Norwich City vs. Ipswich Town Prediction & Betting Tips

As the EFL Championship season enters its final stages, a tantalising encounter is set to unfold this Saturday between two of the division's most compelling narratives: Norwich City and Ipswich Town. With both teams having much to play for, this East Anglian derby, often referred to as the Old Farm derby, promises to be more than just a regional rivalry. The stakes couldn't be higher, with Norwich vying for a playoff spot and Ipswich aiming to cement their place at the top for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Date: 06/04/2024

Kick-off time: 12:30

Location: Carrow Road

Under the stewardship of David Wagner, Norwich City have experienced a renaissance in the second half of the season. After a sluggish start that saw them meandering in the middle of the pack, the Canaries have soared into playoff contention, now sitting 6th in the table with 64 points from 40 games. Wagner's influence on the team has been palpable, instilling a belief and style of play that has them positioned as serious contenders to return to the Premier League.

A key figure in Norwich's resurgence has been Josh Sargent. The American forward has been the epitome of efficiency in front of goal, earning him plaudits as the most efficient striker in the league. His ability to turn half-chances into goals has been crucial for Norwich in tight contests. Alongside Sargent, Gabriel Sara has emerged as one of the most multifaceted attackers in the Championship. The Brazilian's versatility and flair have added a new dimension to Norwich's offensive endeavours.

Looking ahead, Norwich appear to have a relatively favourable run-in compared to their rivals for the sixth spot. With Coventry City, Hull City, and Preston North End all vying for playoff contention, Norwich's end-of-season fixtures could be the deciding factor in their playoff fate.

Ipswich Town's story this season is one of remarkable achievement and ambition. Leading the Championship with 87 points from 40 games, The Tractor Boys have been a revelation under Kieran McKenna. Their attractive brand of football, combined with effective results, has put them on the cusp of a historic promotion to the Premier League, especially notable given their promotion from League One just the previous season.

The team's success has been built on the foundations of a solid squad with standout performers like Kieffer Moore, Conor Chaplin, and Leif Davis. Moore's goalscoring prowess, Chaplin's goal threat in behind, and Davis's creativity at left-back have been integral to Ipswich's impressive campaign.

However, the path to promotion is fraught with competition. Leeds United, Leicester City, and Southampton are all within striking distance, making every match, including the upcoming derby against Norwich, crucial for Ipswich's Premier League aspirations.

When these two sides met earlier in the season at Portman Road, the match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. This outcome was emblematic of recent encounters between the two, with five of the last seven meetings also ending in draws. Remarkably, Ipswich have not managed to secure a win against Norwich in their last 13 attempts, a streak they'll be desperate to end, especially with so much at stake.

This match not only carries the weight of local bragging rights but also has significant implications for both team's seasons. For Norwich, victory would bolster their playoff hopes and maintain their momentum at a crucial juncture. For Ipswich, a win could potentially be a decisive step towards securing automatic promotion, a feat that would cap an extraordinary season.

This Saturday's East Anglian derby is set against a backdrop of high stakes, contrasting objectives, and a rich history of closely fought encounters. Norwich City, with their playoff ambitions, face a crucial test of their resolve and momentum under David Wagner's guidance. Ipswich Town, on the other hand, are on the brink of achieving something special. Their aim for automatic promotion is within grasp, and overcoming their rivals would be a significant milestone in their remarkable journey.

Norwich Team News:

Norwich are still likely to be without forward Jonathan Rowe, who is still working his way back from a hamstring injury. Defender Dimitris Giannoulis and midfielder Onel Hernández are both also expected to be out for the rest of the season.

Jacob Sørensen and Ben Gibson should line up at centre-back with Marcelino Núñez and Kenneth McLean at the base of the midfield. Christian Fassnacht could come in for Ashley Barnes, with Gabriel Sara moving to a more central role.

Ipswich Team News:

Ipswich have a relatively clean bill of health and come into this game missing only Wes Burns and George Hirst. Jeremy Sarmiento will be pushing for a recall to the starting lineup, but Kieran McKenna is likely to use his most tried and tested side here.

Axel Tuanzebe, Luke Woolfenden, George Edmundson and Leif Davis will make up the back four with Massimo Luongo and Sam Morsy in midfield, while Conor Chaplin plays off Kieffer Moore up top.

Norwich are currently amidst a very strong run of form as they enter this game having won four and lost two of their last six games. Most recently, Norwich were narrowly beaten 3-1 away at automatic promotion hopefuls Leicester City. However, prior to this, they ran out 2-1 winners over Plymouth Argyle in a game they showed great strength of character to come back from 0-1 down to eventually win 2-1 thanks to goals from Josh Sargent and an Ashley Phillips own goal.

Prior to that, Norwich hammered Stoke 3-0 away from home which followed a thumping 5-0 win over Rotherham United, a result that followed a 3-1 defeat away at Middlesbrough and a 1-0 win over Sunderland.

On home soil, Norwich have won all of their last seven games and are unbeaten in their last thirteen.

Like Norwich, Ipswich are currently on a very good run of form themselves having won five and lost one of their last six games. Most recently, Ipswich dramatically beat Southampton 3-2 at Portman Road as Brighton loanee Jeremy Sarmiento scored a 97th-minute winner. Prior to this, the Tractor Boys won 1-0 away at Blackburn Rovers in a game in which they were very lucky to walk away with the points having been second best for large portions of the game while seeing Blackburn have three goals disallowed.

Prior to that, Ipswich thumped Sheffield Wednesday 6-0, lost 2-1 away at Cardiff City, beat Bristol City 3-2 and beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0.

Away from home, Ipswich have won four of their last five games.

We're splitting hairs between these two teams but we're going to make a big call and back a Norwich win here. Ipswich have been riding their luck in certain games of late and when the two sides met earlier in the season Norwich managed a draw away from home at a time when they weren't in particularly great form themselves. It's truly a nervy time for the Tractor Boys given what's on the line and at times they look like they've been feeling it; Carrow Road is a desperately difficult ground to visit so we're backing the home side to shade it on derby day. We predict: Norwich 2-1 Ipswich.

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This game will be aired live for all subscribed U.K. viewers on Sky Sports Football, while full radio coverage will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live.

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