Aliadiere partners Henry for Gunners

Arsene Wenger turned to Jeremie Aliadiere to partner Thierry Henry as Arsenal began their first of four matches against Middlesbrough this month.

Wenger, whose side also face Boro in a two-legged Carling Cup semi-final and the FA Cup fourth round, selected Aliadiere ahead of Kanu.

Gilberto Silva, meanwhile, came in for Ray Parlour and Lauren replaced Kolo Toure, who sustained a foot injury in the midweek draw at Everton.

Boro made two changes to the side that beat Fulham, with Mark Schwarzer passing a fitness test on a back injury to replace Brad Jones in goal, while Doriva was picked ahead of Brazilian compatriot Juninho in midfield.

Gaizka Mendieta, Jonathan Greening and Michael Ricketts were nevertheless ruled out as Boro looked for a better outcome than their 4-0 home defeat by the Gunners in August.

Arsenal:

Lehmann, Lauren, Campbell, Cygan, Cole, Ljungberg, Vieira, Silva, Pires, Henry, Aliadiere. Subs: Keown, Parlour, Edu, Kanu, Stack.

Middlesbrough:

Schwarzer, Mills, Southgate, Ehiogu, Queudrue, Job, Boateng, Downing, Doriva, Zenden, Nemeth. Subs: Riggott, Maccarone, Juninho Paulista, Parnaby, Jones. Referee: A D’Urso (Essex)