Norwich City face Ipswich Town in the latest East Anglian Derby in a lunchtime kick-off on Saturday 11 April. Here we take a look at what the Canaries starting eleven could be and offer a prediction of the scoreline.
The Bosnian shot-stopper has established himself as the number 1 choice between the sticks and is expected to start on Saturday. He has shown that he has the ability to make show-stopping saves yet this comes with the odd mistake from time to time.
Kellen Fisher’s impressive form alongside a series of fitness issues has limited Stacey’s minutes in the recent months, yet impressive displays against Portsmouth and Millwall over the Easter weekend suggest he may be given the opportunity to start against the Tractor Boys.
His desire to get forward and drive with the ball may allow Norwich to push back Ipswich and pose them problems in a different area of the pitch.
Deputising for Ruari McConville since his injury-imposed early return from international duty with Northern Ireland, the Englishman may not offer as assured a presence but remains a highly experienced Championship defender approaching his prime years.
His ability to remain composed and previous experience of EFL derby days could prove vital for Norwich’s chances.
Arguably one of Norwich’s best players under Phillipe Clement, the Panamanian has made a strong case for being one of the first names on the teamsheet and will need to perform to his usual high standards if the Canaries are to achieve a positive result.
The England U-21 International has shown himself to be both a versatile and reliable option in more than filling the left-back shaped hole created by Norwich’s seemingly endless injury problems in this area.
Although he was substituted due to a potential injury issue on Monday, Norwich fans will have their fingers crossed that he is deemed fit to start. With Ben Chrisene only recently returning from injury, it would be logical for Fisher to be deployed in the left back position yet again.
With three goals in his last three games, the Dane has managed to add the one thing that was missing from his game, prior to his goal-scoring streak. He brings energy, desire and a bite to the Norwich midfield that should suit the intensity of derby day.
Despite unexpectedly featuring on the right wing in Norwich’s impressive comeback victory against Millwall on Easter Monday, the Canaries captain should slot back into his natural central midfield role. He is crucial to the success of this side and will be expected to lead from the front as Norwich fans have become so accustomed to over the last few years.
Rested against Millwall, the silky footed creative player offers something different going forward for the Canaries. He can be a joy to watch at times with his ability to hold off the opposition defenders a real highlight of his game.
Naturally a number ten, his link up play with Anis Ben Slimane and ball-carrying ability make him a real one to watch and a potential difference maker in what could be a tight-knit affair.
Another revelation under Clement is Danish-born, Tunisian International Anis Ben Slimane. He poses both a creative and physical threat to opposition defences and has established himself as Norwich’s first choice in the number ten role.
The January signing has shown himself to be a dependable member of the squad always willing to work hard for his team. His cool headed nature may provide an invaluable contrast to some of his teammates.
With Oscar Schwartz back in contention however, an early substitution could be on the cards if the Canadian is not up to the required level,
Two assists off the bench against Millwall means the Australian striker now has five goals and three assists for the club in just 280 minutes, since his January move. Philipe Clement will hope the striker can impose himself physically onto the Ipswich centre-halves and add to that goal tally.
However, he is yet to start since his return from injury and his 45 minute cameo against Millwall suggests that Toure may only have an hour or so in the tank.
2-1 Norwich
An early goal for the Canaries, before they are pegged back at the start of the second half followed by a late winner that sees the stadium erupt.
