New Caltex Socceroos boss Bert van Marwijk returned to Europe this week to begin preparations for Australia’s upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Norway.
With one eye on June’s FIFA World Cup in Russia, van Marwijk is tasked with observing as many Australian players as possible over the coming months.
With a strong contingent of Aussie players in Europe, the Dutchman has indicated he will travel to England, Germany and Switzerland as part of his scouting mission.
So which Aussies are in action in Europe this weekend? We take a look.
ENGLAND
In the Premier League, Aaron Mooy is likely to return to the starting lineup as struggling Huddersfield host Bournemouth.
Maty Ryan will be in goals for Brighton as they travel to tackle Stoke City.
Tim Cahill scored for the Millwall U23’s earlier this week and could possibly make his senior return this weekend when the Lions host Cardiff City in the Championship.
The 38-year-old last played for Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup Final.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Bailey Wright’s Bristol City are at home to the struggling Sunderland while Massimo Luongo’s QPR are away to Wolverhampton.
Jackson Irvine is likely to see action when Hull City travel to Nottingham Forrest while Mile Jedinak’s Aston Villa are at home to Birmingham City.
GERMANY
In the Bundesliga, Mat Leckie’s Hertha Berlin are in action against second-placed Bayer Leverkusen at Bay Arena.
In the second tier, Robbie Kruse’s Bochum host Darmstadt while Brandon Borrello’s Kaiserslautern welcome Holstein Kiel.
HOLLAND
In the Eredivisie, Danny Vukovic’s Genk are at home to Zulte-Waregem while Brad Jones’ Feyenoord travel to Vitesse.
Craig Goodwin and Kenny Dougall could feature for Sparta Rotterdam as they welcome PSV to Sparta-Stadion.
REST OF EUROPE
In Switzerland, Socceroos striker Tomi Juric will line up for Luzern as they travel to Grasshoper.
Elsewhere, former Sydney FC defender Alex Gersbach is likely to feature for Lens in their Ligue 2 clash with Valenciennes.
In Turkey, Aziz Behich’s Bursaspor are away to Akhisarspor in the Superlig.
