Giroud and Mannone start for Gunners

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger made two changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Sunderland for the Barclays Premier League clash against Stoke.

French striker Olivier Giroud was given his first start as Theo Walcott made way, with goalkeeper Vito Mannone stepping in for Wojciech Szczesny who has a minor rib problem.