Arsenal v Crystal Palace team news: Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain start for the Gunners, Marouane Chamakh returns against his former side

But Mathieu Flamini misses out for the Gunners because of suspension

Lukas Podolski stars for Arsenal against Crystal Palace (GETTY IMAGES)

Lukas Podolski makes his first league start for Arsenal since New Year's Day in their match against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, while midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starts for the Gunners in the league for the first time since the opening Premier League game of the season.

The Germany international scored twice in his last start for the club, in the 4-0 FA Cup victory over Coventry City last month, and his last league start was in the 2-0 win over Cardiff on 1 January.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, last started a league match for Arsenal back in August, in their opening day defeat by Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium, when he injured his posterior cruciate ligament in the 3-1 loss.

Mathieu Flamini is suspended after picking up a red card against Southampton on Tuesday night.

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For Crystal Palace, the striker Marouane Chamakh, who scored just 14 goals in 69 appearances during his spell at Arsenal returns to the Emirates.

Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Ozil, Podolski, Giroud

Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Gibbs, Rosicky, Zelalem, Gnabry, Bendtner.

Crystal Palace starting XI: Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Parr, Bolasie, Dikgacoi, Jedinak, Puncheon, Chamakh, Jerome

Subs: Hennessey, Mariappa, McCarthy, Bannan, Guedioura, Gayle, Wilbraham.