Once a Loon, always in action: Viewing guide for Jan. 2-4

Seven former Loons could be in action this weekend: Tani Oluwaseyi, Kervin Arriaga, Tyler Miller, Francisco Calvo, Ethan Bristow, Adrien Hunou, and possibly Sam Nicholson.

Here is your guide to following former Loons in action across the globe from Friday through Sunday.

Francisco Calvo and Al-Ettifaq host Al Akhdoud

  • Match: Al-Ettifaq vs. Al Akhdoud
  • Date and time: Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at 8:40 a.m. CT
  • Location: Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
  • Former Loons: Francisco Calvo
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Saudi Pro League matches are primarily broadcast on FOX Soccer Plus or FS2. You can stream this via Fubo or the FOX Sports app.

Francisco Calvo continues to be a vital piece of Steven Gerrard’s defense in Dammam. After a successful holiday period that included a dramatic game-winning goal on Christmas Day, Calvo will lead the backline against an Al Akhdoud side desperate for points. The Costa Rican international has been in excellent form, and his leadership will be key as Al-Ettifaq looks to keep pace with the top four in the standings.

Tani Oluwaseyi and Villarreal CF visit Elche CF

  • Match: Elche CF vs. Villarreal CF
  • Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. CT
  • Location: Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, Elche, Spain
  • Former loons: Tani Oluwaseyi
  • How to watch in Minnesota: La Liga matches are available to stream in the United States on ESPN+.

Tani Oluwaseyi has been a revelation for the Yellow Submarine since his record-breaking move from Minnesota. As Villarreal travels to face an Elche side known for its defensive resilience at home, Tani’s speed and directness will be vital. Following his recent appearances in the Champions League, this domestic test provides another stage for him to solidify his role in the starting rotation.

Adrien Hunou and Clermont Foot host Laval

  • Match: Clermont Foot vs. Stade Lavallois
  • Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at noon CT
  • Location: Stade Gabriel-Montpied, Clermont-Ferrand, France
  • Former loons: Adrien Hunou
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Ligue 2 matches can occasionally be found on beIN Sports or via the beIN Sports Connect app.

Adrien Hunou remains the creative engine for Clermont Foot. His ability to link the midfield and attack will be essential as Clermont looks to start the year with a home victory. Against a disciplined Laval side, Hunou’s veteran experience and positioning in the final third are expected to be the primary threats for the hosts.

Sam Nicholson and Motherwell face St. Mirren

  • Match: Motherwell vs. St. Mirren
  • Date and time: Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Location: Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland
  • Former loons: Sam Nicholson
  • How to watch in Minnesota: If you are outside the UK, you can stream the match via Motherwell TV.

Motherwell begins 2026 with a home fixture at Fir Park. While Sam Nicholson has been working through recovery from injury, his return to the matchday squad would provide a significant boost to the Steelmen’s attacking options. We are monitoring his status closely to see if he features in this first match of the new year.

Tyler Miller and Bolton Wanderers host Northampton Town

  • Match: Bolton Wanderers vs. Northampton Town
  • Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Location: Toughsheet Community Stadium, Bolton, England
  • Former loons: Tyler Miller
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Stream this match live via Sky Sports+ or iFollow Bolton.

Following his league debut on New Year’s Day, Tyler Miller is looking to maintain his place in the starting eleven. His performance against Doncaster showed he is ready for the rigors of League One, and another strong showing at home could help him secure the number one spot permanently. Bolton will rely on his shot-stopping and distribution to start their 2026 home campaign with three points.

Kervin Arriaga and Levante UD visit Sevilla FC

  • Match: Sevilla FC vs. Levante UD
  • Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. CT
  • Location: Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, Seville, Spain
  • Former loons: Kervin Arriaga
  • How to watch in Minnesota: This match will be available to stream on ESPN+.

Kervin Arriaga travels to the historic Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán as Levante takes on Sevilla. Arriaga’s defensive work rate and ball-winning capabilities have made him a key figure in the Levante midfield. This high-profile matchup against Sevilla’s technical midfield will be a major test of his positioning and ability to disrupt play in transition.

Ethan Bristow and Tranmere Rovers visit Newport County

  • Match: Newport County vs. Tranmere Rovers
  • Date and time: Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT
  • Location: Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales
  • Former loons: Ethan Bristow
  • How to watch in Minnesota: Stream this match live via iFollow Tranmere.

Ethan Bristow and Tranmere look to extend their winning streak as they visit Wales. Bristow has been in excellent form, contributing to back-to-back clean sheets over the holiday period. His recovery and fitness after a heavy run of minutes will be key to helping Tranmere maintain their defensive solidity on the road at Rodney Parade.

Inury watch: As noted in the schedule, Sam Nicholson has been sidelined with a knee injury. While there is hope for a return to the squad soon, he remains a doubt for the match against St. Mirren as he continues his rehabilitation. We will provide updates on his status as he nears full match fitness.