Coventry v Ipswich, Leicester against Derby, along with More EFL Action Updates
Greetings to a full evening of Football League as well as international soccer action. The spotlight falls on key Championship clashes and the pivotal last pool matches in this Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Opening Notes
Oh, hi folks. You are welcome to the arguably this second-to-last soccer live blog of the year. There’s an extensive Football League schedule, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 18:00, while we’ll also be keeping a close watch on the two evening games from the first group at this Afcon: Morocco hosting Zambia as well as Comoros v Mali.
Our primary attention will be on these games, with 19:45 kick-offs except where noted.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- The Coelacanths versus The Eagles (19:00)
- Zambia v Morocco (7pm)
Championship
- The Sky Blues versus The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- Leicester versus Derby
- Boro versus The Tigers
- The Lions v Bristol City
- The Red Dragons versus North End
Third Tier Fixture
- The Bluebirds versus Boro
Latest Team News
Coventry v Ipswich Confirmed Lineups
The early game, between the teams who are top and third in the second tier, could be a thriller. These are the confirmed lineups.
Coventry (4-2-3-1) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, the left-back; the midfielder, Grimes; Sakamoto, the attacking midfielder, the forward; the striker.
Substitutes: The backup keeper, the midfielder, Simms, Kesler-Hayden, Bidwell, the defender, Eccles, Perry, the player.
Ipswich (4-2-3-1) The shot-stopper; the defender, the centre-half, the defender, Greaves; the midfielder, Taylor; the attacker, the playmaker, the winger; the centre-forward.
Substitutes: The goalkeeper, the defender, the midfielder, the defender, Cajuste, the winger, McAteer, the attacker, Akpom.
The official Anthony Backhouse (Cumbria).
Afcon 2025: First Group Permutations
The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-place teams progress. This is the current state ahead of tonight’s last round of matches.
- Morocco 4 points, GD+2
- Mali 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- Zambia 2 points, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
- The Coelacanths 1pt, -2 goal difference
To summarize, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to defeat Zambia to top the group. Zambia probably need at least a point against the hosts. The island nation likely must to beat their rivals, who will probably be okay with a draw.
A host of potential results and permutations.
Egypt's Match with Angola Update
The denouement of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations is being covered. For those wishing to remain unaware, avoid following that coverage.
Championship Table 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 |
