The return of the Premier League is just a few days away but before that we have another set of international fixtures. There are a number of Arsenal players in action for their countries and in this, we take a look at how a few players might get on with odds via M88.
England v Spain – Theo Walcott
England take on Spain at Wembley almost a year to the day since the last meeting between the two countries. How things have changed for the England national team since then with the disaster of the European Championships and the corruption scandal in the months which followed. Gareth Southgate is the man in charge now and the former Middlesbrough boss is unbeaten in his three previous matches.
England ran out 3-0 winners against Scotland last week and Southgate could make a number of changes for tonight’s friendly. Adam Lallana and Raheem Sterling started last Friday and it could be a good time for Gareth Southgate to switch things up. Jesse Lingard could come in but given Walcott’s form this season, the Arsenal man would be a good option from the right. Walcott could even come up against Arsenal teammate Nacho Monreal who bagged his first goal for his country last week.
France v Ivory Coast – Olivier Giroud
France take on the Ivory Coast in Lens this evening in what will be just the second meeting between the two teams. The French got past Sweden at the weekend while the visitors were held by Morocco. Les Bleus have responded well to the disappointment of the European Championships. They’ve won four out of five matches since the defeat to Portugal including impressive victories over Italy and the Netherlands.
Olivier Giroud did start against Sweden but could well take to the field from the off again tonight. Ivory Coast aren’t the force they once were but are still unbeaten since January 2015. A lot of those matches have been draws but it’s still an impressive statistic. The 2015 African Cup of Nations champions are currently top of their 2018 World Cup qualifying group but face a tough test against the French. Olivier Giroud hasn’t scored for France since September 1 but will be hoping for something against this Ivory Coast defence. He’s the third favourite to score first with odds of 3/1.
Chile v Uruguay – Alexis Sanchez
Chile take on Uruguay at 23:30 UK time and Alexis Sanchez looks set to feature, despite the best wishes of almost everyone connected with Arsenal. The forward picked up an injury last week and while it was feared he would be out for some time, the 27-year-old seems to have recovered quickly but could well agitate it this evening. Chile face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, despite their success in the Copa America earlier this summer. Chile are fifth in the qualification table with the top four teams automatically going to Russia and the fifth place team entering the inter-conferedation play-offs. Chile could go up to 3rd with a win but could drop as low as eighth with a defeat.
Alexis Sanchez has three goals in his last five matches against Uruguay and will need to be on top form to stop the visitors. Uruguay and Brazil are tearing away from the rest of the pack in qualification with La Celeste led by Edinson Cavani who is the top scorer in qualification so far with seven. Alexis Sanchez may not be at 100% fitness for the match, but it’s always difficult to bet against the forward.
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