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

Jan 23, 2013 7:00:00 PM

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.

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