QPR v Arsenal team news: Per Mertesacker recalled by Arsene Wenger to partner Gabriel in defence. Laurent Koscielny out

The match kicks off at 7.45pm

Per Mertesacker has been recalled by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger for tonight's Premier League game at QPR, replacing Laurent Koscielny.

The German, who came in for much criticism for his performance against Monaco this time last week, partners Gabriel in defence.

For QPR, Sandro, Nedum Ouoha and Junior Hoilett return to the starting XI.

Before the game, Wenger said the third-placed Gunners were "nowhere near" challenging for the title.

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"At the moment we are nowhere near to winning the Premier League, and nowhere near close to being in the race" he said.

"At the moment we are too far from Chelsea to say we are in the title race, but you never know what can happen.

"I speak as well about Manchester City, why should they give up for the title? They have done it three years ago from being eight points behind."

QPR: Green, Furlong, Onuoha, Caulker, Yun, Phillips, Henry, Sandro, Hoilett, Austin, Zamora.

Subs: Hill, Wright-Phillips, McCarthy, Isla, Kranjcar, Vargas, Zarate.

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs, Coquelin, Cazorla, Rosicky, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud.

Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Chambers, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott, Welbec