DANNY Simpson will make his Blackburn Rovers Premier League debut this afternoon for the visit of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.

The Manchester United loanee starts at right back in place of the injured Andre Oijer while Keith Andrews will make his first top flight start.

The former MK Dons midfielder makes his home debut in place of Vince Grella (calf), and is expected to partner Steven Reid in the heart of midfield.

Brett Emerton has been passed fit, after picking up a thigh strain in midweek, and should start on the right with Morten Gamst Pederson on the other flank.

An on-form Jason Roberts partners Roque Santa Cruz in attack, while Robbie Fowler will have to wait for his Premiership return after being left out of the 18.

England's hero in Zagreb in midweek, Theo Walcott, starts for the Gunners despite Wenger hinting the winger would be rested.

ROVERS: Paul Robinson, Stephen Warnock, Christopher Samba, Ryan Nelsen, Brett Emerton, Roque Santa Cruz, Morten Gamst Pederson, Steven Reid, Keith Andrews, Danny Simpson, Jason Roberts.

SUBS: Jason Brown, Tugay, Benni McCarthy, Aaron Mokoena, Carlos Villanueva, Keith Treacy, Matt Derbyshire

ARSENAL: Manuel Almunia, Bacary Sagna, Cesc Fabregas, Kolo Toure, William Gallas, Robin Van Persie, Theo Walcott, Denilson, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Emmanuel Eboue

SUBS: Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Ramsey, Alexandre Song, Jack Wilshere, Johan Djourou, Nicklas Bendtner, Kieron Gibbs