Coventry versus The Tractor Boys, The Foxes versus The Rams, along with Additional EFL Action Updates
Hello for the full evening of Football League and continental football action. Our focus includes key second-tier clashes and those pivotal final pool matches in this Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Preamble
Oh, hi folks. You are welcome to what is reportedly this second-to-last soccer clockwatch of the year. There’s a full EFL schedule, starting with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, and we’ll also be keeping a close watch on both night games from the first group at this Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco hosting Zambia and Mali facing Comoros.
Our primary attention will be on these matches, with 7.45pm start times unless stated.
Afcon 2025
- Comoros v The Eagles (19:00)
- Zambia versus The Atlas Lions (19:00)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues versus Ipswich (6pm)
- Leicester versus The Rams
- Middlesbrough v Hull
- Millwall versus Bristol City
- The Red Dragons versus North End
Third Tier Fixture
- Cardiff v Stevenage
Recent Lineup Updates
Coventry v Ipswich Team News
The early game, featuring the sides sitting first and third in the second tier, looks like a thriller. These are the starting elevens.
Coventry (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, the left-back; the midfielder, Grimes; the winger, the attacking midfielder, the forward; the striker.
Subs: The backup keeper, the midfielder, Simms, the defender, Bidwell, the defender, Eccles, Perry, Andrews.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) Walton; the defender, O’Shea, the defender, the left-back; Matusiwa, the midfielder; the attacker, the playmaker, Jack Clarke; Azon.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, the midfielder, the defender, Cajuste, Burns, McAteer, the attacker, the striker.
The official Backhouse (from Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Scenarios
The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-placed teams progress. Here’s how things look ahead of this evening's last round of matches.
- The Atlas Lions 4pts, GD+2
- The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- The Copper Bullets 2 points, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
- The Coelacanths 1pt, -2 goal difference
To summarize, Morocco are probably fine but will want to beat Zambia to top the group. Zambia probably need a draw or better versus the hosts. Comoros likely need to overcome their rivals, who should advance if they get a point.
Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.
Angola v Egypt Update
The final act to the second group at this Africa Cup of Nations has coverage elsewhere. If you don’t want to know the score, 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 |
