Walcott on the bench for Gunners

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott is on the bench for the Champions League clash against Standard Liege and Carlos Vela has been handed his first start of the season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was considering starting Walcott following the England winger’s recovery from an injury to his right knee but instead went for Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri support Vela in attack.

Needing a point to reach the knockout stages of the competition, Wenger also welcomes back Denilson and Kieran Gibbs, from recent back and foot problems respectively.

Emmanuel Eboue replaces Bacary Sagna at right-back.

Arsenal: Almunia, Eboue, Gallas, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Fabregas, Song Billong, Denilson, Nasri, Arshavin, Vela.

Subs: Mannone, Sagna, Rosicky, Eduardo, Walcott, Silvestre, Traore.

Standard Liege: Bolat, Camozzato, Sarr, Felipe, Mulemo, Goreux, Witsel, Mangala, Carcela-Gonzalez, Dalmat, Mbokani.

Subs: Van Hout, Victor Ramos, Rocha, Traore, Gershon, Nicaise, Gohi-Bi.

Referee: Konrad Plautz (Austria).