Norwich City v Ipswich Town: Impact ratings for starting XI's

Norwich City: 4-2-3-1

Angus Gunn is having a strong season (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
Angus Gunn

Arguably the best goalkeeper in the Championship and certainly in contention for the Canaries' player of the season award, Gunn is no stranger to derby day heroics. He pulled off a string of fine first-half saves to keep his side in the game at Portman Road, and may be in for a similar afternoon if the Tractor Boys attack are on form this time round. His patience, nerve and ability on the ball will be key if the hosts are to play out from the back effectively, with Jacob Sorensen's defensive absence putting plenty of onus on the Scottish number one.
Impact rating: 4/5

Jack Stacey has been a key part of City's improvement (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
Jack Stacey

One of the stars of City's new year revival, Jack Stacey will be right up for derby day and well prepared for it. His no-holds-barred brand of driving modern full-back work will add plenty of fire to an already intense rivalry, and he could be the attacking outlet David Wagner looks to for a threat on the counter. Consistency hasn't been his strong suit in yellow and green, so there are few guarantees when it comes to the former Bournemouth man, but on his day he'll cause problems for any defence and nullify plenty of opposition danger.
Impact rating: 3/5

Shane Duffy is a physical presence (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
Shane Duffy

This game doesn't come at an amazing time for Duffy, who's missed months with injury and showed his rustiness on a tough afternoon at Leicester. He shone in Suffolk, however, and could be needed if Wagner opts for rearguard action once again. Much like Stacey, you never know what you're going to get from him, and his distribution is another significant weakness. In the derby atmosphere, however, where physicality is needed and know-how could just get Norwich through a tricky defensive assignment, there's definitely room for an old-school defender to impress again.
Impact rating: 3/5

Ben Gibson can lack pace (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
Ben Gibson

Gibson suffers none of the on-ball issues his likely defensive partner does, with his ability to play out from the back and find penetrating passes forward a key feature of City's Championship title win in 2021. He's shown those characteristics again as they've hauled themselves into the final stages of the play-off race, but a persistent concern has been his lack of pace. Put something in behind him and it's up to Gunn to sweep up, especially with no more athletic option to cover behind him. Let him head it, clear it, tackle or pass it and he's fine, but get him running and the alarm bells begin.
Impact rating: 3/5

Sam McCallum is good going forward, but sometimes a bit shaky at the back (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Sam McCallum

The 23-year-old still has plenty to prove as he vies for a new contract, but there have been more good signs than bad this season despite playing second fiddle to Dimitris Giannoulis. One of several good stand-in performances came in Ipswich, and a similar performance this weekend would go a long way towards securing his future at Carrow Road. He's athletic and skilled enough to be a good attacking option, although he's often been found wanting defensively and will be more relieved than anyone to hear of Wes Burns' injury issues.
Impact rating: 3/5

Marcelino Nunez can control a game's tempo (Image: Paul Chesterton)

Marcelino Nunez

Just a few months ago the Chilean was a name on the fringes struggling to get any game time as Kenny McLean and Gabriel Sara shone at the heart of midfield. Injuries and system changes gave him a chance, however, and he's grasped it with both hands. In a game where Norwich may struggle for possession, his ability to both retain and win it back could be invaluable. He's also mastered the art of controlling the tempo of a game better than most midfielders in the division, and that's needed more in a derby than any other fixture.
Impact rating: 4/5

Kenny McLean is Mr Reliable (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Kenny McLean

As reliable a player as you'll find on the Norwich teamsheet, McLean is one of only to have won an East Anglian derby previously. He'll hope to repeat the feat with his vital blend of athleticism, cool-headedness and experience this weekend, although you're less likely to see him burst into the box and score than you would have been in previous years. He's had arguably his best year in a Norwich shirt despite a sublime six years at the club, and his seeming sloe parade to the Barry Butler memorial trophy would receive a huge boost if he could register a second win over Ipswich.
Impact rating: 4/5

