Coventry v Ipswich, The Foxes versus The Rams, and More EFL League Previews
Hello to a busy evening of Football League and continental soccer fixtures. Our focus includes major second-tier matches and the pivotal last pool matches in the Afcon competition.
Introduction
Hello everyone. You are welcome to what is reportedly this penultimate soccer clockwatch of 2025. There’s an extensive EFL slate, starting with Coventry v Ipswich at 6pm, while we will also monitor a close watch on the two night fixtures from Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.
We'll be focussing on the following matches, with 19:45 kick-offs unless stated.
Afcon 2025
- The Coelacanths versus Mali (19:00)
- The Copper Bullets versus Morocco (19:00)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues v Ipswich (18:00)
- Leicester v The Rams
- Middlesbrough versus The Tigers
- Millwall v The Robins
- Wrexham versus North End
Third Tier Fixture
- The Bluebirds versus Stevenage
Recent Team News
Coventry v Ipswich Team News
The evening's opener, featuring the sides sitting first and third in the Championship, looks like an exciting match. These are the starting elevens.
Coventry City (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; the right-back, the centre-back, Kitching, Brau; Torp, the captain; the winger, the attacking midfielder, Mason-Clark; the striker.
Subs: Wilson, the midfielder, the forward, Kesler-Hayden, the full-back, the defender, Eccles, the youngster, Andrews.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) The shot-stopper; the defender, the centre-half, Kipre, Greaves; Matusiwa, the midfielder; Walle, Nunez, Jack Clarke; the centre-forward.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, Johnson, Humphreys, Cajuste, Burns, the forward, Philogene-Bidace, Akpom.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: First Group Permutations
The situation is complex. That's often the case when some but not all third-placed teams progress. This is the current state before tonight’s last set of games.
- The Atlas Lions 4 points, +2 goal difference
- Mali 2pts, 0 goal difference (with 2 goals for)
- The Copper Bullets 2 points, 0 goal difference (goals scored 1)
- The Coelacanths 1pt, -2 goal difference
Briefly, Morocco are probably fine but will want to beat their opponents to win the group. Zambia probably need at least a point against Morocco. The island nation probably need to beat Mali, who should advance with a point.
Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.
Egypt's Match with Angola Update
The conclusion to Group B at this continental championship has coverage elsewhere. For those wishing to remain unaware, don’t click the link.
Second Tier 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 |
