Jack Wilshere was in contention to start but is among the substitutes while Danny Welbeck misses the game with a knee injury.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has recovered from a hamstring problem well enough for a place on the bench.
Christian Benteke, who could be playing his final game for Aston Villa, leads their line.
Much coveted Jack Grealish also starts.
Arsenal: Szczesny, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott
Subs: Ospina, Gibbs, Gabriel, Flamini, Wilshere, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud
Aston Villa: Given, Hutton, Vlaar, Okore, Richardson, Westwood, Delph, Cleverley, Grealish, N'Zogbia, Benteke
Subs: Guzan, Bacuna, Sinclair, Agbonlahor, Cole, Sanchez, Baker