Reading could come up against some familiar faces in this evening's clash against Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy, both on and off the field.

Both Reading and Arsenal have already qualified for the knockout phase of the competition, with Ruben Selles' side beating Exeter City 9-0 and Swindon Town 5-0.

The only thing left to decide is who tops the group heading into the Round of 32.

Former Reading Under-23 manager, Mehmet Ali, is now in charge of the Young Gunners, having left Berkshire to take the role in North London last year.

He spent six years with the Royals, working under stalwart Lee Herron who also moved to the Emirates last year.

His Under-21 side sit third in PL2, just one point ahead of Noel Hunt's Under-21s who sit in seventh.

On the field, Reading could come up against former goalkeeper Karl Hein, who had a short loan spell in 2021/22.

The Estonia international played five games under Paul Ince but got injured and returned to Arsenal.

He featured against Swindon in the first matchday of the EFL Trophy but was not involved last time out against Exeter.

The 21-year-old has been on the bench for Mikel Arteta nine times this season but is yet to make his first appearance of the season in a competitive match.