It all changes so quickly in football. I felt so differently going into the last East Anglian Derby than I do now.
Ipswich Town were superior back on that wonderful day in October, and their opponents really did look a side destined for the drop. Sadly, that doesn’t look like the case now.
The only disappointing part about Town’s 3-1 victory over the old enemy was that we didn’t score more. We looked for the better team, and 16 years of hurt looked like it was going to be backed up by something even greater, a Norwich City relegation.
Suffolk News’ Ipswich Town columnist Joey Sadler
Unfortunately, and rather unbelievably, we’re now talking about them lot crashing into the play-offs! I hope it doesn’t happen, and to be honest, I don’t think it will.
I am nervous about Saturday. I felt a bizarre sense of confidence last time. You just knew now was the time and that the hoodoo was going to end. This time, however, I feel similar to how I’ve always felt going into a fixture at Carrow Road, and that’s not really believing that we can go there and win.
Why is that, though? Town are 14 points ahead of their rivals with two games in hand. We’ve always been a bigger and better club, and league positions in recent years have reaffirmed that also. For me, that hoodoo of not winning there for 20 years creeps in and based on other fixtures away from home this season, I just question whether we have the minerals to go to a very hostile stadium and come away with all three points. I hope I’m wrong.
Jaden Philogene celebrates scoring in the derby at Portman Road earlier in the season. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Let’s not forget, when it comes to Norwich, the only thing they ever care about is us, so the chance to ruin the only thing they have left this season would be marvellous.
Wouldn’t it just feel amazing to go there and win? Kieran McKenna has done so many things during his time as our manager and if he wasn’t already, adding a Carrow Road victory to his CV, would firmly cement him as one of the greatest we’ve ever had in the dugout.
I’m going to go for a victory and hope the boys can emulate what they did away at Coventry back in December. As we’ve seen, if we want to, we can turn it on against anybody in this division and there isn’t anybody who can match us when we’re at our best.
I do, however, think that hangs on the availability of Azor Matusiwa, who I am absolutely hoping and praying is on the team sheet come Saturday lunchtime. Arguably our most important player, we need our Dutch enforcer in the middle if we’re to go there and win.
Match action from Town’s 3-1 victory back in October. Picture: Barry Goodwin
I’ll be positive and go for a 2-0 win, with Town scoring two second-half goals to get the job done.
There’s no doubt that the full of attention of East Anglia will be on this game Saturday lunchtime, so what do fans from both sides of the fence think going into this one?
Town fan Tilly Culham said: “As an Ipswich fan, this is the one that matters most and we’re going into it in good shape.
“Norwich will try the usual slowing it down, trying to get into our heads, and turning the game scrappy. The boys need to stay focused, be on their top game. and let the football do the talking.
“Derbies are all about pride and passion, and after already beating them this season at home, if we bring the same energy to Carrow Road while keeping the fans behind us, we will come away with a win easily. Prediction? 2-1 Ipswich Town.”
Fellow Town fan Cobi Fisher said: “I think the derby will be a really tight and intense game, with both Ipswich and Norwich pushing hard to win.
“Early on, we need to keep it tight and no stupid mistakes, otherwise the Norwich fans will get up for it and if we concede early it will be difficult to come back from that.
“If Ipswich play to their strengths then they can come away with three points and keep us pushing for that second automatic spot. I’m going for a 2-0 Ipswich win.”
On the yellow side, Norwich fan Jakub Borowko said: “I’ve never been so buzzing for an East Anglian derby as I am now with how well we have been playing under Philippe Clement. Especially with the way our squad is so improved in comparison to the team that came to Portman Road back in October.
“Pelle Mattsson had a tough game that day, but he has now scored three goals in his last three games, while Mo Tourè is back from injury and he changed the game when coming on versus Millwall.
“We definitely want revenge for what happened back then and it will be interesting to see a certain player make his return to Carrow Road.
“Most fans are confident going into this one following our 2-1 win over Millwall, despite still having a long injury list. I will go for a strong 1-0 win to Norwich with the goalscorer being Tourè.”
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Elsewhere in East Anglia, Colchester United fan Callum Metcalf, who is a neutral in this case, said: “I think that Norwich will feel as though they have the upper hand going into the derby, having just lost two of their last 20 games in the league.
“They face a side chasing an automatic promotion and with two games in hand over those around them, Ipswich will almost certainly fancy their chances of another derby day delight, moving themselves closer to getting back into England’s top flight.
“However, based off Town’s history when playing at Carrow Road, I do think Norwich will get the bragging rights this time around as I think they’ll run away with a 2-0 victory.”
It feels like a big game for both sides and the final score could really derail or propel their respective seasons.
So come on boys. You have your doubters and some still aren’t sure about you. There is no better way to silence them than to go and win at Carrow Road. Win or lose, forever a Blue!