Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson insisted his full focus is on this Sunday’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final showdown with Manchester City, with the Final now in sight.
First, the Tricky Trees have to overcome league rivals City first before daring to dream of capping off the season with silverware – the culmination of a memorable campaign for the club.
“I’m not too sure people would have expected us to do this well,” admitted Anderson.
“It’s a good buzz around the place – everyone is feeling quite confident with things. We have got to go into the game as if it’s just a normal match and not get too emotional about it. So, yes, we’re looking forward to it.
“It would be brilliant to get to the Final, but we have to attack this game and focus on this one and see where it takes us.”
Three of Forest’s four FA Cup ties which paved the way to the semi-finals have needed penalties to determine the outcome, overcoming Exeter City, Ipswich Town and Brighton & Hove Albion in shootouts.
And should it all come down to spot-kicks once again this weekend, the midfielder will more than willing to step up if called upon.
“I have been really happy with my pens, and think we’ve done really well to get through all three shootouts,” said Anderson.
“It is nerve-racking, I guess, but that is where you’ve got to put in the work on the training ground and trust in that work you’ve done. You’ve got to settle yourself down and make sure you’re confident that you’re going to hit the back of the net.
“You’ve got to go back to what you know and what you think will work. You’ve been practising throughout the week, so you just have to trust in that and stick to your guns.”
Just a solitary point separates Nottingham Forest and Manchester City in the Premier League rankings.
Forest ran out 1-0 winners over City on home turf last month while Pep Guardiola’s side were 3-0 victors at the Etihad back in December, with this weekend’s clash poised to be a competitive match-up.
“I really enjoy it,” continued Anderson. “These are players who I have sort of looked up to from a young age. Kevin De Bruyne is my favourite player, so this is an amazing opportunity to be competing against the likes of these players.
“It’s a tough challenge, but I think any of the three teams we could have played were going to be tough. At this stage, all the teams are strong. We can definitely beat City, as people have seen this season, so we’re feeling good.
“I think, obviously, the two games went very differently, but I think we’ve learned that we can cause them a lot of problems. That’s the main thing I took from the two matches.”
Just look at what it means to these @NFFC fans ❤️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/nXzCmx5rUd
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 29, 2025
It has been over six decades since Forest last lifted the FA Cup and Anderson is hoping to help the club to end that drought and reach this year’s Final.
“I feel very proud in creating history with this club, and for these fans,” added Anderson. “In saying that, we can’t let it affect us and get on top of us. We have to go there with no stress on our shoulders and go and perform, so I hope we’re able to do that.”
