Arsenal
10 Players who are expected to set the FIFA World Cup 2018 alight including Tottenham and Liverpool superstars
The FIFA World Cup 2018 is almost upon us and the anticipation among fans is increasing with every passing second.
The most-awaited event inevitably has numerous things to look forward to. The 32 teams chosen for this edition are highly competitive and every game is expected to be tight and tense.
There will be a lot of talented footballers showcasing their goods and hence, here are 10 players who could set this tournament alight in the next few weeks.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Forward
The Egyptian has been a revelation since his arrival at Liverpool last summer. He dealt with a major setback when his shoulder was injured in the Champions League final. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old is back for his country and raring to perform in Russia.
Mohamed Salah
His tally of 44 goals in 52 appearances for the Merseysiders has helped elevate his status to the top. Plenty will be expected of him and we are sure to see some magic from Salah.
Harry Kane (England) – Striker
A lot is expected from the newly-appointed captain of England. The 24-year old deserves this recognition and is a great choice for leading his motherland in the World Cup. He has been an epitome of consistency over the past few seasons and is now regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe.
Kane scored 41 goals in 48 games last season and that’s a great return for a man who got injured in the latter half of the campaign. With Kane at the helm, England might get to a higher finish than predicted.
Antoine Griezmann (France) – Forward
The Frenchman is at his peak as a striker and is ready to deliver on the big stage. One of Griezmann’s biggest strengths is his ability to play across a variety of positions and that will serve him well in a France side filled with talent.
Antoine Griezmann
He scored 29 goals in 49 games last season, which is an impressive record. Expect goals and clever runs of the highest quality from him.
Luka Modric (Croatia) – Central Midfielder
Modric is one of the best central midfielders in the current generation of footballers. This might be the 32-year-old’s last World Cup, meaning he will do everything at his disposal to make his country proud.
Luka Modric
Outrageous ball-control and passing abilities are some of his strong suits as a player. Having played for a side like Real Madrid, Modric will be a key player for Croatia.
Neymar Jr (Brazil) – Forward
This guy needs no introduction. Neymar is a Brazilian sensation and he will be looking to make up for lost time from the previous World Cup.
The 26-year old’s impeccable performances speak for itself. Neymar has played over 80 international games already and that’s quite an achievement for a player his age. Brazil are one of the favourites to win this competition and Neymar’s influence would help them to a great extent.
Diego Godin (Uruguay) – Centre-Back
The Uruguayan and Atletico Madrid centre-back is rock-solid. This is his third World Cup appearance and he must strive to lead his tenacious team to something special in Russia.
Diego Godin
One of his many admirable qualities is that he is a fighter by heart and soul. He will never give up, regardless of the situation.
The 32-year-old has all the makings of a World Cup-winning centre-back and has shown his worth for a decade now. Furthermore, he can score vital goals from set-pieces and is always helpful.
David de Gea (Spain) – Goalkeeper
David de Gea’s resurgence to becoming one of the best goalkeepers is an inspirational story for any player. His worth at Manchester United is close to infinity and Spain will rely on him to deliver the goods.
The 27-year old is somewhat similar to what Iker Casillas was before the 2010 World Cup. He will be expected to make crucial saves and keep his team ticking.
Kevin de Bruyne (Belgium) – Attacking Midfielder
Kevin de Bruyne’s magical right foot will be in action at the World Cup. After a dream season with Manchester City, the player will aim to replicate the same form in Russia.
Kevin De Bruyne
The 26-year-old is expected to lead the Belgian charge along with Eden Hazard. His goalscoring skills set him apart and given his creativity, the midfielder can be a deadly force.
Mesut Ozil (Germany) – Forward
Although Mesut Ozil’s club record often fluctuates, his form with Germany almost never wavers. The 29-year-old has been an integral part of the German team since the 2010 World Cup. His creativity and passing abilities will be on display in Russia.
Mesut Ozil
He is a player with plenty of pedigree as far as the World Cup is concerned. The Arsenal man has been consistently been at his best and he will be an important cog in the German wheel this year.
Son Heung-min (South Korea) – Forward
Son Heung-min will be the main man to represent South Korea on the world stage. He has been one of Tottenham Hotspur’s shining lights and the Koreans will depend on him to take them forward.
The Spurs man is undoubtedly in his best form right now and that should enable him to overcome any obstacle in Russia. His propensity to score goals makes him a rounded threat for the opposition.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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