In a relatively tough Pool 2, Edinburgh face the Exiles as well as Top 14 outfit Racing Metro and fellow RaboDirect PRO12 side Cardiff Blues.
And the Gunners playmaker will be looking to recreate some of the memorable Murrayfield clashes of two seasons ago, when they overcame both Stade Francais and Bath, and believes more scalps are there for the taking.
"The Heineken Cup is a brilliant tournament and everybody is looking forward to the event starting," said Laidlaw.
"I've played in it a few seasons now with Edinburgh and we've had a few memorable wins over some top French sides and a few English sides.
"Racing Metro and London Irish are another couple of scalps we can hopefully take. It's a great challenge and something refreshing during the season and provides a different challenge.
"Everyone at the club is looking forward to it but I'll need to keep my place in team first, it is a big step and one I'm looking forward to."
The Exiles are currently third in the English Premiership, but Laidlaw, who will captain the side for the first time in the competition, is keen for his side to play to their strengths.
He added: "London Irish throw the ball about, a bit similar to ourselves really. Our defence will need to be on top, but on the flip side we also need to attack as well.
"The best way for us to play is open, expansive rugby. If we get fast ball we're a dangerous side and if we can get our defence right we're a hard team to beat.
"We're optimistic, but other teams will probably be seeing us as a team they can turn over, it's our job to make sure that doesn't happen."
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