Charlie Nicholas believes Theo Walcott is the key to Arsenal winning the FA Cup final this weekend.
The Gunners take on Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday and former forward Nicholas suggests Arsene Wenger should start Walcott in order for the club to defend their title.
Nicholas also feels that using Walcott, who scored a hat-trick against West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, ahead of Olivier Giroud would prompt the uncertain 26-year old to stay in north London.
If Wenger plays Walcott through the middle then Arsenal win the FA Cup and Theo re-signs for the club, it's that simple," said Nicholas.
"Giroud has been poor and Wenger has been giving people their opportunities in FA Cup. Now it's Theo's chance.
"He looks sharp and hungry, Wenger has held him back and unleashed him against West Brom. At 26 and fully fit again, Theo is ready to be a top-class player and must start on Saturday.
"Giroud has been poor and is too static. If you're an Aston Villa defender then you want to play against Giroud, not Walcott making those runs in behind.
"Arsenal's passing dies around a static forward and that's what Giroud has turned into in recent weeks. If Walcott starts then that pushes the defence 10-15 yards deeper to cover for his pace and allows the creative players room to work and cause problems."
