based on their current form, it’s going to take a phenomenal season from Steffen for the club to avoid relegation. The team is coming off a 2-1 loss to Borussia Mönchengladbach and is looking for their first win since the opening weekend of the season. This weekend, Düsseldorf will be facing fourth place Freiburg, who are coming off a 1-1 draw with Augsburg and have just one loss on the season.

Other Notes:

• DeAndre Yedlin is available for selection but was left out of the 18 last weekend, so it seems unlikely he’ll be right back in the starting lineup this weekend when Newcastle faces Leicester City at 11:30a on NBCSN.

Let us know what you’re watching this weekend from the network games above or otherwise, and what you’re seeing from the United States internationals in action.