Sam Allardyce has made three changes from the side that defeated Fulham on Wednesday night.

Missing this afternoon is Rovers' captain Ryan Nelsen who picked up a thigh strain in the win at Craven Cottage. His place in the centre of defence is expected to be taken by Andre Ooijer, with Danny Simpson coming in at right back.

The other two changes come into midfield with Keith Andrews and Tugay dropping to the bench. Replacing them are Zurab Khizanishvili and Aaron Mokoena who make their first league starts under Sam Allardyce.

Gael Givet and Morten Gamst Pedersen both passed late fitness tests.

Arsenal make four changes from the side that beat Roma in the Champions league. Diaby, Gallas, van Persie and Eboue drop to the bench, Walcott, Song, Djourou and Arshavin come into the starting eleven.

ARSENAL: Almunia, Sagna, Toure (c), Nasri, Walcott, Denilson, Song, Djourou, Clichy, Arshavin, Bendtner.

Subs: Fabianski (GK), Diaby, Gallas, van Persie, Vela, Eboue, Gibbs.

ROVERS: Robinson, Simpson, Ooijer, Samba, Givet, Khizanishvili, Mokoena, Warnock (c), Diouf, Roberts, Pedersen.

Subs: Bunn (GK), Tugay, Dunn, McCarthy, Andrews, Treacy, Olsson.

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