Oliver Giroud’s impact off the bench on Tuesday night has given him a surprise start this afternoon as Theo Walcott has dropped down to the bench. Per Mertesacker is also absent through illness (again) so Gabriel who has just returned himself will partner Koscielny in defence. As expected Oxlade-Chamberlain replaces the injured Aaron Ramsey on the right.

Oliver Giroud’s impact off the bench on Tuesday night has given him a surprise start this afternoon as Theo Walcott has dropped down to the bench. Per Mertesacker is also absent through illness (again) so Gabriel who has just returned himself will partner Koscielny in defence. As expected Oxlade-Chamberlain replaces the injured Aaron Ramsey on the right.

The bench is rather defensive given the amount of midfield injuries we are dealing with at present.

Confirmed Line Up:

Subs: Macey, Debuchy, Gibbs, Chambers, Flamini, Campbell, Walcott