The Sky Blues against Ipswich, The Foxes versus The Rams, along with More EFL Action Previews
Welcome to a full night of Football League and international football action. The spotlight falls on important second-tier clashes plus the pivotal final group games in this Afcon competition.
Introduction
Hello everyone. You are welcome to the checks writing desk rota the second-to-last soccer clockwatch of 2025. There’s a full Football League slate, starting with Coventry v Ipswich at 6pm, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on both night games from Group A at the Afcon: Zambia against the hosts Morocco and Comoros v Mali.
We'll be focussing on these fixtures, with 7.45pm start times unless stated.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- The Coelacanths v Mali (7pm)
- The Copper Bullets v The Atlas Lions (7pm)
Championship
- The Sky Blues v Ipswich (6pm)
- Leicester v Derby
- Middlesbrough versus The Tigers
- The Lions v The Robins
- Wrexham v North End
League One
- Cardiff versus Boro
Latest Lineup Updates
Coventry v Ipswich Team News
The evening's opener, featuring the sides sitting first and third in the Championship, could be a thriller. Here are the two XIs.
Coventry (4-2-3-1) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, Brau; the midfielder, the captain; the winger, Rudoni, the forward; the striker.
Subs: The backup keeper, the midfielder, the forward, the defender, the full-back, the defender, Eccles, Perry, Andrews.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) Walton; the defender, O’Shea, Kipre, Greaves; Matusiwa, the midfielder; Walle, Nunez, Jack Clarke; the centre-forward.
Substitutes: Palmer, the defender, Johnson, Humphreys, the midfielder, the winger, the forward, the attacker, Akpom.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: First Group Scenarios
The situation is complex. That's often the case when some but not all third-place teams qualify. This is the current state before tonight’s final set of games.
- Morocco 4 points, GD+2
- The Eagles 2 points, 0 goal difference (goals scored 2)
- Zambia 2pts, GD0 (goals scored 1)
- Comoros 1 point, GD-2
In short, Morocco are probably fine though they will aim to beat their opponents to win the group. Zambia likely requires a draw or better against the hosts. The island nation likely need to beat their rivals, who should advance if they get a draw.
Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.
Egypt's Match with Angola Latest
The conclusion to Group B at the continental championship has coverage elsewhere. To avoid spoilers, it's best not to seek out that information.
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 |
