The Sky Blues against Ipswich, Leicester against Derby, and More EFL Action Previews
Greetings to the full evening of Football League as well as international football fixtures. Our focus includes key Championship encounters and those pivotal final group matches in this Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Introduction
Hello everyone. You are welcome to what is arguably the second-to-last soccer clockwatch of the year. We have an extensive Football League schedule, starting with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two evening fixtures from the first group at the Africa Cup of Nations: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Mali facing Comoros.
Our primary attention will be on these games, all 19:45 kick-offs except where noted.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- Comoros versus Mali (19:00)
- Zambia versus The Atlas Lions (19:00)
Championship
- Coventry versus The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- The Foxes versus The Rams
- Boro v Hull
- Millwall versus The Robins
- Wrexham versus North End
League One
- The Bluebirds versus Stevenage
Recent Team News
Coventry v Ipswich Confirmed Lineups
The early game, featuring the sides sitting top and third in the second tier, could be a cracker. These are the confirmed lineups.
Coventry City (4-2-3-1) The goalkeeper; van Ewijk, Woolfenden, the defender, the left-back; the midfielder, the captain; the winger, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; the striker.
Subs: The backup keeper, Allen, the forward, the defender, Bidwell, the defender, Eccles, Perry, the player.
Ipswich (4-2-3-1) Walton; the defender, the centre-half, the defender, Greaves; the midfielder, Taylor; Walle, the playmaker, the winger; the centre-forward.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, Johnson, the defender, the midfielder, Burns, the forward, Philogene-Bidace, the striker.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Afcon 2025: First Group Scenarios
The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-placed sides qualify. This is the current state before tonight’s last round of matches.
- The Atlas Lions 4 points, +2 goal difference
- The Eagles 2pts, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- The Copper Bullets 2pts, GD0 (goals scored 1)
- Comoros 1 point, GD-2
In short, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to defeat Zambia and top the group. Zambia likely requires at least a point versus the hosts. Comoros likely must to overcome their rivals, who should advance if they get a draw.
Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.
Egypt's Match with Angola Latest
The denouement to the second group at this Africa Cup of Nations has coverage elsewhere. For those wishing to remain unaware, don’t click the link.
Championship Table 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 |
