Grealish and Given start for Villa

Sat, 30 May, 2015 - 17:47

Republic of Ireland veteran Shay Given won his fitness race to start in goal for Aston Villa in today’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.

Irish U-21 international Jack Grealish has also claimed a starting spot after his impressive form since manager Tim Sherwood took the reigns.

Alan Huttons returned for Leandro Bacuna at right back. Kieran Richardson has recovered from a calf problem to start.

VILLA AT WEMBLEY: Our #FACupFinal dressing room, designed by fan messages. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/BnjUH0ngDd
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) May 30, 2015

Theo Walcott got the nod up front for Arsenal after his hat-trick in their final league game against West Brom.

The forward has beaten Olivier Giroud to the striker’s role, with the Frenchman on the bench, while Wojciech Szczesny and Nacho Monreal also start for the holders at Wembley.