Coventry versus The Tractor Boys, Leicester against Derby, and More EFL League Updates
Greetings for a busy night of EFL as well as international football action. Our focus includes important second-tier clashes plus the pivotal final pool games in the Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Introduction
Oh, hi folks. You are welcome to what is reportedly the penultimate soccer live blog of 2025. We have an extensive Football League schedule, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 18:00, and we will also monitor a close watch on both evening games from the first group at the Afcon: Morocco hosting Zambia as well as Mali facing Comoros.
Our primary attention will be on the following matches, all 7.45pm start times unless stated.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- Comoros versus Mali (19:00)
- The Copper Bullets v Morocco (7pm)
Championship
- Coventry v Ipswich (18:00)
- The Foxes versus Derby
- Middlesbrough v Hull
- The Lions v Bristol City
- The Red Dragons versus Preston
League One
- The Bluebirds v Boro
Recent Lineup Updates
Coventry v Ipswich Confirmed Lineups
The early game, between the teams who are first and third in the Championship, promises to be an exciting match. These are the two XIs.
Coventry City (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, the defender, the left-back; Torp, the captain; the winger, the attacking midfielder, Mason-Clark; the striker.
Substitutes: Wilson, the midfielder, the forward, the defender, the full-back, Latibeaudiere, Eccles, the youngster, Andrews.
Ipswich (4-2-3-1) Walton; the defender, the centre-half, Kipre, Greaves; Matusiwa, Taylor; the attacker, the playmaker, Jack Clarke; the centre-forward.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, the midfielder, the defender, Cajuste, the winger, McAteer, the attacker, the striker.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Scenarios
It's a tricky picture. That's often the case when some but not all third-placed sides qualify. Here’s how things look ahead of this evening's final set of games.
- Morocco 4pts, +2 goal difference
- The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (with 2 goals for)
- The Copper Bullets 2pts, 0 goal difference (goals scored 1)
- The Coelacanths 1 point, -2 goal difference
To summarize, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to defeat Zambia to win the group. Zambia likely requires a draw or better against Morocco. The island nation probably must to beat Mali, who should advance with a point.
Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.
Egypt's Match with Angola Update
The denouement of Group B at the continental championship has coverage elsewhere. For those wishing to remain unaware, 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 |
