USMNT’s Americans Abroad: What to watch this weekend as Tanner Tessmann looks set to make his Lyon debut

There will be plenty to watch around the world this coming weekend as American players are back in action before top-level soccer pauses for the international break in September. From Tanner Tessmann making his debut with Olympique Lyonnais to Josh Sargent and Hazie Wright playing in the Championship as a U.S. striker derby, there are some interesting matchups that could have a huge impact on the United States Men’s National Team roster for the next month.

See what we’re watching this weekend:

Tanner Tessman and Caleb Wiley: Olympique Lyon vs. Strasbourg

date: Friday, August 30 | Time: 2:45 PM
TV: be in sports
Live Stream: Fubo (try it free)

After moving to Lyon from Venezia, Tessmann could be set to make his first start with the French team. It will be a crucial moment as Lyon have struggled to start the season, but he will also meet a familiar face. On loan to Strasbourg from Chelsea, Caleb Willie has been added to the squad after moving from Atlanta United. Now he will play against an American player he knows well. With two evenly matched teams, it could be quite an exciting one.

Haji Wright and Josh Sargent: Coventry City vs Norwich City

date: Saturday, August 31 | Time: 7:30 AM
TV: CBS Sports Network
Live Stream: Paramount+

The championship will see a great contest. Before the international break, two players who could be on the United States men’s national team will face off in a crucial matchup in the early promotion race. Wright and Sargent have both scored two goals in the young season for their clubs, but Wright is doing his damage from the wing while Sargent is doing his with nine. Two players who want each other to succeed is always a fun contest when only one can emerge with the win. As more Americans are playing significant minutes for their clubs, this will only continue to happen.

Brenden Aaronson: Leeds United vs Hull City

date: Saturday, August 31 | Time: at 10 in the morning
Live Stream: Paramount+

After scoring his second goal of the season in his first match for Leeds United this campaign, this will be a great chance for Brenden Aaronson to build on it with another stellar performance. Leeds United’s attack looked more resilient with Aaronson on the pitch, but now it will be a chance to see if Daniel Farke will keep him in the XI even after the addition of new players like Manor Solomon. Aaronson is a player who needs to play as much as possible as midfield is a crowded position for the USMNT and he is showing his manager why he should be selected this season.

Chris Richards: Chelsea vs Crystal Palace

date: Sunday, September 1 | Time: 8:30 am
Live Stream: Peacock

Chelsea scored six goals over Wolverhampton, now they will return home to face Chris Richards and Crystal Palace, who will play Europa Conference League football in midweek. Despite having enough depth in the squad to handle this rotation, Richards’ role is crucial. Palace should have a better defensive challenge than Wolves, who scored six goals against the Blues. Facing Nicholas Jackson will be a tough test for Richards, which makes this a great match.

Auston Trusty: Sheffield United vs Watford

date: Sunday, September 1 | Time: at 10 in the morning
Live Stream: Paramount+

After being relegated to the Championship, Sheffield United are hoping to stay for a while before being relegated back to the Premier League, but now without a win in three games in all competitions, they will have to return home to Bramall Lane to make a comeback. Sheffield United have let in goals in four consecutive games, which makes it difficult to actually win. Auston Trusty’s performance will be crucial in stabilising a leaky defence and there is no better time to work on this than the home clash with Watford.

Best among the rest

All times Eastern

Saturday, August 31
Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah: Lazio vs. Milan, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)

Sunday, September 1
Weston McKennie and Tim Weah: Juventus vs. Roma, 2:45 p.m. (Paramount+)