USMNT weekend viewing guide: Bringing the year to a close

We are nearing the end of a year, but there’s still work to be done before we close it out. It’s a quieter weekend for USMNT players, with a few of the leagues on winter break, but there is still some action in the United Kingdom and Italy that we can keep an eye on this weekend as we head into the New Year.

Saturday

Celtic FC v Rangers FC – 7:30a on CBSSN

The Old Firm rivalry comes to CBS Sports Network on Saturday morning as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Celtic look to take control of the race for first in the Scottish Premiership. Currently, Celtic hold a five point lead, but they have also played two more games than Rangers so could see that advantage disappear. Carter-Vickers was pulled in the 55th minute of Celtic’s last match, but indications were that it was precautionary and he should be available again this weekend.

Crystal Palace v Brentford – 10a on Peacock

Chris Richards continues to start at defensive mid for Crystal Palace, a role he has now played in six straight matches. Palace have not won over that stretch, but have been close in every match, including a 2-2 draw with Manchester City, a 2-1 loss to Liverpool, as well as picking up points via draw with West Ham and Brighton.

Manchester City v Sheffield United – 10a on Peacock

Auston Trusty continues to pick up Premier League minutes with a Sheffield United side that look certain to be relegated come the end of the season. Halfway through the campaign, Sheffield sit dead last in the table with just nine points, less than a half point per match, though four of those points have come in their last four matches via a win over Brentford and a shock 1-1 draw with third place Aston Villa.

AC Milan v Sassuolo – Noon on Paramount+

Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and AC Milan had a humbling 2-2 draw with last place Salernitana last Friday in a match that was likely the nail in the Milan title contention hopes. There is still over half a season to play, but they now trail league leading Inter Milan by 11 points and Inter have dropped points just 3 times in 17 matches this season. Pulisic continues to start every match and be vital in the attack for Milan, while unfortunately Yunus Musah has missed the past two matches due to injury.

Nottingham Forest v Manchester United – 12:30p on NBC

Matt Turner and Nottingham Forest picked up a much needed Boxing Day win over Newcastle. It was Forest’s first win in 8 tries and Turner’s first victory since retaking the lead role in net, a job he had lost after suffering six straight defeats that included a couple of notable goalkeeping errors. Forest now have 17 points and are still just two points out of the relegation zone.

Juventus v Roma – 2:45p on Paramount+

Weston McKennie picked up an assist last weekend in Juventus’s 2-1 win over Frosinone, a victory that saw them stay within four points of league leading Inter. Tim Weah came off the bench for a second straight week since returning from injury and played 20 minutes in the victory.

Sunday

Fulham v Arsenal – 9a on Peacock

Antonee Robinson continues to be a workhorse for Fulham, starting all but one match (which he missed due to injury) for the club this season. Fulham have lost three straight and currently sit in 13th place, six points out of the relegation zone. Robinson and the Cottagers will have their work cut out for them on Sunday, taking on a second place Arsenal side with title aspirations. Fulham did hold Arsenal to a 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium in their first match of the season.

Which matches are you watching this weekend? Discuss all the action in the comments.