Norwich and Ipswich fans have been gearing up for a fascinating clash between the East Anglian duo, dubbed the ‘biggest ever' East Anglia derby.
Top-of-the table Championship side Ipswich are hoping to take one step towards a Premier League return for the first time since 2002, but must beat rivals Norwich at Carrow Road in this lunchtime kick-off. That won't be an easy task though, as the Tractor boys have not won in Norfolk since 2006.
The Canaries are also chasing promotion, albeit via a playoff spot in this year's hugely competitive Championship season. Their home form in particular has been excellent, with no losses since November last year.
“Our home record is top class but what happened in the weeks before doesn't really count in a derby,” Norwich boss David Wagner told reporters before the game. “You have to be focused on yourself, calm in your head and be super competitive, fight for every inch and this is what we will do.”
To further complicate an already highly-charged match, Norfolk Police are expecting about 2,020 Ipswich fans to make the 45-mile trip to Carrow Road with industrial action scheduled on the trains this weekend.
Norwich and Ipswich fans gearing up for huge derby clash
Whether heading to the ground or watching at home, supporters are eagerly getting ready for this momentous game, with some fans going to particular extremes.
COYB @IpswichTown 💙 #itfc pic.twitter.com/snC0rfXbml
— christoffer vårhus (@christoffervrhu) April 6, 2024
Meanwhile it seems like Norwich fans were keen to ensure that the opposition didn't enjoy a peaceful night's rest in their hotel on Friday night…
Norwich fans setting off fireworks for the Ipswich players in a nearby hotel the night before the East Anglian Derby… 😅💥 pic.twitter.com/qWRsKmhbXc
— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) April 6, 2024
Ipswich defender Luke Woolfenden even added to the fire by appearing to make a ‘smelly' gesture when he got off the team bus in Norwich before the match.
Ipswich defender Luke Woolfenden made a “smelly” gesture after getting off the coach in Norwich for the East Anglian derby 🤣🤣
pic.twitter.com/XssLi0ev5E— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) April 6, 2024
The atmosphere inside the ground was fierce from the start, with the blue shirts of the Ipswich Town fans packed in one corner.
Ipswich fans at Norwich today…
Where does the East Anglian derby rank amongst the best in the UK? #ITFC pic.twitter.com/1KnujpODQT
— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) April 6, 2024