Americans Abroad Midweek Preview: McKennie, Aaronson, and more

Aston Villa had targeted Weston McKennie for parts of two seasons and the American will now have his chance to feature against his former suitors this week in European play.

McKennie and Juventus make the midweek trip to Villa Park as UEFA Champions League action rolls on. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder logged 80 minutes in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with AC Milan after playing a large role during the international break.

Despite being linked with Aston Villa again last summer, McKennie stayed in Turin and has been a key figure in Thiago Motta’s squad. With Juventus seeking to leapfrog the Villains in the UCL table, McKennie will certainly want to deliver a strong shift in Birmingham.

Elsewhere in Europe, Christian Pulisic and AC Milan visit Slovan Bratislava. Malik Tillman and PSV host Shakhtar Donetsk. Tanner Tessmann and Johnny Cardoso continue their European campaigns.

In England, Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host Luton Town in EFL Championship play.

In Mexico, Alex Zendejas, Frankie Amaya, and Brandon Vazquez continue the Liga MX playoffs.

Here is a closer look at this week’s Americans Abroad

Europe

UEFA Champions League

Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Juventus visit Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Richie Ledezma and PSV host Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah and AC Milan visit Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday.

Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty and Celtic host Club Brugge on Wednesday.

Gio Reyna, Cole Campbell and Borussia Dortmund visit Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Folarin Balogun is OUT (Injury) for AS Monaco.

UEFA Europa League

Tanner Tessmann and Lyon visit FK Qarabag on Thursday.

Jonathan Gomez and PAOK Salonika visit Rigas FS on Thursday.

Timmy Chandler and Eintracht Frankfurt visit Midtjylland on Thursday.

UEFA Conference League

Johnny Cardoso and Real Betis visit Mlada Boleslav on Thursday.

Lennard Maloney and FC Heidenheim host Chelsea on Thursday.

George Bello and LASK visit Borac on Thursday.

Erik Palmer-Brown and Panathinaikos host HJK Helsinki on Thursday.

Matt Olosunde and The New Saints host Djurgarden on Thursday.

England

Championship

Brenden Aaronson and Leeds United host Luton Town on Wednesday.

Haji Wright and Coventry City visit Luca Koleosho and Burnley on Tuesday.

Duane Holmes and Preston North End visit Stoke City on Tuesday.

Ethan Horvath and Cardiff City host QPR on Wednesday.

Aidan Morris is OUT (Ankle Injury) for Middlesbrough.

Josh Sargent is OUT (Groin Injury for Norwich City.

Daryl Dike is OUT (Injury) for West Bromwich Albion.

Lynden Gooch is OUT (Injury) for Stoke City.

League One

Donovan Pines and Barnsley host Reading on Tuesday.

Gabriel Slonina is OUT (Hand Injury) for Barnsley.

Mexico

Liga MX

Alex Zendejas and Club América host Frankie Amaya and Toluca on Wednesday.

Brandon Vazquez and Monterrey host Pumas on Wednesday.