TEAM NEWS: Podolski returns to Arsenal starting XI against West Ham

24-Jan-2013 12:30:00 AM

Abou Diaby drops out of the Gunners' line-up altogether after a poor show at Chelsea on Sunday, while the Hammers do not include Mohamed Diame in their team from the start

Lukas Podolski has returned to the Arsenal starting line-up for tonight's Premier League clash with West Ham.

The Germany international sat out Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, while Aaron Ramsey also comes into the team. Francis Coquelin and Abou Diaby are the men to drop out.

Theo Walcott looks set to continue on the right-hand side of midfield, a position he has reverted to since committing his long-term future to the Gunners.

The Hammers make four changes to their side, with Carlton Cole, Jack Collison, Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te coming into the side.

Marouane Chamakh makes way as he is ineligible to play against his parent club, while Joe Cole and Matt Jarvis drop to the bench.

Also among the substitutes is Mohamed Diame, who has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this month.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Ramsey, Wilshere; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski; Giroud.
Subs: Mannone, Koscielny, Jenkinson, Santos, Frimpong, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Arshavin.

West Ham: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Reid, Tomkins, O'Brien; Noble, Collison; Vaz Te, Nolan, Taylor; C Cole.
Subs: Henderson, Potts, Diarra, Diame, O'Neil, J Cole, Jarvis.

Inside Goal.Com

Player Ratings: West Brom 5-5 Man Utd
Sir Alex Ferguson was given a farewell to remember, but certainly not for the right reasons as the Romelu Lukaku-led hosts battled back from three goals down to earn an unlikely point
Player Ratings: Liverpool 1-0 QPR
The hosts put in a dominating performance but Philippe Coutinho's solitary goal from distance was enough to see off a poor performance from the already-relegated visitors
Player Ratings: Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny's 52nd-minute volley secured the Gunners the win over Alan Pardew's side and made sure they would be playing Champions League football next season
Transfer Talk: Read all the gossips
The Goal.com Rumour Mill is your 24/7 source for all the latest rumblings in the global transfer market.
Who is the greatest CL 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