Theo Walcott Needs To Play Striker for the Rest of the Season and Beyond

Arsenal will go into the fifth round against Burnley with a surge of momentum thanks to the return of Theo Walcott.

The only England international in a largely foreign Arsenal team has been one of the first choice players they have missed this season due to injury and it has seriously hampered Arsenal.

Now that Walcott has returned, I feel he will provide the spark Arsenal need if he is played as a striker.

Walcott is naturally a striker but, due to the imposing forwards at Arsenal and his tender age of 20, Wenger has consistently played him as a winger.

With his blistering speed, amazing balance, and striker's instinct I feel Walcott needs to be played at striker for the remainder of the season.

He will add devastating speed and agility to the front line and will allow van Persie to be more creative and involved than in recent weeks.

With Emmanuel Adebayor out for at least another fortnight and Eduardo still short of competitive match fitness, van Persie and Walcott will provide the perfect solution. They will guarantee goals and wins.

I believe Walcott (due to his injury) should start on the bench for the Burnley encounter but should be given at least half an hour to take advantage of the tiring Burnley players.

The FA Cup is easily the best chance for Arsenal to finally add some silverware to the dusty trophy cabinet which has seen no new additions for almost four years.

Walcott is one of the quickest players in England and has the ability to change matches with his pace. He needs to operate as a striker eventually and now is the perfect time.

I fear Walcott, along with others, will leave if a trophy and/or a place in Europe does not come this season. Walcott will bring goals and results.