Team News: Gabriel Paulista, Per Mertesacker start for Arsenal

Centre-backs Gabriel Paulista and Per Mertesacker have been passed fit to start for Arsenal against Watford in the FA Cup this afternoon.

The pair were forced off during the midweek win at Hull City with injuries.

However, both are included against the Hornets in a defence that also contains Calum Chambers and Kieran Gibbs in the full-back positions.

Further forward, there is a start for January signing Mohamed Elneny in midfield and Joel Campbell has been preferred to Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott in attack.

As for the visitors, head coach Quique Flores has opted to make three alterations.

Craig Cathcart, Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura have all been recalled at the expense of Jose Holebas, Mario Suarez and Nordin Amrabat.

Arsenal: Ospina; Chambers, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Gibbs; Elneny, Coquelin; Campbell, Ozil, Sanchez; Giroud Subs: Macey, Bellerin, Monreal, Flamini, Iwobi, Walcott, Welbeck

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Prodl, Cathcart, Ake; Watson, Behrami; Capoue, Deeney, Guedioura; Ighalo Subs: Pantilimon, Anya, Suarez, Abdi, Jurado, Amrabat, Oulare

Follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of the clash at the Emirates Stadium here.