It’s finally here. For the first time in just over 14 years, Ipswich Town are playing at Old Trafford.

And while the third round of the Capital One Cup may not be the glamour and money involved in the Premier League, try telling the 4,600 or so fans that are making their way up to the Theatre of Dreams that this is not a big game.

With 17 official coaches organised by the club, fans are hoping the blues can beat Manchester United – a feat last achieved in October 1997 – in the same competition the two clubs play each other in tonight.

Tim Edwards, from the Ipswich Town Supporters Club, said: “It’s obviously very exciting.

“When I saw the draw I said ‘oh my God, Man United away, fantastic’.

“We have got a good chance, after all they did lose 4-0 to MK Dons in the competition last season and a Coventry fan reminded me that six or seven years ago they beat them so they’ve got some previous, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for our fans and players to see the place.”

Mr Edwards added that the game is a reminder for any player that they could be playing these sorts of games regularly next season, if Ipswich get promoted from the Championship.

“It’s fantastic we’re taking so many people up there considering we’ve been to Preston, Leeds, had two Friday night games that people have had to take time off work for, we really seem to have had the rough end of it travel and schedule-wise,” he said.

“It’s fabulous loyalty and commitment from Town fans.”

Mr Edwards said the coaches leave Portman Road at 11am, and are not scheduled to be back in Ipswich until 5am.

He added: “I just hope we get a great performance, go out with our heads held high and there’s just a chance we might get a win.”

Ole Bernt Krogstad, chairman of the Ipswich Town FC Supporters Club of Norway is flying over for the game with around 15 other Norwegian Ipswich fans to England this morning for the game.

He said: “I´ve never been at Old Trafford before and I´m really looking forward to it.

“For United it will be MK Dons all over again, but in extra time. 1-1, 1-3 aet (after extra time). Goals from McGoldrick, Murphy and Parr.”

Mr Edwards added: “If we do go to extra time I fancy our chances.

“It’s a bit early in the season to say this is a dress rehearsal for next season, maybe we should save that for the league cup final!

“It shows how far we’ve come that people are saying that we’ve generally got a chance.

“There are still 39 games to go – an entire Premier League season to come – but the club is pulling in the right direction. Let’s go and enjoy it.

“I’ll take anyone at home in the next round!”

Tickets for tonight’s game are available in Planet Blue in Portman Road until 12noon, and will be on sale from Old Trafford at the ticket and membership office, but there will be no members discount prices available in Manchester.

You can follow all the action from Old Trafford this evening with our Match Centre