For his supporters, it brings a mix of nerves and excitement, but a guaranteed disdain for the opposition in their quest for bragging rights.
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But for Norwich City player Eloise King, who was born and raised as an Ipswich Town supporter, loyalties will be divided on Saturday.
So how do the 24-year-old, from Sudbury in Suffolk, and her Ipswich-loving parents Tracey and Chris juggle Town’s bloody blue while representing the city’s yellow and green?
Central midfielder King kicked her first soccer ball when she was three years old. She was a product of Ipswich Town’s academy and played nearly 100 times for the Tractor Girls.
He left in February 2025 for Essex club Hashtag United and joined the Canaries at the start of this season, during which the National League Division One South East side secured a place in the promotion play-offs.
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If they win, they will move to the third level of the women’s pyramid.
“I have a passion for both clubs in different ways,” said King, who also represented England from under-15 to under-19 level.
“I play for Norwich and I love life there, and I almost feel at home there. But I’ve been a blue since I was very, very young.
“When I was younger, I only saw Norwich as our rival. Now, I don’t really see that.
“When I first arrived at Norwich, it was strange having to put that kit on, but very, very quickly, I wasn’t even thinking about it.”
‘Head and heart saying different things’
But who will he be cheering for on Saturday (12:30 BST) when the Tractor Boys travel to Carrow Road?
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“(When) I walk onto the pitch on a Sunday I’m wearing a Norwich City badge, but then on Saturday I’m wearing an Ipswich one looking at the men,” King said.
“Obviously, being a Town fan won’t be easy. Norwich are on a good run, but Ipswich need as many points as possible to try and secure automatic promotion.
“I’m an Ipswich fan, so the derby is going to be difficult. I’m nervous, but I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be a draw.”
‘Decrease the rivalry… slightly’
King’s father Chris came to Portman Road long before Eloise was born, sitting in the then Churchmans Stand in the 1970s.
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The 62-year-old said: “I’ve been a Town fan all my life. Words can’t describe the feeling of watching your daughter play for your club. “It’s a dream, but it’s her dream too.
“Now she has moved to a new club. It took her a bit to get used to seeing the yellow and green on the clothesline. But we have adapted and she is happy, that means we are.
“We will support her and follow her wherever she goes.”
Despite still hoping for success on derby day, Chris has come to like (or at least accept) the Canaries as a club since Eloise joined.
“For me this diminishes the rivalry a little,” he added.
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“Only a little, but I’m still looking forward to the derby when the games are known at the start of the season.”
‘See yellow and green on the clothesline’
Eloise’s mother Tracey, 53, said she too became fond of the Norfolk club and felt welcomed by its staff and supporters, despite her obvious loyalties.
“I started supporting Ipswich when Eloise was playing for them, and my weekends consist of seeing the men on Saturday and the girls on Sunday,” he said.
“All the (Norwich) fans have made us and Eloise’s grandparents feel really welcome.
“We already feel part of a family, even though we are Ipswich fans.”
The Kings unknowingly predicted the same 2-2 result for this weekend’s derby (Jamie Niblock/ BBC)
Unlike her husband, who “tolerates” Norwich, Tracey admitted she checks the results.
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“I feel a little bit of loyalty there,” he said.
“The strangest thing was having the kits in the house. It felt really strange having them hanging on the clothesline.
“Her football is her career and that part of her life is Norwich. But the team she supports is Ipswich. She gives 100% for Norwich and wants the team to win.
“We are very proud of her.”
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