Norwich v Ipswich, Sunday 19th February, 12.00pm, Sky Sports Football
Norwich City and Ipswich Town meet at midday on Sunday lunchtime to contest the 112th East Anglian Derby. Both sides lie in mid-table, level on 44 points apiece with slight ambitions of creeping into the play-offs, which currently lie eight points out of reach. A win for either side will give them the bragging rights and could provide the boost needed to bridge that gap.
Form Guide
Norwich
Norwich are unbeaten in their last three games but have not scored more than one goal in a game since New Year’s Day. Their promotion hopes were derailed in October and November when a run of one win in 11 games saw them fall down the table. Since then they have only lost one in their last eight and were unlucky not to beat Derby away last time out. Daniel Farke has certainly got the Canaries going in the right direction.
Ipswich
The Tractor Boys have lost just once in their last five games and that was against league leaders Wolves. However, there is unrest at Portman Road. Mick McCarthy was hotly tipped to move to Barnsley and many fans would have been happy to see him go after five years in Suffolk. A 0-0 home draw against Burton last time out was greeted with boos at the final whistle and made it just two league wins since Christmas.
Head-To-Head
Norwich have had the better of their rivals for almost a decade now. In fact, they are unbeaten in their last nine matches against Ipswich in all competitions, a run that stretches all the way back to 2009. Last time the sides met, a James Maddison goal was enough to secure all three points for the Canaries at Portman Road in a 1-0 win.
@NorwichCityFC's @Madders10 gets his hands on another @SkyBetChamp Goal of the Month award! >>
Did You Know?
Norwich star James Maddison (nine goals, five assists) has won more points courtesy of his goals and assists than any other player in the Championship this season (20). The 21-year-old talent has also created the most goalscoring chances in the division this season (76).
Team News
Norwich
The Canaries should welcome back Ivo Pinto who has missed the past three games with a knee injury. However, the hosts could be missing Harrison Reed, Timm Klose and Moritz Leitner who are all suffering with injuries and face late fitness tests. January signing Dennis Srbeny could be in line for a start up front as Nelson Oliveira struggles for form.
Ipswich
The Tractor Boys should welcome David McGoldrick back into the squad although it is unlikely he will start following a knee injury. Back up goalkeeper Michael Crowe is suffering from illness and will miss out so Nick Hayes will take his place on the bench.
Prediction
I can’t see anything other than a home win here. It will not be a high-scoring and may not have too many moments of quality, but James Maddison has bags of class and should make the difference for the hosts.
Norwich 2-0 Ipswich
