Coventry v Ipswich, Leicester v Derby, and More EFL League Updates

Greetings for a busy evening of EFL as well as international soccer action. Our focus includes important second-tier matches plus those crucial last group matches in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Introduction

Greetings to all. Welcome to what is checks writing desk rota the penultimate football live blog of 2025. We have an extensive EFL schedule, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 18:00, while we will also monitor a close watch on both night games from the first group at the Afcon: Morocco hosting Zambia and Comoros v Mali.

We'll be focussing on the following matches, with 19:45 start times except where noted.

Afcon 2025

• The Coelacanths versus Mali (7pm)
• The Copper Bullets versus The Atlas Lions (7pm)

Second Division Matches

• Coventry versus Ipswich (18:00)
• The Foxes versus Derby
• Boro versus Hull
• The Lions versus Bristol City
• The Red Dragons versus Preston

Third Tier Fixture

• The Bluebirds v Boro

Recent Team News

Ipswich at Coventry Confirmed Lineups

The early game, between the teams who are top and third in the Championship, looks like a cracker. Here are the starting elevens.

Coventry City (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; van Ewijk, Woolfenden, Kitching, Brau; the midfielder, Grimes; the winger, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; the striker.

Substitutes: Wilson, Allen, Simms, the defender, Bidwell, the defender, the midfielder, Perry, the player.

Ipswich (a 4-2-3-1 setup) Walton; the defender, O’Shea, the defender, the left-back; Matusiwa, the midfielder; the attacker, Nunez, the winger; Azon.

Substitutes: Palmer, the defender, the midfielder, Humphreys, the midfielder, the winger, McAteer, Philogene-Bidace, the striker.

The official Backhouse (Cumbria).

Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Permutations

The situation is complex. It always is when some but not all third-place sides progress. This is the current state ahead of this evening's final set of matches.

• The Atlas Lions 4 points, +2 goal difference
• The Eagles 2pts, 0 goal difference (goals scored 2)
• The Copper Bullets 2 points, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
• The Coelacanths 1pt, GD-2

To summarize, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to defeat Zambia to win the group. Zambia probably need at least a point versus Morocco. Comoros likely need to beat Mali, who should advance if they get a draw.

Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.

Angola v Egypt Update

The final act to Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations has coverage elsewhere. To avoid spoilers, avoid following that coverage.

Second Tier Standings Snapshot