Ipswich Town are looking to secure a second derby win of the season against rivals Norwich City on Saturday lunch time. We preview how the Tractor Boys may play, alongside the latest team news from Suffolk.
Kieran McKenna’s side have gone unbeaten across their last eight EFL Championship fixtures, a string of positive results which sees Ipswich Town sitting comfortably in second spot. However, The Canaries are currently one of the most in-form sides in the division. They’ve only failed to win seven of their 23 games since the end of November, which sees the Norfolk-based outfit up into a potential late play-off push.
Both sides will be desperate for all three points, as Norwich could advance that step closer toward the play-off positions, whilst Ipswich may have the chance to open up a gap over promotion rivals Millwall and Middlesbrough.
So, lets have a look at how the Tractor Boys may well look to shape up themselves when arriving at Carrow Road on Saturday.
After speaking with the press on Friday, Kieran McKenna adressed the latest injury concerns within his Ipswich Town squad going into the East Anglian Derby on Saturday.
The Tractor Boys’ boss confirmed that the majority of his squad are available for selection heading to Carrow Road, with a major boost on the way as Leif Davis is no longer suspended after serving his three game period on the touchline following a violent conduct charge by the FA.
McKenna also mentioned that Jaden Philogene, a key player in the first half of the season, will be involved with the group for this fixture. The Northern Irishman stated that Philogene has suffered challenges, but is nearing full fitness once more.
There will be late fitness decisions made on star midfielder Azor Matusiwa and also striker Ivan Azon, both of whom are in the process of recovering from differing injuries. Matusiwa was substitued during the first half of Ipswich Town’s 2-1 win over Birmingham on Easter Monday with a dead leg. Azon has been in the process of recovering from a calf injury sustained during the international break in a behind closed doors friendly.
Welsh winger Wes Burns is the only Ipswich player confirmed to be absent from the squad, as he continues to regain fitness following a calf injury of his own sustained against Sheffield Wednesday in March.
On Friday, Ipswich Town skipper Dara O’Shea also spoke to the media. He believes that his side will try their hardest in order to come out on top against Norwich City.
The 27-year-old has been capped many times with Ireland, and carries strong leadership qualities. These may be needed on Saturday, with nothing less than hostility expected to welcome Ipswich as they head up the A14 for the derby.
The Ipswich Town captain said that “it’s important to understand what the game means to everybody”, showing that The Tractor Boys have full awareness of what is at stake in Norfolk. McKenna’s side haven’t won away at Norwich City since the early months of 2006, and another record of 33 years without the double over their rivals could well end this weekend.
O’Shea said that such facts were only “briefly” discussed during training in the week, and that it only matters about what happens on the day at Carrow Road.
With these two sides firmly in form, Saturday’s derby will no doubt be a maginificent fixture. I can see both Ipswich Town and Norwich City going at the game from the start.
Will the atmosphere get into the Tractor Boys’ heads, or can they overcome that and fight for three points? With a good mentality in camp, it will more likely be the latter, predicting Ipswich to fight hard and clinch a vital victory in the chase for promotion.
Score Prediction: Norwich City 1-2 Ipswich Town
