Coventry v Ipswich, The Foxes versus Derby, and More EFL League Previews
Welcome for the packed night of Football League and continental football action. We'll be covering major second-tier encounters plus the crucial final group games in this Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Opening Notes
Greetings to all. You are welcome to what is arguably the second-to-last soccer live blog of 2025. We have a full EFL slate, starting with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 18:00, while we will also monitor a close watch on both night fixtures from the first group at this Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco hosting Zambia as well as Mali facing Comoros.
We'll be focussing on the following matches, all 7.45pm start times except where noted.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- Comoros v The Eagles (7pm)
- Zambia versus The Atlas Lions (7pm)
Second Division Matches
- Coventry versus The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- The Foxes versus Derby
- Boro versus Hull
- Millwall versus The Robins
- The Red Dragons versus North End
Third Tier Fixture
- Cardiff v Boro
Latest Team News
Coventry v Ipswich Confirmed Lineups
The evening's opener, featuring the sides sitting top and third in the Championship, could be a thriller. Here are the confirmed lineups.
Coventry (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; the right-back, Woolfenden, Kitching, the left-back; Torp, Grimes; the winger, Rudoni, the forward; Wright.
Substitutes: Wilson, the midfielder, Simms, the defender, Bidwell, Latibeaudiere, the midfielder, Perry, the player.
Ipswich (a 4-2-3-1 setup) The shot-stopper; the defender, O’Shea, Kipre, Greaves; the midfielder, Taylor; the attacker, Nunez, Jack Clarke; Azon.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, Johnson, the defender, the midfielder, the winger, the forward, the attacker, the striker.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Scenarios
It's a tricky picture. It always is when some but not all third-placed teams progress. This is the current state ahead of tonight’s final round of games.
- The Atlas Lions 4 points, +2 goal difference
- The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- The Copper Bullets 2pts, GD0 (goals scored 1)
- Comoros 1 point, -2 goal difference
Briefly, Morocco are probably fine but will want to beat their opponents to top their pool. Zambia probably need at least a point against the hosts. The island nation probably need to overcome their rivals, who should advance with a draw.
Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.
Angola v Egypt Latest
The final act to the second group at this continental championship is being covered. To avoid spoilers, avoid following that coverage.
Championship Standings Overview
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coventry | 23 | 31 | 51 |
| 2 | Middlesbrough | 23 | 9 | 43 |
| 3 | Ipswich | 23 | 15 | 38 |
| 4 | Hull | 23 | 2 | 38 |
| 5 | Preston North End | 23 | 7 | 37 |
| 6 | Bristol City | 23 | 7 | 36 |
| 7 | Millwall | 23 | -6 | 36 |
| 8 | Watford | 23 | 4 | 35 |
| 9 | QPR | 23 | -2 | 35 |
| 10 | Stoke | 23 | 7 | 34 |
| 11 | Derby | 23 | 1 | 32 |
| 12 | Southampton | 23 | 4 | 31 |
| 13 | Wrexham | 23 | 2 | 31 |
| 14 | Leicester | 23 | -1 | 31 |
| 15 | Birmingham | 23 | 1 | 30 |
| 16 | West Brom | 23 | -5 | 28 |
| 17 | Charlton | 22 | -6 | 27 |
| 18 | Blackburn | 22 | -4 | 26 |
| 19 | Sheff Utd | 23 | -5 | 26 |
| 20 | Swansea | 23 | -7 | 26 |
| 21 | Oxford Utd | 23 | -8 | 22 |
| 22 | Portsmouth | 22 | -10 | 22 |
| 23 | Norwich | 23 | -9 | 21 |
| 24 | Sheff Wed | 22 | -27 | -8 |
