TEAM NEWS: Ramsey starts for Arsenal against Tottenham as Sigurdsson replaces Holtby

Mar 3, 2013 3:10:00 PM

The Wales midfielder returns to the Gunners' starting XI for the Premier League trip to White Hart Lane, whilst Jermain Defoe is fit enough to return to the Spurs bench

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has introduced Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Gylfi Sigurdsson into his starting XI to face Arsenal in place of Steven Caulker and Lewis Holtby.

Former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor, who was sent off in the reverse fixture earlier this season, leads the line for the home side, while fellow ex-Arsenal man William Gallas starts on the bench along with Jermain Defoe, who returns after an ankle injury.

Arsene Wenger makes just one change from the side that defeated Aston Villa in their last game as Aaron Ramsey replaces Abou Diaby, who drops out of the matchday squad with a calf problem.

France striker Olivier Giroud will start up front for Arsenal, with Theo Walcott operating in the right wing. Lukas Podolski continues on the bench, with Santi Cazorla expected to line-up on the left of midfield.

Tottenham starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Dembele, Parker; Lennon, Sigurdsson, Bale; Adebayor.

Subs: Friedel, Naughton, Gallas, Carroll, Livermore, Holtby, Defoe.

Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny; Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Monreal; Arteta, Wilshere, Ramsey; Walcott, Giroud, Cazorla.

Subs: Koscielny, Rosicky, Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Coquelin, Mannone, Gervinho.

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