Expected Arsenal XI vs Crystal Palace as Arteta turns to stars he can trust

Arsenal host Crystal Palace in Thursday evening's Premier League fixture, with Mikel Arteta hoping his side can keep climbing the table.

It's been a good few weeks for the Gunners who have turned a corner. Pressure was heaped on Arteta following the defeat to City but since then wins over Chelsea, Brighton, West Brom and Newcastle have been recorded.

Arsenal have also moved up to 11th in the table, away from the relegation places they were dangerously near.

Their good form is in no doubt down to Arteta placing his faith in the club's younger stars. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have both shone in recent weeks.

Saka, who made his England breakthrough this season, has scored two goals and set up a further two in his past four Premier League appearances.

Smith Rowe, meanwhile, scored against Newcastle in the FA Cup and has recorded three assists in his past three league games.

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But while it's been success for these two, it means the likes of Nicolas Pepe and Willian have suffered.

Pepe has failed to live up to his lofty transfer fee since arriving while Willian has been unable to replicate his impressive Chelsea form from last season.

It is, then, unlikely Arteta will change his line up from the one that beat West Brom 4-0 on January 2 and keep placing his faith in the youngsters.

Arsenal expected XI:  Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Mari, Tierney; Ceballos, Xhaka; Saka, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang; Lacazette.

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