TEAM NEWS: Giroud & Diaby start as Arsenal make four changes from Bayern defeat

23 Feb 2013 14:14:00

Carl Jenkinson and Nacho Monreal return to the XI in the full-back positions, while Charles N'Zogbia and Christian Benteke both continue for visitors Aston Villa at the Emirates

Arsene Wenger makes four changes to the side that lost 3-1 to Bayern Munich in midweek, with Olivier Giroud, Abou Diaby, Carl Jenkinson and Nacho Monreal all returning to the starting XI for Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa.

The France international was dropped for the clash with die Roten as Theo Walcott operated through the middle, but the Englishman has reverted back to the right flank.

Jenkinson returns to the Gunners' line-up after missing their last domestic game, the FA Cup defeat to Blackburn, through suspension while Monreal was cup-tied for the game with Bayern.

Villa boss Paul Lambert makes just two changes from the side that beat West Ham 2-1 two weeks ago as Joe Bennett and Gabriel Agbonlahor come in for Ron Vlaar and Jordan Bowery.

Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal; Arteta, Diaby, Wilshere; Walcott, Giroud, Cazorla.
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Gervinho, Podolski.

Aston Villa starting XI: Guzan; Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bennett; Westwood, Delph; Agbonlahor, Weimann, N'Zogbia; Benteke.
Subs: Marshall, El Ahmadi, Holman, Sylla, Bowery, Dawkins, Lichaj.

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