The Sky Blues versus Ipswich, The Foxes versus Derby, along with More EFL Action Previews

Greetings to the busy night of EFL as well as continental soccer fixtures. We'll be covering major second-tier clashes and those crucial last pool matches in this Afcon competition.

Introduction

Greetings to all. Welcome to the checks writing desk rota this second-to-last football live blog of 2025. We have a full EFL schedule, starting with Coventry v Ipswich at 18:00, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two evening fixtures from Group A at this Afcon: Morocco hosting Zambia and Mali facing Comoros.

We'll be focussing on the following games, all 19:45 kick-offs unless stated.

Afcon 2025

• The Coelacanths v The Eagles (19:00)
• Zambia versus Morocco (7pm)

Championship

• The Sky Blues v Ipswich (18:00)
• The Foxes v Derby
• Middlesbrough v Hull
• The Lions versus The Robins
• Wrexham versus Preston

Third Tier Fixture

• The Bluebirds versus Stevenage

Latest Lineup Updates

Ipswich at Coventry Team News

The evening's opener, between the teams who are top and third in the Championship, promises to be a cracker. Here are the two XIs.

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

Substitutes: Wilson, Allen, Simms, Kesler-Hayden, Bidwell, Latibeaudiere, Eccles, Perry, the player.

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

Subs: Palmer, the defender, the midfielder, Humphreys, Cajuste, Burns, McAteer, Philogene-Bidace, the striker.

The official Anthony Backhouse (Cumbria).

Afcon 2025: First Group Permutations

The situation is complex. It always is where only some third-place sides progress. This is the current state before tonight’s last round of matches.

• The Atlas Lions 4pts, +2 goal difference
• The Eagles 2 points, GD0 (goals scored 2)
• Zambia 2 points, GD0 (with 1 goal for)
• Comoros 1 point, GD-2

In short, Morocco are probably fine but will want to defeat Zambia and win their pool. Zambia likely requires a draw or better against Morocco. Comoros probably need to overcome their rivals, who will probably be okay if they get a draw.

Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.

Egypt's Match with Angola Latest

The final act to Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations is being covered. If you don’t want to know the score, don’t click the link.

Championship Standings Overview