Coventry v The Tractor Boys, The Foxes versus The Rams, and Additional Football League Previews
Greetings for the packed night of Football League as well as continental soccer action. The spotlight falls on major second-tier matches plus those pivotal final group matches in this Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Opening Notes
Oh, hi folks. You are welcome to the reportedly the penultimate football clockwatch of the year. We have a full EFL schedule, kicking off with Coventry v Ipswich at 6pm, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two night fixtures from the first group at this Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco hosting Zambia as well as Comoros v Mali.
Our primary attention will be on these fixtures, with 19:45 kick-offs except where noted.
Afcon 2025
- The Coelacanths v The Eagles (7pm)
- Zambia v Morocco (7pm)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues versus Ipswich (18:00)
- The Foxes v Derby
- Boro v The Tigers
- Millwall v Bristol City
- The Red Dragons versus Preston
Third Tier Fixture
- Cardiff versus Stevenage
Latest Lineup Updates
Ipswich at Coventry Team News
The evening's opener, between the teams who are top and third in the second tier, promises to be a cracker. Here are the confirmed lineups.
Coventry City (4-2-3-1) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, Brau; Torp, Grimes; the winger, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright.
Substitutes: Wilson, Allen, the forward, the defender, Bidwell, the defender, Eccles, Perry, Andrews.
Ipswich (a 4-2-3-1 setup) Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, the left-back; Matusiwa, Taylor; the attacker, the playmaker, the winger; the centre-forward.
Subs: Palmer, Young, Johnson, the defender, Cajuste, Burns, McAteer, the attacker, the striker.
Referee Backhouse (from Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Scenarios
Look, it’s complicated. That's often the case when some but not all third-placed teams progress. Here’s how things look ahead of tonight’s final round of games.
- The Atlas Lions 4 points, GD+2
- The Eagles 2 points, 0 goal difference (goals scored 2)
- Zambia 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 1)
- Comoros 1pt, GD-2
Briefly, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to beat their opponents and win their pool. Zambia probably need a draw or better against Morocco. The island nation probably need to beat Mali, who will probably be okay if they get a point.
Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.
Egypt's Match with Angola Update
The denouement of the second group at this continental championship is being covered. To avoid spoilers, it's best not to seek out that information.
Second Tier Standings Snapshot
| 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 |
