Ipswich Town v Norwich City: New faces make derby hard to predict

It may be a good thing for Norwich to have the first derby of the season at Ipswich as their only two wins so far this season have come away from home.

They have lost all five games at Carrow Road in league and cup, so playing at Portman Road is something of a “free hit”, but one which will take the pressure on Manning to a new level should the result not go his side’s way.

“When he signed as the club’s new head coach I bet that not for a split second did he think he’d lose his first five home games and he’s got to turn it round, it’s as simple as that,” former Norwich striker Iwan Roberts told BBC Radio Norfolk, following Wednesday’s 1-0 home defeat by West Brom.

Manning has used all the right words ahead of the game, talking about the “passion” and “emotion” his players will require, but also a need to temper that with “control”, “focus” and “composure”.

He said: “Of course you have to be aggressive in duels, the stuff that’s non-negotiable, that people expect, but at the same time, you don’t want to be reckless and cost the team.

“There’s always that fine line and that’s what happens in derbies. That bandwidth of control probably gets a little bit smaller because obviously, people are so fired up.”

So, having had a foot in both camps in the past, what does the game mean to him?

“I’m fortunate to do what I do, I’m very privileged. I made a lot of sacrifices and worked extremely hard to get here – and I continue to work hard and make a lot of sacrifices,” he told BBC Radio Norfolk.

“I can’t wait, I’m really looking forward to it. Of course we’re desperate to go down there and win at the weekend and bounce into the international break with a good feeling.”

Roberts, though, believes more tactical flexibility may be needed if Norwich are to start climbing the table.

“He’s got to look at himself in the mirror, (and ask) is he doing enough? Is he asking too much of his players? Does he maybe need to change the style of play at times?,” the Welshman said.

“First half (against West Brom) they did OK, without really threatening, but it’s all too low tempo, no urgency, just passing and keeping possession for the sake of keeping possession. I hate that. It’s hard work to watch, it’s boring.

“Last 15 minutes, they gave it a good go and created two, three good opportunities. But they’ve got to start the game like that, there’s no point doing it when time’s running out and you’re desperate to get back into the game, that’s the type of tempo and urgency they need from the very first whistle.”