Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer and Fulham are preparing to take on Portsmouth in the English Premier League this weekend. The Cottagers are looking to move closer to the top seven teams as they currently sit ninth on the table following their 3-2 defeat at Stoke on Tuesday. A win would see them creep closer to the top echelon of teams in the EPL and set themselves up for an assault on the second half of the season.

Other Aussies in action this weekend include Everton duo Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill who host the high-flying Arsenal at Goodison Park. The Toffees are sitting 12th on the league table after remaining undefeated through all of December but face an Arsenal side who are third and sitting pretty.

Also in the Premier League on Saturday, Hull City and Richard Garcia face the unenviable task of taking on league leaders Chelsea at KC Stadium. The Tigers vitally need at least a point to help them push towards a climb out of the drop zone but top-of-the-table Chelsea will be no push over, despite being away from home.

In England's Championship, Nick Carle returns from international duty and will be hoping for more minutes with Crystal Palace who host Bristol City. Palace finds themselves in ninth position and are expected to defeat 12th-placed Bristol at Selhurst Park whilst Rhys Williams and Brad Jones will be looking for a win with Middlesbrough at the Riverside against sixth-placed Swansea City.

In League One, runaway leaders Leeds United, with Neil Kilkenny and Patrick Kisnorbo in tow, are at Elland Road against second-bottom Wycombe Wanderers and could extend their lead at the summit of the third tier.

With a lot of European competitions still on hold, there are many Australians not in action this weekend but Socceroos midfielder Mark Bresciano will be hoping Palermo can improve their standing of ninth on the Serie A table when they host Atalanta who are sitting precariously in 19th.