Arsenal face Aston Villa away on Monday evening in an attempt to reclaim the top spot in English Premier League and the Gunners have been handed a welcoming boost ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
Star striker Olivier Giroud returns from an ankle injury that kept him out of the opening two matches in 2014 that resulted in victories over Cardiff City and Tottenham Hotspur.
The return of the experienced forward could be just the boost the Gunners need to improve their title chances, with Arsene Wenger’s side currently third favourites at 9/2.
Arsenal manager is obviously delighted to be able to call upon his compatriot at the time when Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner are missing.
“People want always new names, but what is important for us is that Giroud is back. He was a bit tired recently, but now he is refreshed and I’m sure he will have a major impact on the second part of the season.
“Giroud has qualities that the rest of the squad has not got, he always gives us that strength. We have small players who combine quickly, so to find someone who can hold it, keep the ball, make some room for other players, he does that very well and gives us a very good balance.”
Having won their last four matches in all competitions, Arsenal are 1/2 favourites to see off Aston Villa as well, with Giroud 6/5 to mark his return with a goal.
Meanwhile, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen are both injury doubts, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could finally make a comeback from a long spell on the sidelines.
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