Andrey Arshavin has been handed a start for Arsenal’s Premier League clash against QPR.
The Russia international make only his seventh league start of the campaign as Arsene Wenger makes three changes from the side which drew 1-1 against Wolves at the Emirates on December 27.
Yossi Benayoun, Tomas Rosicky and Gervinho all drop to the bench as Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and Arshavin return to support Robin van Persie in attack.
For QPR, Neil Warnock makes five changes after his side’s 1-1 draw against Swansea City. Radek Cerny deputises for Paddy Kenny in goal, while Matthew Connolly and Danny Gabbidon deputise for Clint Hill and Fitz Hall at centre-back.
In midfield, Shaun Derry misses out as Shaun Wright-Phillips comes in and Jay Bothroyd replaces the club’s leading goalscorer this season, Heidar Helguson, in attack.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Djourou, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Vermaelen; Song, Arteta, Ramsey; Walcott, Van Persie, Arshavin.
Subs: Almunia, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho, Chamakh, Benayoun, Coquelin.
QPR: Cerny; Young, Connolly, Gabbidon, Traore; Faurlin, Barton; Wright-Phillips, Taarabt, Mackie; Bothroyd
Subs: Orr, Hill, Derry, Campbell, Smith Helguson, Murphy