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Josh Holland

Arsenal at the World Cup today: Gunners face-off in vital clash as Cody Gakpo seeks last-16

Less than a week into the World Cup schedule and the first round of group stage fixtures are completed. Favourites Brazil kicked-off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Serbia last night while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal narrowly defeated Ghana 3-2.

The 32 nation's second fixtures get underway this morning at 10am when Wales take on Iran in Group B. Hosts Qatar face Senegal looking to earn their first win of the tournament before the Netherlands can secure their spot in the knockout rounds with victory over Ecuador.

England end day six of the World Cup with the highly-anticipated clash against USA at the Al Bayt Stadium. Gareth Southgate's side will be hoping to continue their impressive start to the tournament following Monday's 6-2 win over Iran.

READ MORE: Noah Okafor cameo, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic frustrated - Arsenal World Cup transfer target watch

With England's game taking place this evening, there's plenty for Arsenal supporters to keep an eye on today. football.london brings you the Gunners in action and the players who have been linked with a move to the Emirates.

Three Three Lions

After netting two goals in the 6-2 win over Iran, Gareth Southgate is expected to name an unchanged side this evening meaning Bukayo Saka is set to start on the right of England's attack. The Hale Ender was impressive in Doha earlier this week and received plenty of plaudits for his performances.

Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White were both named on the bench and are expected to remain there against the USA tonight. However, following Harry Maguire's blurred vision forced him off, White could be in contention for minutes this evening.

Matt Turner

After being held 1-1 by Wales on Monday evening, the Americans will be hoping to take a huge stride towards the last-16 with a surprise victory over England this morning. Gunners shot-stopper Matt Turner started in goal against Gareth Bale's side and made a couple of vital saves.

Tonight presents a different sort of challenge with England proving their array of goalscoring threat across the squad with Jude Bellingham netting and Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish netting off the bench.

Weston McKennie

Alongside adding bodies in Arteta's wide areas, the Gunners are understood to be keen on a new central midfielder in the January transfer window. Juventus' Weston McKennie has been one name linked and reports last month suggested the club sent scouts to watch the American in action in Serie A.

The Juventus midfielder started in USA's midfield three against Wales earlier in the week but was substituted after the hour as a precaution on the back of picking up a yellow card. It's expected he will continue alongside former Hale Ender Yunus Musah and Leeds United Tyler Adams.

Cody Gakpo

One of the tournament's most-wanted attackers, PSV forward Gakpo kicked-off his tournament with a perfectly-timed header against Senegal. After originally taking up a deeper role in the Netherlands attack. Gakpo pushed further up after Vincent Janssen and Steven Bergwijn were taken off.

This afternoon's second group clash against Ecuador presents Louis Van Gaal's side their toughest challenge before they enter knockout football territory so will present Gakpo another chance to impress Edu and Mikel Arteta.

Yunus Musah

Former Hale End academy starlet Musah started in Gregg Berhalter's side for the Wales draw and showed glimpses of why Valencia inserted a €100million (£87million) release clause into his contract.

Tonight, he'll come up against former Arsenal academy teammate Saka and tougher opposition in England. If Edu is pondering the possibility of bringing him back to north London, Musah can prove a lot in midfield against Bellingham, Declan Rice and Mason Mount.

Have your say on the Gunners’ season so far by taking part in the Big Arsenal Forum!

READ NEXT:

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Arsenal's Bukayo Saka makes Cristiano Ronaldo admission as Portugal superstar eyes transfer move

Erling Haaland 'blocks' Jude Bellingham transfer as Arsenal offers for England star are revealed

Arsenal already have their own Jonathan David amid Edu's smart £30m transfer decision

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

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