Robert Pires won the Premier League and FA Cup on two occasions and was a Champions League runner-up during six successful seasons with Arsenal. In an exclusive interview with bwin, the 44-year-old shares his thoughts on his former club after Unai Emery replaced Arsene Wenger in the hot-seat at the Emirates Stadium.
Austria have claimed a couple of notable scalps in World Cup warm-up matches but may meet their match when facing Brazil in Vienna. The Selecao have never tasted defeat in nine head-to-head meetings, securing wins in six of those past encounters.
South Korea and Senegal have both struggled in World Cup warm-up matches but the timing of this clash may give the Asian outfit an edge. The Lions of Teranga lost 2-1 to Croatia only on Friday and their strength in depth will be stretched with such a quick turn-around.
Belgium complete their World Cup preparations by taking on Costa Rica in Brussels and are fancied to enjoy a smooth success. The Red Devils impressed when beating Egypt 3-0 on Wednesday, whereas Los Ticos may need more time to adapt to European conditions judged on Thursday’s 2-0 loss to England.
France will be seeking a third quick win in World Cup warm-up matches when hosting the USA in Lyon and should be up to achieving that feat. Les Bleus have already seen off the Republic of Ireland 2-0 and Italy 3-1 in the last couple of weeks.
Spain will be keen to make a statement of intent when facing Tunisia in Krasnodar, six days before taking on Portugal in their World Cup opener. La Roja are among the favourites to claim outright glory at Russia 2018, following a couple of disappointing efforts at the last two major tournaments.
Denmark and Mexico have found goals hard to come by in World Cup warm-up matches and a tight tussle is expected when they meet in Brondby. Both teams have netted just once in their last three international friendlies as preparations continue for Russia 2018.
Peru have put together a strong set of results in World Cup warm-up matches and may be good value to get the better of Sweden in Gothenburg. Los Incas have rattled off four straight wins in international friendlies this year, scoring 10 times and conceding only once.
Switzerland have only lost once in 12 games since the start of last year and are worthy favourites to edge out Japan on home turf in Friday’s World Cup warm-up match. The Samurai Blue have been far from impressive in recent friendlies, including last week’s 2-0 loss to Ghana in Yokohama.
Poland are rated as lively outsiders for World Cup glory and can continue their preparations with a narrow win over Chile in Poznan. Both teams won their last international friendlies but the Eagles look better equipped to maintain that momentum on Friday night.
England complete their World Cup preparations when facing Costa Rica in Leeds on Thursday and we’re not underestimating the visitors. Los Ticos drew 0-0 with the Three Lions at Brazil 2014 en route to reaching the quarter-finals and have shown some useful form in recent international friendlies.
Croatia and Senegal have produced moderate results in international friendlies and both look to be saving their best for the World Cup. That could lead to a cagey, low-key affair in Osijek on Friday, with chances expected to be few and far between.
Uruguay will complete their World Cup preparations by entertaining Uzbekistan in Montevideo and a smooth success should be on the cards. La Celeste won seven of their nine home games when qualifying for Russia 2018 by finishing second behind Brazil in the South American section.
Germany have had an uncharacteristically sloppy build-up to Russia 2018 but should get back on track when facing Saudi Arabia in Leverkusen on Friday. Miroslav Klose hit a hat-trick as Die Mannschaft enjoyed an 8-0 romp when these teams last met at the 2002 World Cup.