SOCCER ON TV

Some interesting games on TV this weekend, in what will be the last few days of club soccer prior to the final international break of the year:

(All times ET)

Saturday:

9:45 a.m.: Derby v. West Ham (Setanta) – Derby, despite their poor form, remain a mere two points away from safety. As such, they’ll be looking to get some points in what looks like a winnable game at home against West Ham. Eddie Lewis and Benny Feilhaber were both absent from the squad which lost last week to Aston Villa, so they’ll be looking to get into the team for Saturday afternoon’s kickoff. Meanwhile, Jonathan Spector has made three consecutive appearances for the Hammers, and will hope to figure into Alan Curbishley’s plans again this weekend.

12 p.m.: Liverpool v. Fulham (FSC) – As many of you will undoubtedly remember, in the last meeting between the clubs, Clint Dempsey scored the goal which not only won the game for Fulham, but also went a long way toward lifting his club out of the relegation battle at the end of last year. This year, Dempsey already has four goals for the Cottagers, including the game winner last week. Both he and Carlos Bocanegra, who returns from suspension on Saturday, will have to be at their best as Fulham travel to Anfield to face a Liverpool side that demolished Besiktas 8-0 in the Champions League.

Sunday:

7 p.m.: Chelsea v. Everton (Setanta, delayed) – This game could very well be the pick of the weekend, as it features two teams who have found some form at the same time. Everton, as previously mentioned in the blog, have won five in a row, while the Avram Grant era at Chelsea seems to be quietly gathering speed. Tim Howard is virtually a sure thing to start in goal for the Toffees before he jets off the next day to join up with Bob Bradley and the team in South Africa. It’s too bad this game is aired on a ten hour delay, so make sure to stay away from all forms of communication until Sunday night!