Wenger keeps to big guns

Glenn Hoddle returned to north London this afternoon to try to outwit his former boss.

The Wolves manager won the French league title as a player under Arsene Wenger at Monaco but faced an Arsenal supremo determined to use today’s fourth-round FA Cup tie at Highbury to generate momentum for Tuesday’s Premiership encounter against Manchester United.

Wenger, without defender Kolo Toure due to suspension, named a strong side, including Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie up front.

“I know there are benefits of resting players,” said Wenger, who left out Ashley Cole, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pires but brought back Jens Lehmann in place of Manuel Almunia in goal. “But I also believe the best way to prepare for a forthcoming game is to win the previous one.”

Wolves’ hopes rested on veteran former England midfielder Paul Ince, who faced a combative afternoon against Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue, Campbell, Cygan, Clichy, Ljungberg, Vieira, Flamini, Reyes, Van Persie, Henry. Subs: Pires, Fabregas, Almunia, Hoyte, Owusu-Abeyie.

Wolverhampton: Oakes, Lescott, Craddock, Bjorklund, Newton, Olofinjana, Ince, Kennedy, Naylor, Seol, Cort. Subs: Cameron, Cooper, Miller, Andrews, Clarke.

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)