Captain Robin van Persie has not been included in Arsenal's starting lineup for today's match with Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium.

Marouane Chamakh takes the place of the Dutchman, while Alex Song has been handed the captaincy.

Visiting Stoke start with Peter Crouch and Jonathan Walters up front, but winger Jermaine Pennant misses out on a return to his former club with an injury.

Arsenal: Szczesny; Djourou, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Andre Santos; Song, Arteta, Ramsey, Walcott; Gervinho, Chamakh.

Stoke: Begovic; Wilkinson, Shawcross, Upson, Wilson; Delap, Whitehead, Whelan, Etherington; Walters, Crouch.