USMNT’s Americans abroad: What to watch for this weekend as Tanner Tessman nears Lyon debut

This coming weekend there is a lot to look forward to around the world as Americans will be in action before top-level soccer comes to a pause for the September international break. From Tanner Tessmann being in line for a debut with Olympique Lyon to as American striker derby in the Championship with Josh Sargent and Haji Wright, there are some fascinating fixtures that could have quite the impact when it comes to the United States men’s national team roster for next month. 

Check out what we’re watching this weekend:

Tanner Tessmann and Caleb Wiley: Olympique Lyon vs. Strasbourg

Date: Friday, Aug. 30 | Time: 2:45 p.m.
TV: beIN Sports
Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)

After moving to Lyon from Venezia, Tessmann could be in line for his first start with the French side. It’d be a significant moment as Lyon have struggled out of the gate to kick off the season but he’ll also be met by a familiar face. On loan to Strasbourg from Chelsea, Caleb Wiley has been getting integrated into the side after making the move from Atlanta United. Now he’ll get to square off against a fellow American that he knows well. With two evenly matched sides meeting, it could be quite an affair.

Haji Wright and Josh Sargent: Coventry City vs. Norwich City

Date: Saturday, Aug. 31 | Time: 7:30 a.m.
TV: CBS Sports Network
Live stream: Paramount+

A marquee striking matchup hits the Championship. Ahead of the international break, two players who could be in the United States men’s national team will square off in an important contest in the early race for promotion. Both Wright and Sargent have two goals for their clubs on the young season but Wright is doing his damage from the wing while Sargent is doing his from the nine. Two players who want each other to succeed always makes for a fun matchup when only one can emerge with a victory. As there are more Americans playing critical minutes for their clubs, this will only continue to happen.

Brenden Aaronson: Leeds United vs. Hull City 

Date: Saturday, Aug. 31 | Time: 10 a.m
Live stream: Paramount+

After scoring his second goal of the season in his first start for Leeds United this campaign, this will be a great chance for Brenden Aaronson to follow that up with another strong performance. The Leeds United attack looked more fluid with Aaronson on the pitch but now will be a chance to see if Daniel Farke will keep him in the XI even with new signings such as Manor Solomon joining. Aaronson is a player who needs to feature as much as possible since midfield is a crowded position for the USMNT and he’s showing his manager why he should be selected so far this season. 

Chris Richards: Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace

Date: Sunday, Sept. 1 | Time: 8:30 a.m.
Live stream: Peacock

After Chelsea just hung six goals on Wolverhampton, they’ll return home to face Chris Richards and Crystal Palace after playing Europa Conference League soccer midweek. Despite the squad being deep enough to handle that rotation, that’s where Richards comes in. Palace should be a better defensive challenge than Wolves allowing six goals against the Blues. Facing Nicolas Jackson will be a stern test for Richards at the back which helps this become a must-watch affair.

Auston Trusty: Sheffield United vs. Watford

Date: Sunday, Sept. 1 | Time: 10 a.m.
Live stream: Paramount+

After being relegated to the Championship, Sheffield United are expecting a brief stay before heading back to the Premier League, but now without a win in three matches in all competitions, they’ll need to rebound by returning home to Bramall Lane. Sheffield United have allowed goals in four straight matches which does make it harder to actually win. Auston Trusty’s performance in steadying the leaky defense will be important and no better time than a home clash with Watford to work on that.

Best of the rest

All times Eastern

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

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