The eagerly awaited East Anglian derby between Ipswich Town and Norwich City has been rescheduled, with the match now set to take place on Sunday, 5th October, at 12pm at Portman Road. This change follows the latest round of fixture selections by Sky Sports, ensuring that fans will have the chance to witness what promises to be a thrilling contest. Read more about Norwich Target Ipswich in East Anglian Derby Showdown.
Both clubs are currently competing in the Championship, adding extra significance to this storied rivalry. Ipswich Town, having recently returned to the second tier of English football, is keen to establish itself after a challenging last season that saw them relegated from the Premier League with just 22 points. Manager Kieran McKenna is tasked with rebuilding the squad, and the Tractor Boys have already made notable signings, including goalkeeper David Button, defender Cedric Kipre, veteran Ashley Young, and midfielder Azor Matusiwa. Further additions are expected before the transfer window closes, which could bolster their ambitions.
Norwich City, meanwhile, is also looking to bounce back after finishing 13th last season. New head coach Liam Manning, who took over from Johannes Hoff Thorup last month, is determined to guide the Canaries back into promotion contention. The club has been active in the summer transfer market, securing several new players, including Vladan Kovacevic and Harry Darling. However, the sale of last season's top scorer, Borja Sainz, to Porto for £14.25 million has raised concerns. Additionally, there are worries regarding star striker Josh Sargent, who may be the next to depart Carrow Road.
Since the release of the fixtures, the East Anglian derby has been highlighted as a must-see match for supporters of both teams. Historically, Norwich has enjoyed the upper hand in recent encounters, with Ipswich last triumphing in April 2009. Since then, the Canaries have maintained a dominant position, with Ipswich unable to secure a win against them for over 16 years.
The last five meetings between the two clubs illustrate this trend:
- 6th April 2024: Norwich City 1-0 Ipswich Town
- 16th December 2023: Ipswich Town 2-2 Norwich City
- 10th February 2019: Norwich City 3-0 Ipswich Town
- 2nd September 2018: Ipswich Town 1-1 Norwich City
- 18th February 2018: Norwich City 1-1 Ipswich Town
Despite their historical struggles in derby matches, Ipswich is viewed by many as a potential title contender in the Championship this season. Their squad is considered one of the strongest in the league, and supporters believe this could be their best opportunity to finally overcome Norwich.
With Sky Sports confirmed to broadcast the match, fans can look forward to an electrifying atmosphere. Both clubs are eager to assert their dominance in this fierce rivalry, setting the stage for an unforgettable encounter in October.