It was always going to be this way wasn’t it. The thought of Ipswich in the play-offs just blows my mind. We’ve gone from not playing Ipswich in 4 years to playing them 4 times in a season and I can’t wait to see what pans out this time around. Normally I like to trawl the internet for statistics surrounding the game but there is absolutely no point for this one. Form, table position and stats all go out of the window for simply huge games like this and that’s exactly how it should be.
Ever since the news came out that we would be playing Ipswich my confidence levels have slowly been on the increase and it’s now at a level where I’m boastful. I have only had this kind of feeling for 2 other games this season, them being Watford (A) and Ipswich (H). I genuinely believe that with the current crop of players and manager, Norwich City will be stepping out at Wembley in a few weeks’ time. Here’s why…
It’s fair to say that under Alex Neil we have been nothing short of brilliant playing a style of football that Norwich fans only dreamed about before the Scot laid foot into the Fine City. His attention to detail and ability to get the best out of his players really does put confidence in me, something that I just didn’t have under Neil Adams. This almost OCD approach to preparing his team was highlighted today in the press conference where Neil said ‘everything I have told the players today has been information based, motivation will come 10 minutes before the game’. I absolutely love this and have full confidence that as long as the players perform against Ipswich, the game plan will be more than enough to outwit Mick McCarthy’s men.
The next reason I have full confidence in Norwich to get through this East Anglian derby is the talent and togetherness we now have on the pitch. We all know that Bradley Johnson has been remarkable this season and has been the catalyst for all good things this season but it’s not just his goals that have impressed me. Johnson oozes spirit and passion, the celebration for his goal against Ipswich proves just what Norwich City means to him. I know for a fact that Johnson is here to win and will want to be playing Premier League football next season otherwise all of his hard work will be put to waste. It’s not just Johnson though, the group huddles on many occasions proves that this team is now flying high on confidence and enjoy being around each other. It’s evident that the new manager is bringing the best out of Norwich, just look at Steven Whittaker and Wes Hoolahan’s improvement over the past few months. This team is flying on confidence and in this for one another.
Let’s talk about our opponents then, Ipswich Town. You would think they would be bored of us now after the recent embarrassments we have summoned upon them but they seem to just want more of the same. I will admit through gritted teeth that the job Mick McCarthy has done there this season has been superb considering his miniscule budget. The performances of Daryl Murphy and Freddie Sears have also impressed me a lot and stats don’t lie, their goal scoring record this season have been impressive. Us Norwich fans know exactly what they’re about though and I’m pretty sure Mick McCarthy will once again impose that long ball tactic that failed miserably both home and away.
Player to watch:
For me it’s Freddie Sears, his ability to run at players and eye for a goal really does scare me. McCarthy done incredibly well to pick up Sears in January and has added a new dimension to an otherwise very simple Ipswich side. In the game at Carrow Road, Sears was the only player to really threaten the Norwich defence and if it wasn’t for the superb saves of John Ruddy he could have grabbed a few goals that day. Bassong and whoever joins him in CB will have their work cut out.
Predicted Team:
My prediction: I’m confident that we will win, of course I am, it’s Ipswich. I believe that if we start well at Portman Road and don’t find ourselves behind at the break we will go on to win this tie. This Norwich City team excites me hugely and for that reason I’m going for a 0-2 victory.
