Jackett’s jumping
EXCLUSIVE Stoke v L Orient
NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S remarkable renaissance under Steve Cooper can take another significant step forward with the scalp of mighty Arsenal. For while the FA Cup is not the Championship club’s priority, with only six points between themselves and the top six, they would love to send Mikel Arteta’s in-form Gunners packing this afternoon.
According to Forest legendviv Anderson, who also spent four seasons at Highbury in the
Eighties, a third-round victory over illustrious Premier League opponents could be a massive boost to Forest’s promotion charge.
Anderson, 65, cannot wait to see how Cooper’s outfit, with eight wins, six draws and three defeats under the Welsh manager, fare against the North Londoners.
The ex-england international (right) said: “Steve’s doing a fantastic job. He’s done so well. He changed systems and now we are ninth in the table.
There’s a real sense of optimism.
“That’s why
Forest need to put out their best team on Sunday.they can’t be saying, ‘Let’s concentrate on the top six and promotion’.
“They have to try to beat
Arsenal at home – as that’s exactly what will give them confidence and belief for the rest of the season.”
After a disappointing period with Chris Hughton at the helm, the Forest faithful are lapping up the free-flowing philosophy of ex-swansea coach Cooper, 42.
Anderson, a double European Cup winner with Forest, said: “The thing about Steve is he plays the right way.the people are enjoying his attractive football.”
LEYTON ORIENT boss Kenny Jackett hopes his love for the FA Cup will rub off on his players as they look to stun Stoke today.
The League Two O’s face Michael O’neill’s improving Championship outfit.
And Jackett, who has great FA Cup pedigree having played in a final for Watford and then managed Millwall to the semi-finals, said: “You can feel the excitement among the players.
“And I know from my own experience there is nothing like a great run.”
O’neill has plenty of injury and Covid concerns. He said: “We’ll just have to look where we are, numbers-wise.”