TEAM NEWS: Walcott starts for Arsenal against Fulham

Nov 10, 2012 2:25:00 PM

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny makes his return from an ankle injury, but is only fit enough for a place on the substitutes' bench, while Martin Jol makes three changes for the trip

Theo Walcott is to start for Arsenal for the visit of Fulham, his first opportunity to impress from the off in the Premier League since late August.

The England international was handed a starting berth against Schalke in the Champions League on Tuesday, and repaid Arsene Wenger's faith by opening the scoring in the 2-2 draw, and takes Aaron Ramsey's place in midfield.

Elsewhere, the suspended Jack Wilshere is replaced by Francis Coquelin, whille Laurent Koscielny comes in for Andre Santos who drops to the substitutes' bench. First-choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny makes his return from an ankle injury, but is only fit enough for a place among the substitutes.

For Fulham, Martin Jol makes three changes from the 2-2 draw against Everton. Steve Sidwell and Ashkan Dejagah replace Damien Duff and the injured Mahamadou Diarra, while Kieran Richardson replaces Alex Kacaniklic.

Arsenal: Mannone; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Arteta, Coquelin; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Santos, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Arshavin, Jenkinson, Chamakh.

Fulham: Schwarzer; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Dejagah, Baird, Sidwell, Richardson; Ruiz; Berbatov.
Subs: Stockdale, Senderos, Petric, Karagounis, Duff, Rodallega, Kacaniklic.

Inside Goal.Com

Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
...And guess who is the Ghana Player of the Week

Join us in saluting another Ghanaian player worthy of recognition for his outstanding contribution on and off the field this week
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
Re-defined for the worst: RTU's really terrible tale

RTU's performances in the current Ghana Premier League season have indeed been nothing to write home about going 27 games without a win, and rooted at the bottom of the standings
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?

Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel