READING winger Garath McCleary can't wait to face his childhood club Arsenal in the EFL Cup tonight.
Reading travel to the Emirates this evening (7.45pm) to take on the Gunners in the fourth round of the League Cup.
The last time the two sides met in the competition in 2012 it produced a stunning 7-5 win for Arsene Wenger's side, coming from 4-0 down.
However, lifelong Arsenal supporter McCleary will be hoping the result goes the way of the Royals this time around.
“I still support Arsenal and keep an eye on their results; they’re a fantastic team and I’ve supported them since I was a kid,” McCleary said.
“We need to make the most of chances to play against these teams, showcase what we can do and hopefully get a win."
The two sides last went head-to-head in 2015 in the FA Cup, with the Gunners running out 2-1 winners.
Arsenal's predicted team to face Reading in the EFL Cup
Tue, October 25, 2016Express Sport predicts Arsenal's starting line-up to face Reading in the EFL Cup at the Emirates tonight (7.45pm)
Express Sport predicts Arsenal's starting XI to face Reading in tonight's EFL Cup clash at the Emirates (7.45pm)
McCleary scored in that game and is hopeful Reading can use the experience to come away with the right result this evening.
"The FA Cup game was quite an occasion and we were really unlucky not to at least take it to penalties," he added.
"We played really well and we were so unlucky not to get the result. Hopefully we can get the win on Tuesday!
“Our main focus is on the league where we want to do as well as we can. But everyone is really looking forward to it.
"These big-name draws are great and especially to play at the Emirates and against a team in the Premier League.”
McCleary has been with Reading since 2012 and has made 136 league appearances for Jaap Stam's side, scoring 14 goals.