Alex Hleb is backing former club Arsenal to shock current employers Barcelona in their Champions League quarterfinal clash.

Hleb was a hit in London but flopped last season under Pep Guardiola. He is now on loan at Stuttgart, who were Barca's last victims in the tournament.

Now on-loan at Stuttgart, Hleb said: "Arsenal have a style they like to play and when they play well, as they did against Porto, it's fantastic.

"They are similar to Barcelona but Arsenal's style is quicker.

"Barcelona's build-up and passing is less direct. Arsenal move the ball a lot faster and that can make it difficult for Barcelona.

"Arsenal have been back in excellent form since they lost their games against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.

And you just need to see the way they came through to the next round of the Champions League - the way they played against Porto."