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Football London
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Kieran Horn

Arsenal at the World Cup today: Martinelli chance, Okafor audition and Partey redemption

Arsenal will be heavily represented as the second round of World Cup group stage games reach a climax with a number of Mikel Arteta's first-teamers and transfer targets in action.

Cameroon and Serbia kick off the action as they hope to bounce back from their opening matchday defeats in Qatar before Brazil and Switzerland meet later in the day as Granit Xhaka faces off against Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli. It will be a Tottenham and Arsenal battle as Thomas Partey will be leading Ghana into battle against Son Heung-min's South Korea.

Noah Okafor and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who have both been linked with moves to north London, will also be representing their respective nations in Serbia and Switzerland where the Gunners scouts will likely be paying close attention to their performances.

READ MORE: Zinchenko starts in midfield, Emile Smith Rowe hope – Arsenal predicted XI for Watford friendly

With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the names you need to keep an eye on at the World Cup today.

Gabriel Martinelli - Brazil

The ankle injury to Neymar suffered in the victory over Serbia has increased the likelihood of Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli featuring in Brazil's next match against Switzerland.

Manchester United star Antony replaced the PSG forward following his injury which may mean he is above Martinelli in the pecking order, but following impressive displays in training, Martinelli could be selected in the starting XI by Tite.

Gabriel Jesus - Brazil

Tottenham forward Richarlison was the star of the show in Brazil's win over Serbia which may mean that Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus will have to settle for another cameo from the bench.

The Gunners summer acquisition was brought on for the final 11 minutes but could certainly be inserted sooner if Brazil are struggling to find a breakthrough.

Granit Xhaka - Switzerland

Switzerland began their World Cup campaign with a dogged victory against Cameroon following a second half goal from Breel Embolo with Arsenal star Granit Xhaka playing the whole game.

The Swiss captain could go up against some of his Arsenal teammates as they face one of the tournament favourites Brazil where another upset is certainly a possibility.

Thomas Partey - Ghana

Both of Arsenal's first-team midfield duo are in action as Thomas Partey will be hoping Ghana can bounce back from their group stage defeat on Thursday against Portugal.

South Korea, who drew with Uruguay in matchday one, will be their opponents and Partey will be hoping to get a win on the board for his country and get one over on Son who plays for Arsenal's fierce rivals Tottenham.

Noah Okafor - Switzerland

The impressive displays of Ruben Vargas and Xherdan Shaqiri in Switzerland's win over Cameroon will likely mean Arsenal transfer target Noah Okafor may have to settle for a place on the bench and a possible cameo against Brazil.

Okafor was awarded an 18-minute cameo against Cameroon but struggled to make a significant impact which further reiterates the likelihood of Vargas and Shaqiri continuing on the wings while Breel Embolo's goal means his spot at the tip of the Swiss attack is likely safe.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Serbia

Despite Brazil dominating Serbia in the two sides group G opener, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic enjoyed a strong first half before Richarlison settled the game with a second half double.

The Lazio midfielder may have more joy against Cameroon though with the African country unlikely to dominate play the same way Tite's side did.

Facundo Torres - Uruguay

Facundo Torres was an unused substitute as Uruguay played out a goalless draw against South Korea, and while he may be on the bench again, Uruguay manager Diego Alonso may opt to introduce the Orlando City star in their match with Portugal.

With Nicolas de la Cruz and Edinson Cavani, who were brought on in the matchday one fixture with South Korea, failing to make an attacking impact, Torres may be introduced from the bench

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