Theo Walcott or Oliver Giroud up front for Arsenal?

It is clear that Theo Walcott will finally get his opportunities in his favoured centre forward position this season at Arsenal. Theo spent much of his Arsenal career on the wings, and with much success, managing 50 Premier League goals.

He has always made no secret however of his desire to move centrally, and it seems he will finally get the nod this time around.

He of course faces competition from Olivier Giroud, whom many consider to be the first choice centre forward at Arsenal, with the Frenchman preferred in the XI for three of the four matches thus far.

With Danny Welbeck still nursing an injury and mostly deployed on the wing when available, and the chances of another striker joining looking increasingly unlikely, it seems Giroud and Walcott will be left to fight it out for the top spot.

But who is the better option for Arsenal? The two offer distinctively different attributes and styles of play and would probably make a brilliant tandem as a result. Choosing one over the other however is less straightforward.

Giroud is what some call a target man; a physically strong and imposing forward who can hold the ball up with his back to goal and bring his midfielder into the play. He loves the ball at his feet and to combine with those around him, and can hold off several defenders at once with his strength. He is dominant in the air as well, and will win many aerial duels to knock balls down for runners.

Walcott on the other hand has lightning pace and an abundance of mobility. He prefers to pull defenders out of position wit runs in behind and into the gaps, and will get on the end of most through balls. He is not as tall, strong, or physically imposing as Giroud, but makes up for it with his flight of feet and intelligent runs and movement.

It becomes a battle of bruiser vs speedster, and the winner will often be determined by the opponent and the circumstance. Walcott may get the nod against teams who like to press high, as his speed and movement could break the trap and release him on goal.

Giroud would get the nod against sides who look to sit deeper, as he can suck defenders in with his hold up play. What do you think gooners? Giroud or Walcott up front for Arsenal?