You have to go all the way back to the 1992/93 season for the last time it happened, a feat Norwich have achieved four times since.
But the Irish defender is expecting a tough test against Philippe Clement’s in-form Norwich side.
“Really looking forward to it,” O’Shea said, speaking on Thursday afternoon.
“It’s a game that means a lot to the football club, to the people of Ipswich, and it means a lot to us as a group of players as well. Obviously, the history of this game speaks for itself.
“Going away to Carrow Road, it’s going to be hostile. It’s going to be tough, but it’s a game that we’re really looking forward to.
O’Shea expects a hostile atmosphere at Carrow Road (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
“Obviously, it’s been a long time since we’ve done the double over them, so that’s in the back of our minds as well. But for us, as a team and as a group, we’re going there trying to get the win.
“We know it’s going to be a fight. It’s going to be a tough game. It’s not going to be plain sailing. We’ve got to prepare ourselves as best as possible and go into the game with confidence.”
The Tractor Boys ended their 16-year winless run against the Canaries in October at Portman Road, winning 3-1.
O’Shea said he was proud to have played a part in ending the run.
“Yeah, it was a lot, and probably more than I imagined at the time. Obviously, in the weeks leading up to the game, everybody on the street – that’s all they were talking about. If someone saw you, that was the first thing they’d say.
“So, it was a massive thing for us as a group to be the ones who did that. And just to see how much it meant to the fans and the people of Ipswich was special. That in itself motivates you more than anything.
“Our fans have been brilliant with us, and to give them that joy and, I suppose, the bragging rights was amazing.
“Everybody in that stadium was buzzing, and so were we as players. And look, it’s obviously something we want to go and do again, and we’ll be pushing towards that.”
Since Clement’s arrival in mid-November, only league leaders Coventry have taken more points than Norwich, with the Town defender expecting a significantly tougher test this time around.
O’Shea expects a tough test from the Canaries (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
“Yeah, they’re a really good side. I think since the manager’s come in, they’ve been one of the best in the league and have picked up a lot of points as well.
“They’re a dangerous side and a good footballing side, so we’ve got a lot of respect for them and understand where their qualities are.
“We’ve got to try and nullify them. For us as a team and as a group, it’s always about focusing on ourselves, playing the way we can and maximising that.
“When we do that, we’ve got a great chance of winning.
“With games like this, it doesn’t always work like that. There are added feelings and emotions, and we’ve got to come out on the better side of that and understand it’s a massive game for them too.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the league or what you’re pushing for. This game always has something extra, and it’s important to be ready for that.”
The return of Marcelino Nunez to Carrow Road following his controversial switch of allegiances last summer is expected to add further spice to an already fierce encounter.
Marcelino Nunez returns to Carrow Road (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
“He’s been fine. Marcelino is just Marcelino. He doesn’t change. Fair play to him, he just cracks on. He’s himself.
“Yeah, of course, he’s going to have a bit of hatred towards him and whatnot, and he understands that himself. Like, he’s not stupid to think that he wouldn’t. And we as a group understand that a lot of the stuff is going to be towards him, and that’s football.
“This is football, do you know what I mean? It’s what makes the game great as well: having the passion and the rivalries. And obviously, he’s stepped over to the other side of the line, and he’s come to us. So, I think he knows himself that it’s going to be a big game.
“He’s going to get lots of stuff. And I’m sure, as his personality goes, I don’t think many things affect him in that way. So, I’m sure he’ll be totally fine.”