For some of the current squad, the 4-1 and 5-1 victories against Ipswich will still echo around their minds. But When Saturday Comes, those score lines which we have gloated over for the last four years will be forgotten. It’s then about those ninety minutes, and what happens between the referee’s first and last whistle.
The players will know what’s at stake, and they’ll be up for it. The chance to go top of the league and retain the fictitious Pride of Anglia trophy. Russell Martin will no doubt be informing his teammates of the history between the two clubs; rerunning the DVDs of those famous victories that were branded the ‘Demolition Derbies’, explaining “that’s how it’s done”. Especially his goal – bet he’s absolutely milking that one.
That was just one of five that night at Portman Road; McCleary’s own goal possibly being the funniest – especially Grant Holt blatantly celebrating it in front of the home supporters. But Norwich fans dancing on the roof probably summed up the night (and that season) best.
Buoyed by consecutive victories over Watford and Blackburn, and safe in the knowledge that our goal drought is over, Norwich march onto the derby full of confidence. Having brought back the goal scoring edge that was lost under Hughton, Ipswich face Norwich at a point where the fans are enjoying the football once again. Grabban is on fire – Johnson and Tettey too – and Lafferty looks like an inspired purchase. The two front men compliment each other’s play seamlessly – and with Wes back and fully committed, maybe he can work some of the magic that undid Ipswich last time around.
Obviously no Holt. Time for a new derby-day hero?
Martin Olsson’s three match ban means he remains ineligible, and unfortunately, his replacement came off early against Blackburn. Garrido supposedly picked up a hamstring problem, so he is a doubt. The likelihood is that we’ll see Ryan Bennett slot in alongside Turner (as he did very effectively once he came on) while Russell Martin will push out to right-back and Whittaker to left.
Having played in the East Anglian Derby many times during his career, and commentated alongside Chris Goreham, Adams now tries his hand at managing in one. His affection for the Canaries that has grown over his years of involvement may just mean he has that extra hunger to win.
At Portman Road Norwich have defeated Ipswich just 13 times – 10 less than the home side. Last season Ipswich gained 12 of their 18 wins at that ground, so it’s not going to be as easy trip as some fans believe.
PREDICTED LINE UP
IPSWICH
Little has changed while we have spent the last 3 years in the Premier League: Ipswich are still struggling in the Championship, buying players on a free, and not fulfilling their potential. Their current attendance figures are an example of waining support; for the opening game of the season, they managed a mere 17,218 – that’s 57% of their total capacity. The fact they’ve already sold around 23,000 for the derby is an interesting topic. The extra six thousand are evidently only going to watch Norwich; then again, you expect a club to sell out for they’re local derby – fans obviously have little faith that their team will win.
Ipswich sit 5 places below Norwich in what is still an embryonic league table, having picked up a win to Fulham, and a draw to Birmingham. Their recent exit to Crawley in the League Cup won’t exactly boost spirits in the camp either, but manager Mick McCarthy’s intentions are obviously focused on the league – continuing to progress in what has so far been a successful managerial spell.
Key men include striker David McGoldrick who had scored 16 goals last season by February before tearing his ligament, and being sidelined for the rest of the season. He’s back, and has hit the ground running, scoring the winner against Fulham on the opening weekend. His striker partner, Daryl Murphy, also bagged 13 in the Championship last season. Against Birmingham, Berra scored twice in a game which finished 2-2, however they can’t rely on the 6”3 Scottish defender for goals each game.
VERDICT
I really don’t want to jinx things, but I reckon we’ll win. Of course it’ll be tough. The momentum that those two wins have given us may be enough to prevail in what will certainly be a difficult game, in a hostile atmosphere. The likes of Lafferty, and the experience of Martin won’t be phased by that, and I think the quality that we have in the side is good enough. The question still lies: can Norwich produce away from home?
