Adams vs Robinson on Sunday

Americans Face-off in a Match Between Two Clubs in the Top-Half of the Table

Americans Tyler Adams and Antonee Robinson are set to face off when Fulham welcomes Bournemouth in Premier League action on Sunday, with both players enjoying contrasting fortunes in their recent appearances.

Robinson, who has emerged as a key figure for Fulham, continues his impressive streak of playing every minute of the Premier League season through 18 matches. The left-back has worn the captain's armband in five of the last six league games, including Fulham's recent 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day.

Meanwhile, Adams continues his steady return to full fitness for Bournemouth, most recently featuring for 28 minutes as a substitute against Crystal Palace. The midfielder has made seven appearances since his October return from injury, including five starts.

The Cherries will be without the suspended Justin Kluivert, while injuries continue to sideline several players including Marcos Senesi and Luis Sinisterra. Philip Billing is expected to step in for Kluivert, with Evanilson pushing for a start up front.

Fulham manager Marco Silva faces decisions in attack after substitutes Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz scored against Chelsea, though both are likely to remain on the bench with Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore expected to retain their starting positions.

McKennie to be Rewarded

Midfielder Poised for Extension and Pay Bump

Weston McKennie's resurgence at Juventus is set to be rewarded with a new long-term contract, as the club looks to extend the American midfielder's stay until June 2029. The proposed deal would include an improved salary package from his current €2.5 million net annual wages.

McKennie's journey in Turin has been marked by unexpected turns since his 2020 arrival from Schalke. Despite being transfer-listed last summer, the 26-year-old secured a short-term extension until 2026 in August and has since become an invaluable member of Thiago Motta's squad.

The Texan's versatility has particularly impressed, with McKennie featuring across multiple positions including central midfield, attacking midfielder, winger, center-forward, and most recently, left-back. His adaptability was on full display in Juventus's recent 2-1 victory over Monza, where he opened the scoring with a well-taken volley in the 14th minute.

The goal helped end Juventus's run of four consecutive Serie A draws and maintained their 25-match unbeaten league streak - currently the longest in Europe's top five leagues. McKennie's strike came from a corner routine, with the American showing excellent positioning to volley home amid defensive confusion.

His contribution against Monza added to an impressive season tally of four goals and two assists in 17 appearances across all competitions. The performance exemplified why Juventus is keen to secure his long-term future, with the club particularly benefiting from tax savings on his salary through Italy's Growth Decree.

The American's transformation from potential departure to key player underlines his importance to Motta's tactical flexibility, with Juventus now sitting six points behind league leaders Atalanta as they prepare for their next fixture against Fiorentina on Sunday.

Pulisic Back in Training

 Winger Could Be Back for Weekend Clash with Roma

Christian Pulisic could make a quicker-than-expected return from his calf injury, with the AC Milan star targeting the Sunday clash against Roma at San Siro for his comeback, though the new year seems the more likely return date.

The American winger, who suffered a low-grade soleus muscle tear in his right calf following a challenge from Atalanta's Mario Pasalic in early December, has shown encouraging signs of recovery. Pulisic has already resumed individual training at Milanello following the Christmas break.

His potential return would provide a significant boost for Paulo Fonseca's side, who have struggled to maintain their attacking fluency in his absence. The injury interrupted what has been an outstanding season for Pulisic, who has contributed eight goals and six assists in just 20 matches across all competitions.

Off the pitch, Milan is moving to secure Pulisic's long-term future, with reports suggesting a contract extension until 2028 or 2029 is close to being finalized. The new deal would include an improved salary of €5 million per season, recognizing his impact since arriving from Chelsea. For now, all eyes are on the Roma fixture as Milan's American star eyes a return before the year's end.