Giroud back for Gunners

France striker Olivier Giroud returned to the starting line-up for Arsenal’s FA Cup third-round replay against Swansea at Emirates Stadium.

England forward Theo Walcott looked set to switch back to the right flank, with German international Lukas Podolski dropping to the bench, while Per Mertesacker came in for suspended defender Laurent Koscielny after his red card against Manchester City on Sunday.

Swansea won 2-0 here in the Barclays Premier League on December 1, but made six changes from their last match, with striker Michu, who hit both goals in that victory, on the bench as Danny Graham led the attack.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Diaby, Coquelin, Walcott, Wilshere, Cazorla, Giroud. Subs: Mannone, Podolski, Andre Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Arshavin, Jenkinson.

Swansea: Vorm, Bartley, Richards, Chico, Tiendalli, Agustien, Britton, Routledge, de Guzman, Dyer, Graham. Subs: Tremmel, Michu, Hernandez, Monk, Shechter, Ki, Davies.

Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)