Ipswich v Norwich

Thursday night sees one of the more significant East-Anglian derbies for a while with Norwich needing a result to keep their automatic promotion push on track. Currently one point behind Cardiff, a point would still leave the Canaries behind the Welsh side on goal difference having played a game more. However, with the Bluebirds travelling to QPR on Saturday a share of the spoils would perhaps prove satisfactory in the end. One thing is for sure, a defeat at the hands of their local rivals would be a significant blow for Paul Lambert’s side.

Ipswich return to Portman Road following a fine 1-0 win at Ashton Gate on Saturday. That made it four wins in five for Paul Jewell’s rejuvenated side who have reached the top half of the table for the first time all season. The Tractor Boys are a different side to Roy Keane’s underachievers who were stuffed 4-1 at Carrow Road in November. Avenging that defeat, and severely denting their high-flying neighbours promotion prospects, should provide ample incentive this time.

The form book makes this a different game to call, with the feeling hard to escape that it could go either way. One thing that does look unlikely is a goal-less draw; these are two teams currently finding the net on a regular basis. With Ipswich much improved and Norwich desperate to come away with something, the score draw represents value at 7/2 with Boylesports.