Ipswich v Norwich

Let's start this one off with full disclosure. I write this as an Ipswich fan, so if that sort of thing, coupled with this being a local derby match put you off, then stop reading now.

I like to think I've always been objective when it comes to considering Ipswich's fortunes - in fact, I put them up for relegation last season only to see them come out of the blocks like Usian Bolt, before spending the rest of the season slipping back into obscurity.

But despite all those tough results, and negativity surrounding McCarthy's last season at the helm, there was one slight glimmer of light. The Tractor Boys still finished above Norwich in the table come the end!

So here we are - another season where both the bookmakers and fans are writing off Ipswich again - and they will probably be mostly right. Bottom half for sure, and possibly even a little bit of flirting with the drop, but they should just about have enough to ride things out, even if it does mean another season of horrible football at Portman Road.

Norwich come to town on Sunday, and I think the narrative above is dominating more than perhaps it should. Daniel Farke is yet to really show himself as the man Norwich should be trusting, and they simply haven't replaced Josh Murphy or the iconic James Maddison with the calibre of player needed to fill either of their boots.

Maddison scored 14 and assisted a further eight last season, so he's the main hole, and the early shot data for Norwich (69-64 and 25-27 on target) is nothing hugely impressive, so it's a surprise to see them chalked up as favourites in this one.

Ipswich can be backed at 19/10 with a couple of firms, and that's probably a couple of nicks too long here.

1pt Ipswich to beat Norwich at 19/10

#Football