Coventry against The Tractor Boys, The Foxes v The Rams, and Additional Football Action Updates
Hello for a busy evening of Football League as well as continental soccer action. The spotlight falls on important second-tier clashes and those crucial final pool games in this Afcon competition.
Introduction
Hello everyone. Welcome to what is arguably the penultimate soccer live blog of the year. We have an extensive Football League programme, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two night fixtures from the first group at the Afcon: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.
We'll be focussing on the following matches, all 19:45 kick-offs unless stated.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- The Coelacanths versus The Eagles (19:00)
- Zambia v Morocco (7pm)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues versus Ipswich (6pm)
- Leicester versus The Rams
- Middlesbrough v The Tigers
- Millwall versus The Robins
- Wrexham versus North End
League One
- Cardiff v Stevenage
Recent Lineup Updates
Ipswich at Coventry Confirmed Lineups
The evening's opener, between the teams who are first and third in the second tier, looks like a thriller. These are the starting elevens.
Coventry City (4-2-3-1) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, the defender, Brau; Torp, the captain; the winger, the attacking midfielder, the forward; Wright.
Subs: Wilson, the midfielder, Simms, the defender, Bidwell, Latibeaudiere, Eccles, Perry, Andrews.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) Walton; Furlong, the centre-half, Kipre, Greaves; the midfielder, the midfielder; the attacker, Nunez, Jack Clarke; Azon.
Subs: Palmer, Young, Johnson, Humphreys, Cajuste, Burns, McAteer, the attacker, the striker.
Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).
Afcon 2025: First Group Scenarios
Look, it’s complicated. That's often the case when some but not all third-placed sides progress. Here’s how things look ahead of tonight’s final round of matches.
- Morocco 4 points, +2 goal difference
- The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- Zambia 2pts, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
- The Coelacanths 1pt, GD-2
In short, Morocco is likely safe though they will aim to beat their opponents and top their pool. Zambia probably need at least a point versus the hosts. The island nation probably must to beat Mali, who should advance with a draw.
Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.
Angola v Egypt Latest
The conclusion to the second group at this continental championship is being covered. For those wishing to remain unaware, don’t click the link.
Championship Table 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 |
