• Premier League

Ozil dropped from Arsenal squad, Demichelis retained by City

Mesut Ozil has been dropped by Arsene Wenger for the visit of Sunderland in Saturday's Premier League fixture at the Emirates.

Under-fire Ozil has suffered a traumatic week in which he missed a penalty to put Arsenal ahead in their Champions League last 16 first leg against Bayern Munich. Wenger had hinted in his pre-match press conference that Ozil would be given a break, and the German does not even make the bench.

Returning to the Arsenal line-up is Olivier Giroud, who is back in the starting XI following his break and recent off-field problems. Wenger confirmed Giroud was previously dropped due to footballing reasons, but now the Frenchman will play up front with Lukas Podolski, who has also been given a chance to shine.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Arteta, Rosicky, Wilshere, Cazorla, Podolski, Giroud

Subs: Fabianski, Jenkinson, Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gnabry, Sanogo, Bendtner

Sunderland: Mannone, Bardsley, Ki, Johnson, Colback, O'Shea (c), Altidore, Bridcutt, Vergini, Alonso, Borini

Subs: Larsson, Gardner, Celustka, Giaccherini, Cuellar, Scocco, Ustari.

Meanwhile, Martin Demichelis has been kept in the Manchester City team despite his Champions League errors midweek. It was his tackle and red card which ultimately led to Barcelona's opening goal in the last 16 tie at the Etihad.

Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov, Fernandinho, Yaya Toure, Nasri, Silva, Dzeko, Negredo

Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Clichy, Garcia, Milner, Navas, Jovetic

Stoke City: Begovic; Pieters, Wilson, Shawcross, Cameron; Arnautovic, Whelan, Adam, Odemwingie, Walters; Crouch

Subs: Sorensen, Muniesa, Palacios, Wilkinson, Nzonzi, Etherington, Ireland

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd