TEAM NEWS: Walcott starts for Arsenal against Fulham

10-Nov-2012 7:55:00 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

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