Santi Cazorla has failed to prove his fitness in time to be named in Arsenal's starting lineup for their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.

The Spaniard, who played 90 minutes for his country in midweek, will begin the game on the bench but his fellow midfielder Mikel Arteta remains out of action with a thigh problem.

Olivier Giroud is trusted to lead the line for the hosts, who also have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott in their side.

Manager Paul Lambert has chosen to select an attacking team for his side's trip to North London, with Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann providing support for striker Christian Benteke.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Mertesacker (c), Gibbs, Ramsey, Wilshere, Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Giroud

Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Baker, Luna, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Delph, Agbonlahor, Benteke, Weimann