Swansea City vs Arsenal preview: Olivier Giroud can make the lone striker role his own with Theo Walcott out

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at the Liberty Stadium

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

Olivier Giroud: With Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ruled out for three weeks, Giroud has a real opportunity to make the lone striker role his own. He’s already netted five times in the Premier League this season despite being used largely as a substitute by Arsene Wenger. He may well benefit from an extended run in the side, starting at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Weird stat…

3

Only three Swansea players have found the net in the Premier League this year. Andre Ayew, Bafetimbi Gomis and Gylfi Sigurdsson have combined for 11 of the goals scored by Gary Monk’s side, as well as a Harry Kane own goal. 

Remember when…

Swansea came from behind to win 2-1 against Arsenal in this fixture last season. Alexis Sanchez gave Arsenal a first-half lead, before Gylfi Sigurdsson curled home a wonderful free-kick and Bafetimbi Gomis headed in the winner.

Player to watch…

Alexis Sanchez: The Chilean has been in mesmerising form of late as Arsenal have made a surge towards the top of the Premier League. He’s scored seven goals in his last six games and the Gunners have won four consecutive games with the 26-year-old in the side. With so many injuries in Arsenal’s midfield the onus will once again be on Sanchez to come up with the goods against Swansea.

Past three-meetings…

Arsenal 0 Swansea City 1 (Gomis)
Premier League, May 2015

Swansea City 2 (Sigurdsson, Gomis) Arsenal 1 (Sanchez)
Premier League, November 2014

Arsenal 2 (Podolski, Giroud) Swansea City 2 (Bony, Flamini og)
Premier League, March 2014

Form guide…

Swansea City: DLLDLW

Arsenal: LWWWWL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 3pm, Saturday, 31 October

TV: Highlights on BBC1 from 10.25pm