Ipswich Town: Joey Sadler and Tractor Boys fans give thoughts ahead of East Anglian derby clash against Norwich City

It’s here. The East Anglian derby returns after four years and from a blue and white perspective, it's probably the most excited I've ever been for it.

Fourteen years. Fourteen long years since Town last got one over the old enemy and let's be honest that the Canaries have been far superior on-and-off the pitch during that time. Not now though. Now feels different.

This game means so much and I don't think those who live outside of East Anglia really appreciate the magnitude of this fixture and what it brings to the region.

I'm Ipswich born and bred. I bleed blue. As do my entire family. So this is a lot more than 'just a game' and that one you always search for first.

Norwich are twelve unbeaten and credit where it's due, as they've completely dominated this fixture in recent years. It's been awful to endure.

However, I must say that this period or 'decade of dominance' as they call it, was at a time where Ipswich Town were at their lowest. It couldn't get any worse and our record in the derby during this time just optimised everything that was wrong with our club.

For now though, the good times have returned and Kieran McKenna's high-flying Ipswich will be licking their lips at the prospect of putting things right this Saturday and current form should suggest they will do.

But as the old saying goes, 'form goes out of the window in the derby' and I'm sure McKenna and his team will be well aware that they need to be at it in this one.

I'm sure they will be and I do feel confident that this could be our time. This feels different to the derbies that have come before. But I'm no expert and was interested to find out the feeling in the camp from other Town fans. Do they share the same feelings as me?

Richard Moss starts things off by saying “Derby Day, the two dates we all look for when the fixtures are released. No win for Town since that sunny day in 2009 when Gio ran the show at Portman Road and sent the budgies down to League One.”

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since that day, relegation for Town, four years in League One, a wonderful promotion under McKenna and now the chance to lay some yellow ghosts to rest at Portman Road this Saturday lunchtime.

The playing field has changed somewhat, with Town flying high, unrest in Norfolk and Wagner seemingly hanging onto his job by his fingernails. My first Derby was 1985, goals by Gates and Dozzell at Portman Road gave Town the points.

My prediction? 3-0 to McKenna's men. We are simply superior both on and off the pitch and we will always be The Pride Of Anglia.

Ipswich Town fan Megan Thompson said: “The first fixture you search for above all others is this one. I think it will be a tough game, but the players will know how much this means to the fans. A long overdue victory for Town would be the perfect Christmas present and I think we'll get it: 3-1 Ipswich."

Kieran Bleasby said: "In recent years, playing second fiddle to our neighbours, I dreaded derby day. Nearly 5 years on, I think I dread it even more.

“There was no pressure the last time we played Norwich back in Feb 2019, with them heading for the Premier League and us heading for League One. Now, with roles somewhat switched and the odds stacked well in our favour, I feel nervous, optimistic, but fully aware that anything can happen.

“My line of work often has me mingling with those across the border, but like everyone who bleeds blue, this potential to end the horror run against them means so much more than just three points. This could be the best early Christmas any of us could receive.

“Taking all emotion out of the fixture, we should be winning this and I'd like to think we will with the squad and form. Although Joey has asked for a prediction, I'm keeping my cards very close to my chest. Every superstition will be covered by me in the build-up. Uppa Towen.”

Laura Tricker added: "I think for myself and many others this is THE home game of the season! We want to win not just because of who it's against, but because it’ll be another win for our amazing run so far.

“It’s hard to put into words how much this game means to me and many other fans. The nerves for Saturday are real, however I just know that the atmosphere will be incredible. Sing loud and sing proud because surely just surely this is our time!!"

Alex Osborn said: "Fourteen years of hurt has built up to this moment - failure is simply not an option. We may never be presented with a better opportunity to take down a Norwich team in turmoil.

“To say I’m nervous is an understatement. Despite every pre-match factor playing in our favour, all the pressure is on Ipswich who are overwhelming favourites based on form and league position, but these count for nothing in a derby.

“Norwich have nothing to lose. But this Ipswich team has proved time and time again that when they come under pressure, they produce diamonds. I can only see one outcome: a convincing Ipswich win proving why East Anglia is blue."

Bella Castaldo said: "I have been waiting a long time for this one. I remember my dad saying that when I was seven years old I went to an East Anglian derby game with him and I fell asleep at half time.

“One thing for sure, is that the 20 year old me will not be sleeping on Saturday, whether it’s during the game or before! As soon as the fixture list was announced back in June, I marked the 16th December as the only one that mattered.

“It’s about time we turned the tables on Delia’s budgies and I am looking forward to the coach's arrival with all of the blue and white smoke grenades on show! I’m hoping for an Omari hat trick, 3 cartwheels, 3 points with a 3-1 win! This has to be our time. Happy Christmas everyone.”

Nic Castaldo finishes things off by saying: "Growing up as an Ipswich fan in the 90s was memorable, not only because of top flight football, but because of the dominance we held over our arch rivals.

“I remember the good old days of Jason Dozzell and ‘super’ Neil Thompson scoring goals to take the win and bragging rights. Fast forward to the 2000s and it’s been a period of suffering and delusion when talking about the East Anglian Derby.

“However, the tide is turning and Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich have given us something to look forward to - December 16 is the day of reckoning. This Town team should produce some epic smiles come full time and the fans are awaiting something special.

“I can see us giving Norwich an absolute pasting on Saturday, it’s about time and it’s coming….. 3-0 to the Town….. let’s be having you!”

Our 'friends' north of the border will be desperate to upset the wave that Town are riding and keep their unbeaten going in the meantime. I mean after all, it's probably the biggest thing they've ever achieved in their history.

So please Ipswich. You've given us so much already. We've broken all the records. But there is one hurdle left for this Kieran McKenna team to jump and it's returning the bragging rights back to Suffolk this Saturday.

I'm nervy and I can't stop painting every potential scenario in my head. Let's get it done and just imagine what a win against 'them lot up the A14' could well propel us on to. Up The Town.