Coventry versus Ipswich, Leicester versus Derby, along with More EFL Action Previews

Greetings for a packed evening of EFL and international football action. The spotlight falls on key Championship matches plus the pivotal final pool matches in the Africa Cup of Nations competition.

Preamble

Hello everyone. You are welcome to the checks writing desk rota the second-to-last football clockwatch of 2025. We have a full EFL programme, starting with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 18:00, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two night fixtures from the first group at this Afcon: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.

We'll be focussing on these games, with 7.45pm start times unless stated.

Afcon 2025

• Comoros versus Mali (19:00)
• The Copper Bullets versus Morocco (7pm)

Championship

• The Sky Blues versus Ipswich (18:00)
• Leicester v The Rams
• Middlesbrough versus Hull
• The Lions versus Bristol City
• The Red Dragons versus Preston

Third Tier Fixture

• Cardiff versus Boro

Recent Lineup Updates

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 starting elevens.

Coventry (4-2-3-1) Rushworth; van Ewijk, Woolfenden, Kitching, the left-back; Torp, Grimes; Sakamoto, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright.

Substitutes: Wilson, Allen, the forward, Kesler-Hayden, the full-back, the defender, Eccles, Perry, Andrews.

Ipswich (4-2-3-1) Walton; the defender, the centre-half, the defender, the left-back; Matusiwa, the midfielder; Walle, Nunez, Jack Clarke; Azon.

Subs: Palmer, the defender, the midfielder, the defender, Cajuste, Burns, the forward, the attacker, Akpom.

The official Backhouse (from Cumbria).

Afcon 2025: First Group Permutations

It's a tricky picture. It always is when some but not all third-place sides progress. This is the current state before this evening's final round of matches.

• Morocco 4pts, GD+2
• The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
• The Copper Bullets 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 1)
• Comoros 1pt, -2 goal difference

To summarize, Morocco is likely safe but will want to beat Zambia and win their pool. Zambia likely requires at least a point versus Morocco. The island nation likely must to overcome Mali, who will probably be okay if they get a point.

Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.

Egypt's Match with Angola Latest

The conclusion of the second group at the continental championship has coverage elsewhere. To avoid spoilers, don’t click the link.

Second Tier Standings Snapshot