Coventry against Ipswich, The Foxes against Derby, and Additional EFL League Updates

Greetings for a packed evening of Football League as well as international soccer fixtures. Our focus includes major second-tier clashes and the crucial final group matches in the Afcon tournament.

Introduction

Greetings to all. Welcome to what is reportedly the second-to-last soccer live blog of 2025. We have an extensive Football League schedule, kicking off with Coventry v Ipswich at 18:00, while we’ll also be keeping at least a third of an eye on both night fixtures from the first group at the Africa Cup of Nations: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.

Our primary attention will be on these fixtures, with 7.45pm kick-offs unless stated.

Afcon 2025

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

Championship

• The Sky Blues versus The Tractor Boys (18:00)
• The Foxes v Derby
• Middlesbrough versus Hull
• Millwall v Bristol City
• The Red Dragons versus North End

Third Tier Fixture

• Cardiff v Stevenage

Latest Lineup Updates

Ipswich at Coventry Confirmed Lineups

The evening's opener, featuring the sides sitting top and third in the second tier, promises to be a thriller. Here are the confirmed lineups.

Coventry City (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, the left-back; the midfielder, the captain; the winger, Rudoni, the forward; Wright.

Subs: Wilson, the midfielder, the forward, the defender, Bidwell, the defender, the midfielder, Perry, Andrews.

Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) The shot-stopper; Furlong, O’Shea, the defender, the left-back; the midfielder, the midfielder; Walle, the playmaker, the winger; Azon.

Substitutes: The goalkeeper, the defender, the midfielder, Humphreys, the midfielder, Burns, McAteer, Philogene-Bidace, Akpom.

Referee Anthony Backhouse (Cumbria).

Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Permutations

The situation is complex. That's often the case where only some third-placed sides qualify. Here’s how things look before this evening's last set of games.

• Morocco 4 points, +2 goal difference
• The Eagles 2 points, 0 goal difference (goals scored 2)
• Zambia 2pts, 0 goal difference (goals scored 1)
• Comoros 1 point, GD-2

To summarize, Morocco is likely safe but will want to beat their opponents and top their pool. Zambia probably need at least a point against Morocco. The island nation likely must to beat their rivals, who will probably be okay if they get a draw.

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

Angola v Egypt Latest

The final act to the second group at the Africa Cup of Nations is being covered. For those wishing to remain unaware, don’t click the link.

Second Tier Standings Snapshot