Gabriel Sara is capable of brilliance (Image: Focus Images)

Gabriel Sara

To have been as inconsistent as the Brazilian has and still have registered 22 goal contributions from midfield, you have to be a pretty good player. The creative mastermind is still looking for ways to make his influence felt week-in, week-out, but a well-crafted goal against Leicester on Monday showed that he could still make a difference even when not at his best. With derbies so often decided by individual moments, he's one of the most likely in the Norwich side to produce one.
Impact rating: 4/5

Ashley Barnes packs a mean streak (Image: Paul Chesterton)
Ashley Barnes

The former Burnley man needs no introduction to any English football fan having forged the reputation he did at the game's top level. He's still got that nasty streak that saw him somewhat haphazardly crash into Vaclav Hladky early on at Portman Road, but he's twinning it much better with technical and tactical prowess alongside Josh Sargent. Matching the two will be key to how big an impact he can make.
Impact rating: 3/5

Borja Sainz could be a vital attacking outlet (Image: Daniel Hambury/Focus Images Ltd)
Borja Sainz

The pantomime villain in the reverse fixture until Jonathan Rowe had something to say about it, and could thrive on the role once more on home turf. He too could be a vital attacking outlet if Wagner chooses to plot a defensive route to success, as he was to little avail at the King Power Stadium. If his team-mates can keep up with him he'll drag them up the pitch, and he'll be desperate to add some end product in a spicy environment he'll thrive on.
Impact rating: 4/5

Josh Sargent will be a real threat (Image: Paul Chesterton)

Josh Sargent

There's absolutely no question that Sargent is the man City fans are pinning their hopes on to turn a point into three after he missed the 2-2 draw in December. Their side look completely different with and without him, so it's no wonder they've comfortably produced play-off qualification form either side of his four-month ankle lay-off and were almost in a relegation battle without him. The six-foot-one striker can't stop scoring in NR1, and if he adds to his impressive 14 strikes this season there's no doubt it'll mean more than any of them.
Impact rating: 5/5

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Ipswich Town: 4-2-3-1

Vaclav Hladky has been mostly brilliant (Image: PA)

Vaclav Hladky

Hladky took the gloves after a pre-season injury to previously unquestioned number one Christian Walton, and has never looked back. Has a knack for making big saves – especially in one-on-one situations – and he’s also superb with the ball at his feet, a key to Town’s playing out from the back philosophy. Has made a few costly mistakes within that approach – live by the sword etc - but generally very solid.
Impact rating: 4/5

Harry Clarke will be hoping to throw a post-match fist pump today (Image: Steve Waller)
Harry Clarke

One of two local lads in the Town team, Clarke wears his heart on his sleeve and loves to charge forward, though he won’t play as far up the pitch as Leif Davis on the other side. Has taken over post-match fist-pump duty from former skipper Luke Chambers, and will be desperate to finally do that in the wake of a looong-awaited derby day win, if it happens. I’m saying he’s going to start, but it could just as well be the classy Axel Tuanzebe at right-back.
Impact rating: 3/5

Laid-back Luke Woolfenden knows what this game means to fans (Image: Ross Halls)

Luke Woolfenden

The other Ipswich boy in the Town side, laid-back Luke is aware what this game means to fans. Woolfenden’s athletic, good on the ball and can get stuck in when required, though he’s not as physical as burly battering ram Burgess next to him. Also has a key part to play in the McKenna-ball approach. Can occasionally get a bit sloppy in possession, but will want to be at his very best here.
Impact rating: 3/5

Cameron Burgess is a physical presence with the ability to play lovely passes (Image: Ross Halls)
Cameron Burgess

The Town player with the biggest redemption arc in the side, big Cam has gone from being run ragged by League Two strikers in an embarrassing FA Cup defeat at Barrow two and a half years ago to becoming an Australian international and vital part of Town’s XI. Would head a fridge freezer clear if Norwich were to lob one into the box today, and always seems to be in the right place to make a block. Started his career as a midfielder and thus can produce some sublime passes at times too.
Impact rating: 3/5

