Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal host Barcelona on Tuesday (Picture: Getty Images)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has made the rather surprising claim that it has been easier to prepare for Barcelona than Hull.

The Gunners host Barca for the Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday after playing out a goalless draw with Hull in the FA Cup on Saturday.

‘It’s more difficult to prepare against Hull than Barcelona,’ Wenger said.

‘Against Barcelona everyone is naturally focused. We try to create belief.

‘Tomorrow we need to find a combination of discipline, commitment and holding our nerve.’

The Catalan giants are favourites to progress through to the quarter-final of the competition but many fans of the north London outfit fancy their side’s chances in the first leg at the Emirates.

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