TEAM NEWS: Monreal handed start on Arsenal debut against Stoke City

Feb 2, 2013 2:08:00 PM

The new signing goes straight into Arsene Wenger's team for the visit of the Potters while Thomas Vermaelen misses out completely and Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla are benched

Nacho Monreal makes his first start for Arsenal since signing from Malaga as the Gunners take on Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium.

The full-back goes straight into the team, replacing the injured Kieran Gibbs, as Arsene Wenger makes five changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Liverpool in midweek.

There is no Thomas Vermaelen for the Gunners while Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski all drop to the bench with Laurent Koscielny, Abou Diaby, Mikel Arteta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all coming in.

Stoke, meanwhile, make two changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Wigan last time out. Ryan Shotton and Andy Wilkinson come in for Tony Pulis's side with Dean Whitehead and Charlie Adam making way.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Diaby, Arteta, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud

Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Santos, Ramsey, Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski

Stoke: Begovic; Shotton, Shawcross, Huth, Wilkinson; Walters, Cameron, Nzonzi, Whelan, Etherington; Crouch

Subs: Sorensen, Jones, Owen, Adam, Whitehead, Kightly, Jerome.

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