Arsenal's Walcott on Man Utd, Liverpool audition

Theo Walcott is set to get his biggest break yet - starting as a striker upfront with Lukas Podolski today at Old Trafford in a game that could decide Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions.

Arsène Wenger is likely to give in to Walcott’s demand to play him as a striker when Arsenal travel to Manchester United.

Wenger is going to have to make a decision on Walcott’s future come January and the 23-year old is now a clear Liverpool target.

Walcott's hat-trick in Tuesday's extraordinary 7-5 Capital One Cup victory at Reading seems to have left Wenger with no choice but to start him upfront, given that Gervinho is out injured and Olivier Giroud has yet to rise to the occasion.

"He was superb," said Wenger of Walcott's showing versus Reading. "I've always said that he will be a striker so we are on the same wavelength there."

Walcott could also use the chance to audition for Liverpool, given that press reports stated that the Reds are to launch an £8million bid for him in January.

Since the start of 2011/12 Walcott has 18 goals for Arsenal.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is now ready to offer Walcott money and a striking role upfront.

Liverpool’s Capital One Cup defeat by Swansea has only augmented the need for a new striker for Liverpool.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted that he may be forced to sell if Walcott fails to agree a new deal.

He said: ‘I wouldn’t like to (sell Walcott). I’ve not even thought about that, because at the moment I think we will still manage to make a deal with him.

“But there is urgency. How much I don’t know, but there is urgency. We want to sort it out before Christmas, one way or the other.”

Walcott has not started a league game since the 0-0 draw with Sunderland on the opening day of the campaign.

Now he may start in Arsenal’s most crucial game this season.

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