Abou Diaby has returned to the Arsenal starting lineup for this afternoon's clash with champions Manchester City.

The Frenchman, who has missed a large part of the season with a thigh injury, has come into a midfield that also includes Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla.

Meanwhile, visiting City are without Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri for various reasons.

As a result, Javi Garcia, Edin Dzeko and James Milner have all been named in the team by Roberto Mancini.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Vermaelen, Koscielny, Gibbs; Diaby, Wilshere, Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Podolski; Walcott

Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Clichy; Garcia, Barry, Milner, Silva; Tevez, Dzeko.