Norwich Warm Up for East Anglian Derby

It's nearly here, that is the big clash of the titans' showdown between Norwich city and Ipswich town. Of course these games, can't take place on Saturday afternoon because of the concerns of the police. Fans from both sides of the Norfolk Suffolk divide have to settle for a Sunday lunchtime kick-off. The benefit is the presence of the sky cameras, and this season is no different in that regard.

Darren Eadie said this week on radio Norfolk, that he hasn't witnessed a really good the East Anglian derby in some years. I have always wondered whether the early kickoffs have any impact on the quality of football. It would be fair to say that derby games aren't known for their beautiful football, but the results are crucial. This would be an important lesson for Norwich to learn for Sunday.

It would be fair to say that both sides have had a frustrating time of it this season. Norwich would have been hoping to feature in the top half of the table this season, but instead are currently in a relegation battle. With the cash from Marcus Evans Ipswich, would have been targeting a top six finish as a bare minimum. The reality for Ipswich is inconsistency. Last season things for Ipswich were quite simple, very impressive at home, very poor away. This season, at times, Ipswich have been impressive, both at home and on the road, but equally have been poor both home and away. Those sentiments, sum up, both clubs this season.

One thing I can say for sure is both clubs need the points, but for different reasons. At this stage in the season it's difficult to gauge where each side will finish. At the time of writing, Ipswich occupy 13th place, and Norwich down in 21st Place. The majority of football experts would say, Ipswich will be around the top six come May and Norwich is more likely to finish in the bottom six. However, no one can accurately predict football all the time. There will be a team, who is now in the bottom six or seven, who will finish in or around the playoffs. Now that team could be Norwich city. Similarly, Ipswich is just as likely to finish in mid-table as the top six. Sunday's game may give us some clues about what the future holds for these two clubs. What we know for sure is both clubs love to pass the ball and will continue to play their football in that way.

The biggest selection problems for Norwich city will come at the back. The big loss will be John Kennedy, who is suspended. Of course, Norwich is already without Dejan Stefanovic for the rest of the season. Remember also that the Norwich defence has conceded a lot of goals this season, but the flipside of that is they are one of the highest scorers at home. Therefore, with experienced players missing at the back Norwich should aim to get forward and put Ipswich under pressure.

It is likely that Norwich will line up with a five-man midfield and that could be crucial, because these sort of games, as so often one in central midfield. The good news for Roeder is he can welcome back Ryan Bertrand and Elliot Omozusi. Adam Drury is also passed it.

My team is as follows:

Marshall

Bertrand Doherty Omozusi Otsemobor

Bell Clinghan(C) Pattison Croft

Hoolahan

Lita