Giroud back for the Gunners

Olivier Giroud returned to the Arsenal starting line-up as Arsene Wenger looked to end a nightmare week on a high with victory over Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium.

Giroud replaced Lukas Podolski up front while Abou Diaby, Carl Jenkinson, and Nacho Monreal were also drafted in following Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich.

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert made two changes from the XI that beat West Ham, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Joe Bennett coming in for Ron Vlaar and Jordan Bowery.

Experienced duo Darren Bent and Stephen Ireland were left out of the squad altogether.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal, Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla, Wilshere, Walcott, Giroud.

Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Gervinho.

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bennett, Delph, Westwood, N’Zogbia, Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor.

Subs: Marshall, El Ahmadi, Holman, Sylla, Bowery, Dawkins, Lichaj.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (W Yorkshire)