Norwichvs.Ipswich

At a time when the Tractor Boys are vying for automatic promotion, the Canaries are sixth and hold a four-point cushion in the race for the playoffs.

Match preview

On multiple occasions this season, Ipswich have found something in the closing minutes of a contest to turn a draw into a win, potentially being the difference-maker between automatic promotion and the playoffs.

The latest occurrence of that came on Easter Monday as Kieran McKenna's side came from 2-1 behind against Southampton to record a 3-2 victory, albeit aided by a late red card for the visitors.

At one point, there had been potential for the top four to be separated by just nine points, yet Ipswich's comeback has resulted in the title race being whittled down to three teams.

Ipswich have remarkably won nine of their last 10 outings, the only defeat coming courtesy of two last-gasp Cardiff City goals, and McKenna will recognise that they have a closing schedule that is very much in the favour.

Nevertheless, with Leicester City just two points adrift and with a game in hand, Ipswich and their head coach may prefer to remember that they remain underdogs to get over the line.

That should particularly ring true when they make the trip to their arch rivals at a time when their hosts have won seven successive games at Carrow Road.

Not since Bristol Rovers on January 6 has any side denied Norwich on familiar territory, but they had to battle hard to maintain their run on Good Friday.

Norwich trailed Plymouth Argyle for almost an hour before turning things around during the final quarter, making it 14 victories from 20 such fixtures this season.

Defeated followed at Leicester three days later, David Wagner's team having initially led that contest before losing 3-1, but defeats among the chasing pack has left their playoff fate in their own hands.

Norwich City Championship form:

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Ipswich Town Championship form:

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Team News

After Jacob Sorensen's early withdrawal against Leicester, Shane Duffy appears in line to start in the Norwich backline.

Despite suffering defeat to the Foxes, Wagner may be prepared to stick with the remainder of the starting lineup.

The likes of Dimitris Giannoulis, Onel Hernandez and Jonathan Rowe remain on the sidelines.

Kieffer Moore is facing a race against time to be fit for this contest after the Ipswich forward picked up a back injury against Southampton.

Ali Al Hamadi could replace the Wales international if required, while Jeremy Sarmiento appears likely to return in the final third, as may Nathan Broadhead.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, McCallum; Nunez, McLean; Sara, Barnes, Sainz; Sargent

Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:

Hladky; Tuanzebe, Woolfenden, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Luongo; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Sarmiento; Al Hamadi

We say: Norwich City 1-2 Ipswich Town

Norwich's relentless home form means that they are likely to match their rivals blow for blow on Saturday. Nevertheless, we are backing the Tractor Boys to again battle their way to a thrilling win, potentially through a late goal at Carrow Road.

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