Gibbs handed Arsenal start

Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs has been given his chance to impress at left-back in the Champions League clash against AZ Alkmaar tonight following Gael Clichy’s back injury.

Gibbs, who has been tipped as an outsider to make England’s World Cup squad, is one of three changes from the team that defeated Tottenham at the weekend, with Bacary Sagna on the bench and Nicklas Bendtner injured.

France midfielder Samir Nasri makes his second start of the season following a fractured leg and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recalls Emmanuel Eboue for the clash at the Emirates Stadium.

The hosts know they could wrap up qualification to the next round of the competition if they win and other results in Group H go their way.

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Song Billong, Diaby, Fabregas, Nasri, van Persie, Arshavin.

Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Senderos, Rosicky, Eduardo, Ramsey, Silvestre.

AZ: Romero, Jaliens, Moisander, Moreno, Poulsen, Dembele, Mendes Da Silva, Schaars, Martens, Holman, Pelle.

Subs: Didulica, Pocognoli, Lens, Ari, Wernbloom, Van der Velden, Swerts.

Referee: Alain Hamer.