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Since taking over the Arsenal hot seat in the summer, Unai Emery has continued the club’s proud tradition of affording talented youngsters first team opportunities. So far this season, 19-year-old summer signing Matteo Guendouzi has seen plenty of Premier League action, whilst Emile Smith Rowe has been handed his Gunners debut.

Smith Rowe impressed on the club’s pre-season tour and is one of the most exciting prospects to have emerged from the North London outfit’s academy in years. The 18-year-old has made three first team appearances this season, and his strike against Qarabag in the Europa League last time out made him the first player born in/after the year 2000 to score for Arsenal.

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Smith Rowe has certainly impressed so far, however, Sporting represent a far sterner test than those that the Gunners have faced up to this point in the Europa League, which may tempt Emery to line up with a more experienced starting XI this time around.

What do you think, Arsenal fans - should Emery be bold and include Smith Rowe from the off on Thursday night?