STRONG DEAL: Ipswich Town has secured a solid agreement with Chelsea fc for the acquisition of Raheem Sterling with sum of €6.2 million

I anticipate that some readers may feel inclined to have my upper deck River End season ticket revoked after reading the headline at the beginning of this column.

Furthermore, I fully expect to face criticism for my opinions as I make my way to Carrow Road on Saturday lunchtime, especially among those seated near me.

How could a die-hard, lifelong Canary fan shame himself by admitting he’d be content with his beloved team losing to their fiercest rivals?

Before I delve into what may seem like madness, let me share some thoughts on the current situation of the East Anglian rivals ahead of this Saturday’s crucial match.

I genuinely believe that Kieran McKenna’s team will secure automatic promotion. There, I’ve said it. How dare I, many of you may exclaim?

The Tractor Boys are riding an incredible wave of momentum as they prepare to travel up the A140.

They’re sitting pretty at the top of the table – a scenario that even the most fervent supporters of Ed Sheeran’s fanbase couldn’t have predicted back in August.

Out of the 87 points they’ve collected this season, a staggering 31 have come from losing positions (with 8 wins and 7 draws).

Almost one-third of their goals this season – 31 out of 96 – have been scored in the 75th minute or later. Seventeen of these goals have either secured a win or salvaged a draw.

Jeremy Sarmiento’s last-minute winner against promotion rivals on Monday was their ninth goal scored in added time.

Doesn’t this sound familiar to a period in City’s history when the team simply refused to accept defeat?

David Wagner’s squad has won their last seven home games, and finally, Carrow Road is starting to feel like a fortress.

We desperately need that momentum to carry us through the derby.

Monday’s lackluster defeat at Leicester was a major disappointment. Despite an encouraging start – with a third consecutive goal from a corner – City reverted to passive, defensive tactics, allowing the Foxes to seize control.

If we adopt a similarly submissive approach on Saturday, we’re in for a rough time.

But enough of the harsh reality. Let’s set aside logic for a moment. Following football is all about passion, not pragmatism.

So, can City collect enough points in the next six games to secure a playoff spot?

I believe they can. Currently sitting on 64 points, with a four-point cushion to Coventry in seventh place, I’m reminded of the 2001/2 season when the Canaries last finished sixth, ending on 75 points (while Wolves, whom we beat in the semifinals, had 86).

So, allow me to maintain my optimism that the season will extend beyond Birmingham (A) on May 4.

Now, let’s disregard my earlier prediction that Town will secure a top-two finish. Instead, they’ll be narrowly edged out by Leicester and Leeds for automatic promotion.

This sets the stage for a rerun of the 2015 playoff semi-finals.

Nine years ago, the first leg was at Portman Road, with the return fixture in NR1. This time, the venues would be reversed.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s assume City’s unbeaten streak of 15 years or so continues this Saturday. This would add even more excitement to the first chapter of the promotion showdown at Carrow Road.

Let me take you back to the 2002 clash with Wolves.

City seemed to be in deep trouble when Dean Sturridge scored for the Midlanders in the first leg. However, goals from Mark Rivers, “We Love You” Paul McVeigh, and Malky Mackay secured a 3-1 victory.

Yet, it was far from over, and the Canaries faced immense pressure in the return leg at Molineux.

Kevin Cooper, who would later sign for City, put Wolves ahead, but an extraordinary defensive display ensured Nigel Worthington’s side booked their ticket to Cardiff.

I was among the away fans that night, and the sheer joy on the faces of both the players and supporters contrasted sharply with the utter despair among the home fans.