TEAM NEWS: Giroud drops to the bench as Arsenal recall Gervinho for Swansea visit

Dec 1, 2012 2:13:00 PM

As reported by Goal.com on Saturday, the Frenchman has been rested for the match at the Emirates Stadium, while Bacary Sagna and Laurent Koscielny miss out due to injury

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has recalled Gervinho to his starting line-up for the visit of Swansea City to the Emirates Stadium, with Olivier Giroud dropping to the substitutes' bench.

Goal.com reported on Saturday that the Frenchman would be rested after playing seven consecutive matches at centre forward for the Gunners, with Ivory Coast international Gervinho preferred as Giroud's replacement.

Carl Jenkinson and Kieran Gibbs return to the defence at right and left-back, with Laurent Koscielny (hip) and Bacary Sagna (ankle) ruled out. Thomas Vermaelen moves from full-back to the centre of defence.

Lukas Podolski returns to the starting XI on the left side of attack in place of Aaron Ramsey after missing the 1-1 draw against Everton at Goodison Park in midweek.

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is without Wayne Routledge and Pablo Hernandez, both of whom starred in the 3-1 victory over West Brom on Wednesday.

Itay Shechter is therefore recalled and is likely to start on the flank opposite Nathan Dyer, with Michu the lone striker. Laudrup has also dropped an extra man into central midfield by recalling Jonathan de Guzman.

Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Arteta, Wilshere; Walcott, Cazorla, Podolski, Gervinho.

Subs: Mannone, Squillaci, Coquelin, Ramsey, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud.

Swansea starting XI: Tremmel; Rangel, Williams, Chico, Davies; Britton, De Guzman, Ki; Dyer, Michu, Shechter.

Subs: Cornell, Monk, Moore, Tiendalli, Agustien, Richards, Donnelly.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

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
'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
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.