Former England captain Adams had a one-club career and was the defensive lynchpin around many of the trophies Arsenal won during the last two decades.

But with Portmouth just a point behind and jostling for third place in the Premiership, there will be little room for sentiment come kick-off at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger said: "It will be funny, because a lot of former Arsenal red-and-white people will be there. It is good to see Tony on the bench and to start to do this job.

"Portsmouth have a very dynamic team, and I am impressed by the quality of their midfield."

Campbell, 32, played almost 200 times for Arsenal following his controversial Bosman move from Tottenham in 2001.

He recovered from a series of niggling injuries and a self-imposed exile to produce an heroic effort when scoring in the Champions League final last season.

Campbell was then allowed to leave Arsenal in the summer, with the understanding the former England defender would continue his career abroad.

Wenger admits he is surprised to now be facing his former captain in a domestic encounter.

"I felt at the time that deeply within himself Sol wanted to go to a foreign country. But he went to Portsmouth. I do not know why - only he can explain that," said the Arsenal boss.

"I was convinced he wanted really to leave England, because he faced a lot of problems here in London."