Football is a funny old game. Before the season started we all expected automatic promotion. At the midway point we would have been happy to finish anywhere near the playoff places. As Alex Neil’s run went on, we thought we were destined for the automatic spots. Now we are in the playoffs, against Ipswich no less. I’m not going to lie, I am a weird mixture of feeling nervous, excited, intrigued, anxious, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. I know most of you guys are feeling similar things, so knowing what to expect in this game might help. Here are five things to look out for in our biggest game in recent memory.
1. Set Pieces
This has been an issue all season, and the playoffs magnify it. Ipswich are a tall, physical team. Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra will be trying to latch onto every corner and free kick that Town get. We also can’t deliver a good corner to save our lives, so our goals will come from open play. In the playoffs, one goal can make the difference between the Premier League and Championship. We need to mark tightly and be very alert in the air.
2. Emotions Of The Game
It’s impossible to talk about this match without bringing up the emotions of this match. If you look at the last East Anglian Derby, we did not get off to the best start. I wouldn’t go as far as saying Ipswich were better than us, but it took us a good bit of time to grow into the game. I really think that the first 20-25 minutes of this match will be figuring each other out, and settling the nerves. Whoever calms down and strings together a few passes first will have a major advantage going forward.
3. Fullbacks
As mentioned earlier, Ipswich are a great team in the air. If they can head it they can score it. The Blues will tend to use the wide areas to try to put the ball into the box. Even outside of their defenders, Daryl Murphy and Freddie Sears are capable of scoring headers. The odds of us stopping the cross is much greater than us beating them in the air. Martin Olsson at left back is a surefire pick, but who will play right back? Elliot Bennett was good vs. Fulham, but Ipswich are much more dangerous than Fulham. Steven Whittaker may also be in contention at right back returning from injury, so Alex Neil has an interesting decision. Regardless of his selection, the two fullbacks are the most important players in this game for us.
4. Daryl Murphy
When we played Ipswich during the regular season, we kept the Irish striker pretty much in check. He is the engine that makes Ipswich run. He has scored three out of every eight goals for the Tractor Boys this season, the highest percentage of any player in the Championship. It’s astounding that a team can rely on one player so much, and they look a little lost when he is not playing well. Stop the crosses, stop Murphy, and I would be shocked if they scored a goal.
5. What Is Considered Good?
For everyone, the first leg of a tie always presents the question of what is a good result. Some Norwich fans don’t want any second leg nerves, and would only be happy with a three or four goal thrashing to put the tie out of reach. Others just want us to win in any way. Some people (myself included) would be happy with a draw as long as nobody gets hurt or suspended. No two people have the exact same definition of a perfect result, but that of Alex Neil is all that matters. The line between protecting a lead and trying to kill the tie is up to him. A decent away draw becoming a win might also be a scenario. There is even a dark scenario I don’t want to mention where we might be down a goal, and the Scottish manager will have to decide between staying in the tie or going ultra-attacking to risk losing by even more. The first leg of a tie is often up to a manager on how to play it, and I back Alex. One way or another, it should be fascinating to see how our manager plays this match.
We’re coming for you, we’re coming for youuuuuuu, Ipswich Town, we’re coming for you! This should be an epic tie, and I cannot wait. Everyone going to Portman Road in the away end needs to sing loud and proud. We need our fans more than ever, so if you are on the way to Ipswich, make the most of it. This is a once in a generation, maybe once in a lifetime event. Take advantage if you are going. Savor the moment. It should be a match for the ages. On The Ball City!
