READING McCarthy Cummins, Mariappa, Gorkss, Shorey Robson-Kanu, Guthrie, Leig'wood, McAnuff Pogrebnyak, Roberts

ARSENAL Martinez Jenkinson, Djourou, Koscielny, Miquel Yennaris, Coquelin Walcott, Arshavin, Gnabry Giroud

Jem Karacan will not feature after picking up a knee injury that will see him ruled out for the next six weeks, while Noel Hunt will be assessed on a knock ahead of the tie.

With no other injury concerns, the Royals have several options. Hal Robson-Kanu could come into the side on the left flank after scoring Saturday's last-minute equaliser against Fulham.

Arsene Wenger typically uses the competition to rotate his squad and he will likely follow suit after a hard-fought win over QPR at the weekend. Bacary Sagna and Jack Wilshere both made comebacks from long-term injuries in the clash with the Rs but are highly unlikely to feature at the Madejski.

Youngsters Nico Yennaris, Francis Coquelin and Serge Gnabry could be given a chance to shine against Premier League opposition, while more experienced stars Andrey Arshavin and Theo Walcott, who is returning from a rib injury, may be allowed to prove their first-team credentials.

The Gunners will definitely not field Abou Diaby, Kieran Gibbs (both thigh) or Tomas Rosicky (Achilles). Wojciech Szczesny (ankle) has missed several games recently and this is set to come too early for a return for the Pole.

• Reading and Arsenal have faced each other nine times in their histories, with the Gunners coming out on top every single time.

• If he features, Noel Hunt will be making the 375th appearance of his club career.

• The Royals have found solace in the Capital One Cup this season, having won both their ties so far, while they are yet to taste victory in the Premier League.

• Only one visiting side has won a game at the Madejski Stadium so far this season - Tottenham.

• Arsenal have won the League Cup twice, in 1987 and 1993.

• Theo Walcott (pictured right) scored his first Gunners goal in a League Cup tie - 2007's final against Chelsea.

• Arsenal won their third-round tie courtesy of a 6-1 thrashing of Coventry City, featuring Olivier Giroud's first goal for the north London side. Arsenal are 125/1 with Bet365 to record a 6-1 win in this match.

• Arsene Wenger's side reached 2011's final but were denied by a last-gasp Obafemi Martins goal as Birmingham City took the trophy.