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.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis made two changes, American summer signing Geoff Cameron handed a debut with Dean Whitehead suspended and Jermaine Pennant returning after recovering from a thigh injury.

Stoke: Begovic, Wilkinson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilson, Pennant, Cameron, Whelan, Kightly, Walters, Crouch.

Subs: Sorensen, Palacios, Jones, Upson, Delap, Shotton, Jerome.

Arsenal: Mannone, Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Diaby, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud, Gervinho.

Subs: Martinez, Andre Santos, Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Djourou, Coquelin.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)