It’s another huge weekend for our Aussies Abroad who are involved in some huge matches right around Europe.
From Maty Ryan in the Premier League to Mathew Leckie’s clash with Bayern Munich in Germany, Aussies will be in the spotlight across the globe.
And with the Caltex Socceroos friendlies against Norway and Colombia fast approaching, it’s never been more important for players to stake their claim for spots in Bert van Marwijk’s squad.
Here’s a look at which Aussies are in action in Europe this weekend.
CRUCIAL CLASH FOR RYAN IN EPL
Caltex Socceroos gloveman Mat Ryan will want to be at his trademark best Brighton & Hove Albion host Swansea in what looms as a vital clash for both clubs in the battle to avoid relegation.
Ryan’s Seagulls are only two points above the drop-zone, and this match against fellow strugglers but improving Swansea is a huge chance to pick up a crucial three points and pull away from the bottom three.
Unfortunately, fellow Aussie Aaron Mooy won’t feature in Huddersfield’s equally-important trip to West Brom due to a gash in his knee which is likely to keep him out of action for at least another two weeks.
MORE GAME TIME FOR TIMMY?
A third match in a week for Millwall could see Tim Cahill called upon as the Lions take on Championship cellar-dwellers Burton Albion.
Cahill has made two substitute appearances since signing for Neil Harris’ side and he’d relish the chance to get at Albion’s leaky defence, while James Meredith should start again at left-back.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Mile Jedinak should play a part in Aston Villa’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday, as they continue their push for an automatic promotion spot.
At the other end of the table, Jackson Irvine’s Hull City will hope to bounce back from two consecutive losses by beating Sheffield United. Just one place above the relegation zone in 21st position, every match is now crucial for Hull and Irvine to avoid the drop.
Massimo Luongo and Queens Park Rangers face Nottingham Forest at home, while Bailey Wright’s Bristol City needs to snap their winless run when they travel to fellow promotion-chasers Cardiff City.
REST OF EUROPE
Caltex Socceroos winger Mathew Leckie is involved in a huge Bundesliga clash on the weekend as his Hertha Berlin side take on the might of Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
With only one win in their last six games in Germany, Leckie’s Hertha will be up against it against the runaway league leaders and he’ll hope to get a chance from the start.
In the 2.Bundesliga, Brandon Borrello will be out to continue his goal-scoring form as Kaiserslautern travel to Erzgebrige, while Robbie Kruse will be in action against Nurnberg.
Tom Rogic is back to full fitness and could feature in Celtic’s top-of-the-table SPL clash with Aberdeen, while Jamie Maclaren’s Hibernian are on the road at Kilmarnock.
Bursaspor and Aziz Behich have a tricky weekend as they take on Turkish giants Galatasaray, while in Belgium Danny Vukovic’s Genk face Antwerp.
Tomi Juric’s Luzern face-off against Thun in the Swiss Super League, Awer Mabil’s Pacos de Ferreira have a tough test against Benfica in Portugal, while in the Eredivisie, Brad Jones’ Feyenoord take on PSV and Sparta Rotterdam – featuring Aussies Kenny Dougall and Craig Goodwin travel to AZ Alkmaar.
