Coventry versus Ipswich, Leicester v The Rams, and Additional Football Action Previews
Greetings for a packed evening of EFL and continental soccer fixtures. The spotlight falls on key second-tier matches plus those crucial final pool matches in this Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Opening Notes
Hello everyone. Welcome to the checks writing desk rota the second-to-last soccer clockwatch of 2025. We have a full EFL programme, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, while we’ll also be keeping a close watch on the two night games from Group A at the Afcon: Zambia against the hosts Morocco and Comoros v Mali.
Our primary attention will be on these fixtures, all 7.45pm start times except where noted.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- Comoros v Mali (7pm)
- Zambia v The Atlas Lions (7pm)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues versus The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- The Foxes v The Rams
- Middlesbrough versus Hull
- Millwall versus Bristol City
- The Red Dragons versus North End
League One
- The Bluebirds v Stevenage
Latest Lineup Updates
Ipswich at Coventry Team News
The early game, featuring the sides sitting top and third in the Championship, could be a cracker. Here are the two XIs.
Coventry (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, the left-back; the midfielder, Grimes; the winger, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; the striker.
Subs: Wilson, the midfielder, the forward, the defender, Bidwell, the defender, the midfielder, the youngster, Andrews.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) The shot-stopper; the defender, the centre-half, Kipre, Greaves; the midfielder, the midfielder; the attacker, the playmaker, the winger; the centre-forward.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, the midfielder, Humphreys, Cajuste, Burns, McAteer, the attacker, the striker.
The official Anthony Backhouse (from Cumbria).
Afcon 2025: Group A Scenarios
It's a tricky picture. It always is when some but not all third-placed teams progress. This is the current state before tonight’s last round of matches.
- The Atlas Lions 4 points, GD+2
- The Eagles 2pts, 0 goal difference (with 2 goals for)
- Zambia 2pts, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
- The Coelacanths 1 point, GD-2
Briefly, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to beat Zambia to top their pool. Zambia likely requires at least a point against Morocco. The island nation probably need to overcome their rivals, who will probably be okay with a point.
Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.
Angola v Egypt Update
The conclusion to the second group at the continental championship is being covered. If you don’t want to know the score, it's best not to seek out that information.
Championship 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 |
