After Brenden Aaronson took the field for Leeds on Friday, the rest of the contingent of United States men’s national team players look to stake their claims over the weekend.
Josh Sargent: Norwich City vs. Hull City
Saturday, Oct. 5 (7:30 a.m. ET Paramount+)
Josh Sargent may be known for his goals but his creativity has been what has made a mark as of late. Now with three goals and three assists in eight matches, Sargent has had to be the focus of the attack and he’s thriving however he’s needed. It’s not like he isn’t shooting either so more goals will come but when players are looking to impress new United States men’s national team boss Mauricio Pochettino, someone who has to be doing that is Sargent.
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Mark McKenzie: Lille vs. Toulouse
Saturday, Oct. 5 (1 p.m. ET beIN and fubo TV)
After defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League, we’ll have a Concacaf clash as Johnathan David and Lille host Mark McKenzie and Toulouse. The American center back has quickly become a steady presence in the lineup for the French side, but doesn’t have a landmark moment yet. Familiarity with Lille’s key attacker is where McKenzie could have a moment to shine as his mobility will be needed in this match.
Weston McKennie and Tim Weah: Juventus vs. Cagliari
Sunday, Oct. 6 (6:30 a.m. ET CBS Sports Golazo and Paramount+)
Juventus will hope that this match is a little less eventful than their 3-2 Champions League victory midweek, but one thing that’s certain is that Weston McKennie is firmly in Thiago Motta’s plans. After almost departing the club during the summer, McKennie has now started four consecutive matches scoring a goal during that time. It’ll be music to Pochettino’s ears with McKennie playing a massive role for the national team. Tim Weah hasn’t been as present in Juventus lineups, but this is the kind of match where rotation could work in his favor so it will be important to see what he does with that opportunity.
Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah: Fiorentina vs. Milan
Sunday, Oct. 6 (2:45 p.m. ET Paramount+)
Milan may have suffered a setback against Bayer Leverkusen, but this is a chance to get back on track ahead of the break. Christian Pulisic has been the go to attacker under Paulo Fonseca and that will be no different in a tough away match. Yunus Musah could get a look in as well considering that the midfield hasn’t been much to write home about but at this stage of the season, Milan will go as far as Pulisic takes them.
Brenden Aaronson: Sunderland vs. Leeds
A versatile player who has done a little bit of everything over the years, Aaronson has been strictly playing as a number 10 to get the best out of Leeds United’s dynamic attack this season. He used strong substitute appearances to break into the XI where he has been able to set up those around him. While Aaronson has only created seven chances this season, he doesn’t need to create a ton because the Whites funnel their attacks from wide.
It’s a different role than Aaronson is used to as most of Leeds’ chances come through Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto but he has still thrived creating the fourth most chances of anyone on the team while also applying defensive pressure to force the opposition into turnovers. That’s something that Sunderland’s young attack will need to be on the lookout for since Aaronson and Mateo Joseph will put plenty of pressure on their defense and any mistake can quickly be turned into a goal.
Moving into a consistent position has allowed Aaronson to know what is expected of him and make things happen in Daniel Farke’s setup. A victory over Sunderland would go a long way for Leeds to announce their promotion intentions and Aaronson will be central to what they do.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Friday, Oct. 4 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Stadium of Light — Sunderland, England
- TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Sunderland +190; Draw +220; Leeds United +140
Let’s take a look at other Americans to keep an eye on ahead of the international break