Leif Davis might be Town's best player (Image: Steve Waller)
Leif Davis

Might be Town’s best player. Left-back Davis led League One in set-ups last season and has just broken the Championship record for assists by a full-back this term, with 16. He’ll play very high up the pitch, with Broadhead rolling inside to give him space, and can whip in some wicked crosses and corners. Scored a belter against Southampton on Monday too. In a team which works incredibly hard, Davis may cover the most ground – he is perpetual motion. Seems to have three lungs.
Impact rating: 5/5

Skipper Sam Morsy is Town's beating heart (Image: Ross Halls)
Sam Morsy

The inspirational skipper and Town’s beating heart, Morsy’s another who never stops running and seems to cover every blade of grass on the pitch, going from helping out his defenders to charging forward as the Blues attack. Often a key outlet for Hladky when Town build from the back, he's so good at turning and igniting an attack. Can be an enforcer too, but is just two bookings away from a three match ban.
Impact rating: 5/5

Massimo Luongo works so well with Morsy (Image: Stephen Waller)
Massimo Luongo

The chips to Morsy’s fish in midfield, Luongo shares many of the skipper’s battling traits and the duo work so well together, covering for each other when required and assisting their defenders. Luongo’s adept at breaking up play and sparking attacks, and can unleash rockets from range if given space. He’s also a bloody ruddy good bloke.
Impact rating: 3/5

Omari Hutchinson could pull out the backflip goal celebration (Image: Pagepix Ltd)
Omari Hutchinson

The most likely candidate to start in place of the injured Wes Burns on the right here, Chelsea loanee Hutchinson has just got better and better and better this season. Electrifying on the ball, the 20-year-old fears nothing and is proving to be a man for the big moments, with some memorable and vital goals thus far. Has eight goals and five assists to his name. Also the Town player most likely to pull out a memorable derby day goal celebration if he nets – look out for his backflip!
Impact rating: 4/5

Conor Chaplin is so often key for the Blues (Image: Stephen Waller)
Conor Chaplin

Town’s leading scorer from last season – 29 goals in all competitions – is also leading the way this term too, with 13 strikes and seven assists to his name. Diminutive Chaplin has an otherworldly ability to find space in the box, often arriving totally unmarked to meet Town’s trademark cut-back crosses or a deadly Davis delivery. Usually at the heart of everything good which Town do. Will fancy writing his name into derby day folklore here.
Impact rating: 5/5

Nathan Broadhead could have had a hat-trick at Portman Road in the first derby day (Image: PA Sport)
Nathan Broadhead

Perhaps Town’s most naturally-talented player, Welshman Broadhead’s bagged 13 goals and three assists this season, to stand level on strikes with Chaplin. He’ll often cut inside to create for others or look for his own shot, leaving Davis space to overlap outside him. Like plenty of others in this side, he’s got a howitzer of a shot too. Will want to atone for missing a couple of gilt-edged chances in the reverse at Portman Road in December, a showing which precipitated a bit of a slide in form.
Impact rating: 4/5

It's a big day for Ali Al-Hamadi (Image: PA)
Ali Al-Hamadi

The Iraqi international striker, by way of Toxteth, took the big step up from League Two when he arrived from AFC Wimbledon in January.
He’s adapted well so far, bagging four goals in 11 cameo appearances off the bench.
Today will be his big day though, as he looks likely to make his first-ever Town start up top in place of the injured Kieffer Moore - a huge ask in such a vital game.
He’s fast, good with the ball at his feet, and physical – though clearly not the same hulking presence as Moore – and is fast becoming a cult hero already. On a sink or swim day for him, you’d back him to swim – and a goal in the derby is what cult heroes do, right?
Impact rating: 4/5