- Forget world’s biggest rivalries; nothing beats Norwich versus Ipswich Town.
- The historic unbeaten streak finally ended after truly feeble away performance.
- Clement has revitalised Norwich just in time to (maybe) ruin Ipswich’s season.
Barcelona v Real Madrid. Celtic v Rangers. Manchester United versus pretty much anyone. Crystal Palace v Brighton for some reason. None of them compares to the Old Farm derby, Norwich City v Ipswich Town.
The streak ended
The 16-year unbeaten run had to end at some point. As delightful as it was, that moment was in the back of even the most happiest of Norwich City clappers.
A truly feeble performance and a former player giving it the big one poured a Himalaya’s worth of salt into the wound.
Things have changed
Since our last encounter, City have been almost unrecognisable. While new signings like Ali Ahmed, Paris Maghoma and Mohammed Toure boosted the team, what has been more extraordinary is how Clement has revitalised players that had previously been written off.
Meanwhile Ipswich Town may still be in the automatic playoff positions but they are currently level on points with Middlesborough and Millwall.
How I see it going…
This is a tough one. It pains me to my very marrow to say that Ipswich are a strong team, but there is no denying it.
That being said I think the more dynamic play and flexibility that Clement has brought to Norwich City is a different proposition.
If I had to guess how the game would go?
A tough start with Ipswich Town threatening early.
Clement identifies issues with the team and makes at least one calculated half-time substitution, possibly with a tweaked formation for added flavour.
We hang on and grind it out. 2-0.
The unknown
Unfortunately, I won’t be at the game or following it as I will be at an event tomorrow (time of writing) and will have limited access to score updates.
That being said last time that happened we went on to beat Coventry.
I am resisting my housemate’s jibe that I am the Norwich City jinx.
I’d love it…
It would be funny if the Ipswich Town unbeaten streak lasted for one game and we got them back into the play-offs.
I think it’s too much of an ask for Norwich City to get into the play-offs, looking at the table it’s tight to get us in.
We can still ruin it for them though and for me that’ll do.
Because I am a small, petty person.
