Coventry versus Ipswich, Leicester against Derby, and Additional Football League Updates
Hello to the busy night of Football League as well as international soccer action. The spotlight falls on important second-tier matches plus the pivotal last group games in this Afcon tournament.
Preamble
Greetings to all. Welcome to the arguably the penultimate soccer live blog of 2025. There’s an extensive Football League slate, kicking off with Coventry v Ipswich at 18:00, while we will also monitor a close watch on the two night fixtures from the first group at the Africa Cup of Nations: Zambia against the hosts Morocco and Comoros v Mali.
Our primary attention will be on these matches, with 19:45 start times unless stated.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- The Coelacanths v Mali (7pm)
- Zambia v Morocco (7pm)
Championship
- Coventry v The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- The Foxes v The Rams
- Middlesbrough versus Hull
- Millwall v The Robins
- Wrexham versus North End
League One
- Cardiff versus Stevenage
Recent Team News
Ipswich at Coventry Team News
The evening's opener, featuring the sides sitting first and third in the Championship, promises to be a cracker. These are the confirmed lineups.
Coventry City (a 4-2-3-1 formation) The goalkeeper; van Ewijk, the centre-back, the defender, Brau; Torp, Grimes; the winger, the attacking midfielder, the forward; the striker.
Substitutes: Wilson, the midfielder, Simms, the defender, the full-back, the defender, Eccles, the youngster, the player.
Ipswich (a 4-2-3-1 setup) The shot-stopper; Furlong, O’Shea, Kipre, the left-back; the midfielder, Taylor; Walle, the playmaker, Jack Clarke; Azon.
Subs: The goalkeeper, Young, Johnson, the defender, the midfielder, the winger, McAteer, Philogene-Bidace, Akpom.
The official Backhouse (from Cumbria).
Afcon 2025: First Group Permutations
The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-placed sides progress. This is the current state before this evening's final round of games.
- The Atlas Lions 4pts, GD+2
- The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- Zambia 2pts, 0 goal difference (with 1 goal for)
- The Coelacanths 1pt, GD-2
In short, Morocco are probably fine though they will aim to defeat their opponents and win their pool. Zambia probably need a draw or better versus Morocco. Comoros likely must to beat Mali, who will probably be okay with a point.
A host of potential results and permutations.
Angola v Egypt Update
The denouement of Group B at this continental championship is being covered. 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 |
