I may well get lambasted for saying this but I think today’s match against Brentford could well turn out to be the most important game of the season.
Season defining games tend to need a series of circumstances to fall together – they rarely sit alone. Last weekend we enjoyed a victory against Cardiff but it was less than convincing and all the teams ahead of us picked up maximum points meaning they’re was no real tangible sense of achievement.
This weekend, however, a victory would see a substantial shift in a number of key areas.
Position – Am immediately positive result would be our move into the play offs. Beating Brentford would move us above them in the league and in to at least sixth. Watford are likely to beat Blackpool at home so it’s unlikely to be better – but it’s a major step in the right direction.
Points – The three points will feel massive after seeing the top three all drop points in the last week. What was an eight point gap from the top of the table could be a very achievable five by 5pm.
Psychological – Three wins on the bounce will have a huge psychological impact on our competitors. Beating Bournemouth, Cardiff and Brentford should, on the face of it, be expected. But a few months ago we would have been happy with 5 points from those three games – to get all nine would be a massive step in the right direction and really put the cat among the pigeons.
Form – The teams around us will all know they’ve still got to play us. A win this afternoon would suggest our form has hit peak at exactly the right time. No one will want to facing us.
Win this afternoon and all the pundits will be talking about the midas affect of Alex Neil. They’ll be talking about us challenging for the automatic promotion places. They’ll be talking about the top teams dropping points and the fact they have still to play us. This could play into our hands nicely. The table will look very different. Ipswich will be nervously looking over they’re shoulder, knowing they don’t have the strength in depth to stave off a injury or two.
Today’s game is MASSIVE. Win it and we’re on a roll. But lose it….then what?
The pundits will be talking very differently. How no-one is really racing away with the league. How’s it’s all very close at the top. How anyone could win the division. Norwich will be struggling for form the same as the others. How Alex Neil responds to defeat. The top teams will all breathe a little easier that we’ve had a wobble. We’re not unbeatable.
Huge game. Let’s hope we destroy them.
Come on you yellows!