Forest Green Rovers vs Luton Town: Robbie Savage confident Rovers can spring FA Cup upset on Hatters

Robbie Savage isn’t intimidated by Jack Wilshere’s Luton Town ahead of Friday night’s FA Cup clash, and he is confident his Forest Green Rovers can pull off a shock.

The League One side welcome Savage’s men to Kenilworth Road, as Rovers take a breather from their National League campaign – where they sit fifth – to chase a memorable cup run.

Under Wilshere, Luton notched their first league win since the end of September, Lamine Dabo firing the former Arsenal midfielder’s side to a 1-0 victory over Northampton Town.

Despite the Hatters’ recent Premier League pedigree, the Welsh boss isn’t fazed, praising his counterpart while plotting an upset of his own.

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Belief

“Luton are a brilliant football club,” he told the club’s YouTube channel. “[They were] in the Premier League not so long ago. Now, they’ve got Jack Wilshere in charge.

“I’m delighted for Jack – spoke to him on numerous occasions – he’s a brilliant individual.

“Loves the game – was a fantastic player – what a footballing career he had.

“So, he’ll be going into that game, I think it’s his second home game under the lights. He’ll be wanting to put a show on for the cameras, as will we.

“But, listen, I’m so delighted he’s got an opportunity at a wonderful football club. So, I wish him all the best, but we’re going there with a belief that we can cause an upset.”

Unbelievable opportunity

Earlier in the week, owner Dale Vince called Savage the best manager the club has ever had.

In response, the former Leicester City and Derby County midfielder replied: “It was brilliant words from my owner, an owner who I get on really well with.

“There’s been some wonderful managers at this football club. Bob Mursell, Frank Gregan, Rob Edwards, Mark Cooper. If I can emulate any of those, I’ll be doing something right and I’ll be absolutely delighted.

“I just want to give back to an owner who has given me an unbelievable opportunity. I’m loving my time at Forest Green. I want it to continue for as long as it possibly can.

“I’m enthusiastic and passionate. One thing I’ve got at this football club is good people. So, those words from Dale mean an awful lot, and that’s why we’re fifth in the table.”

The match

Forest Green returned to winning ways in the league last weekend, a Harvey Bunker penalty denying fellow promotion hopefuls Boreham Wood a point.

Rovers rarely sit back, and it’s hard to see this game finishing level after 90 minutes.

Even though Luton managed to halt the rot against Northampton, I’m inclined to side with Savage that there’s real potential for an upset tonight.

So, I’ll back Forest Green to edge it – but only just.

Score prediction: Luton Town 1-2 Forest Green Rovers

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