Ipswich Town take on Norwich City in the first East Anglian Derby for the first time since February 2019. 

Suffolk Constabulary has confirmed a large policing operation will be in place for the game, which kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the fixture.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich Towns will greet their team coach ahead of the huge clashIpswich Towns will greet their team coach ahead of the huge clash (Image: Steve Waller)

Which roads will be closed around the stadium? 

A number of roads around Portman Road stadium will be shut on Saturday morning, with fans advised to arrive at the ground early to help ease congestion. 

Portman Road and Sir Alf Ramsey Way are to be restricted as normal. 

From 10.30am, the following roads will be shut: 

  • Princes Street - between the junctions with Civic Drive/Franciscan Way and Grafton Way/Chancery Road.

  • Chalon Street at the junction with Princes Street

Police have confirmed more roads will be closed from 11.30am: 

  • West End Road, from the junction of the car park to Princes Street/Chancery Road.

  • Commercial Road, at the junction with the Commercial Road Retail Park, to Princes Street.

  • Burrell Road at the junction with Station Yard; and Ranelagh Road to the junction with Ancaster Road (from Princes Street).

  • Chancery Road at the junction with Russell Road.

These closures will be lifted once the game kicks off, then be reinstated before the final whistle, remaining in place after the game until the majority of crowds have dispersed.

Ipswich Town fans will be welcoming the team coach ahead of the sell-out derby fixture.

Ipswich Star: Ipswich railway station is expected to be busier than usualIpswich railway station is expected to be busier than usual (Image: Newsquest)

How can I get to Portman Road? 

The town is likely to be busier than usual on Saturday, with 30,000 people set to attend Portman Road, as well as with those carrying out Christmas shopping. 

Anyone heading into the town using a car or bus is likely to face delays, with passengers using public transport advised to check before they travel. 

Greater Anglia has put on additional trains for away fans. Police are advising that Ipswich railway station is likely to be busier than usual.

Ipswich Star: A sell-out crowd will be heading to Portman Road on SundayA sell-out crowd will be heading to Portman Road on Sunday (Image: PA)

Increased police presence 

Fans and people around Ipswich are likely to notice an increased police presence in the town on Saturday. 

A large policing operation will be in place, with officers to be on patrol at the railway station and around the town centre. 

Ipswich Town has told supporters there is likely to be a heavy police presence along Princes Street.

Detective Chief Superintendent David Cutler, the policing commander for the match, said: "This is one of the biggest games of the season and our policing operation will also be significantly larger than most other matches. Police will be visible and will be there to ensure that fans from both clubs have a safe and enjoyable afternoon.

“We very much hope that there will be no trouble between the two sets of supporters, but we will deal with this quickly and effectively if any does occur.

“It is some time since the two clubs met and it should be a great match. We want supporters to enjoy the day but it’s also a Christmas shopping day in town so it will be extra busy and ask that no matter why people are in Ipswich that there is that extra patience and respect for each other.

"If you are planning to travel into Ipswich town centre on Saturday, please take note of the road closures and expect some congestion - there is ample parking all around the town for those wanting to go shopping and avoid the football crowds.

"There will be officers on patrol all across the town centre and members of the public are encouraged to approach police if they have any questions on the day.”