The East Anglia derby between the two fierce rivals, which took place in December and ended in a 2-2 draw, raised expectations before their meeting at Portman Road. The two teams had not played each other in almost five years.
Although Ipswich hasn’t defeated the Canaries since 2009 and Norwich has dominated previous games, their goal is still to win the Premier League. In addition, Norwich is fighting for a berth in the Premier League and a potential play-off slot. If their competitors fall short of Leeds United and Leicester City in the race for the top two spots, Norwich might have to play Ipswich.
Currently atop the standings before of tomorrow’s early kickoff, Kieran McKenna’s team is poised to win promotion to the Premier League in their first season back in the second tier, having finished second in League One last year.
Prior to the game, McKenna was all praise for one of Suffolk’s fiercest opponents, David Wagner, and company. He also issued a warning, saying his team would need to play exceptionally well to defeat them.
McKenna stated, via the East Anglian Daily Times: “They’re definitely in good form.”
“To be honest, they have been a strong team the entire season. Given their roster and knowledgeable manager, you would always anticipate them to perform well in the division.
They have been playing excellent home games. Josh Sargent, one of the most effective strikers in the division, is back fit, so that helps. However, I don’t think their actions differ all that much.
“Considering some of the criticism he likely received, David has done an excellent job of providing stability there.
We will treat them with the utmost respect because they are a good side. We are aware that we will need to perform exceptionally well.”
For matches like these, form frequently goes out the window, but Norwich may have an advantage because they are at home, where they have recently been strong, winning seven straight at Carrow.
Norwich hopes to continue their unbeaten streak against their neighbors as they have found their form at the perfect time. But historically speaking, the Tractor Boys have the upper hand. They have played 42 East-Anglian derby matches, winning 43, drawing 23, and losing 42.
Having won eight of the previous nine league games, they will also be brimming with confidence, so in terms of current form, it’s a fight of the titans.
This weekend’s most intriguing encounter in the Championship could have a significant impact on both the automatic and play-off spots. Norwich hopes to make a statement in both situations.
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