Wenger believes that should they progress into the quarter-finals, Arsenal will be in a strong position to seize the ultimate prize.

“We want to win this competition and we know the only way to do that is to beat the super-favourites,” he said.

“Barcelona are certainly the best team in the world at the moment.

“If we knock Barcelona out, we straight away have a good chance to win the tournament.”

Arsenal have failed to beat Barcelona in five previous attempts, but Wenger believes their time has come following a chastening experience in last season’s quarter-finals.

The Gunners were humbled 6-3 on aggregate, losing 4-1 at the Nou Camp after Lionel Messi plundered four goals, and escaping with a 2-2 draw at home.

But Wenger insists much has changed in the last year.

“We don’t deny the quality of Barcelona, but what is important for us is we have a good opportunity to show who we are now,” he said.

“Not only that, we also want to show Barcelona we are capable of knocking them out.

“We have the belief and a strong togetherness to show we are a different team now.

“In the first half of the home game last year we were spectators a little bit and were a bit inhibited.

“I believe that confidence-wise and mentally we are a completely different team today.”

In a huge boost to Arsenal, Samir Nasri is likely to start after the in-form France playmaker recovered from the hamstring injury sustained on January 30.

“I will take no medical risk. It’s good to have him in the squad,” said Wenger.

“He’s recovered quicker than expected. I said it will be 21 days but it will be only 17 days.

“Everybody’s absolutely adamant that he’s completely medically available. It’s down to me to make the decision.”