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[Image] Key duo return, no Xhaka or Holding: My Arsenal line-up vs Palace

By on January 14, 2021

Arsenal take on Crystal Palace at the Emirates this evening. This is the team I’d like to see Mikel Arteta select for the match…

Bernd Leno will obviously start in goal and Kieran Tierney should keep his place at left-back as he’s been one of our best players this season. Pablo Mari has probably played his way into Arteta’s starting eleven on a regular basis after putting in a string of impressive displays in recent weeks so he should start again tonight.

David Luiz did well enough against Newcastle and Rob Holding is pushing for a recall after being rested for the FA Cup win but Gabriel is back in contention and I’d give him an immediate recall. I’d also bring Hector Bellerin back in at right-back with Cedric Soares dropping out.

We should see changes in the Arsenal midfield as well. Thomas Partey is expected to be back in the squad after returning to full training following a thigh injury and as long as he’s fully fit, I’d start him against Palace this evening.

Granit Xhaka will no doubt start but I’d go with Dani Ceballos alongside Partey and leave Xhaka on the bench. Mohamed Elneny and Joe Willock will drop out after they started during Arsenal’s win over Newcastle at the weekend.

Bukayo Saka will be recalled and I hope we see Emile Smith Rowe back in the No.10 role after he made a big impact off the bench last time out. The youngster really has been a revelation in recent weeks so let’s hope we see another top class performance from him tonight.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a surprise starter against Newcastle but he got himself a goal so fingers crossed that can kick-start a goalscoring run from our Gabon hitman as it’s been a frustrating season for him.

Alexandre Lacazette should return up front as he’s been playing well lately so Nicolas Pepe, Willian and Reiss Nelson will all make way after starting against Newcastle.

Gabriel Martinelli is back in training after picking up an ankle injury at the weekend but I wouldn’t risk him from the start tonight.

This would be my line-up:

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