Theo Walcott has been preferred up front to Olivier Giroud for Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
The England international started the 1-0 win over Newcastle United prior to the international break, during which Giroud was booed by France supporters.
Giroud is the only Arsenal player to have scored a Premier League goal this season, but has to make do with a place on the bench alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The speedy winger was responsible for the winner against the Magpies, but makes way as Mesut Ozil returns in attacking midfield following a minor knee problem.
Laurent Koscielny is passed fit amid concerns over a back injury and partners Gabriel Paulista in central defence, with Per Mertesacker still sidelined by illness.
Here’s the @Arsenal team for #AFCvSCFC pic.twitter.com/gHEc0yifC2
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 12, 2015
Stoke manager Mark Hughes makes three changes, two of them enforced as Charlie Adam and Ibrahim Afellay sit out through suspension because of their red cards in the 1-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion.
Spanish Striker Joselu comes in for his first Premier League start, while there is also a recall for Marko Arnautovic on the wing. Phil Bardsley replaces Glen Johnson at right-back.
BREAKING | SCFC: Butland; Bardsley, Cameron, Muniesa, Pieters; Whelan (c), van Ginkel; Diouf, Shaqiri, Arnautovic; Joselu.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 12, 2015
BREAKING | SUBS: Given, Wollscheid, Wilson, Ireland, Sidwell, Bojan, Crouch.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) September 12, 2015
SEE MORE:
5 reasons Arsenal will slip up against Stoke this weekend
5 reasons Arsenal will smash Stoke City
Arsenal v Stoke preview: Injury problems, angry fans and old enemy face Arsene Wenger at Emirates
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