Coventry v The Tractor Boys, The Foxes against Derby, along with Additional Football Action Updates

Greetings for a full evening of EFL and continental soccer action. The spotlight falls on important Championship clashes plus the pivotal final group games in the Africa Cup of Nations competition.

Opening Notes

Hello everyone. Welcome to the checks writing desk rota this penultimate soccer live blog of 2025. We have an extensive Football League programme, kicking off with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 18:00, while we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two evening fixtures from the first group at this Afcon: Zambia against the hosts Morocco as well as Comoros v Mali.

Our primary attention will be on the following games, with 7.45pm kick-offs unless stated.

Afcon 2025

• The Coelacanths v Mali (19:00)
• The Copper Bullets versus Morocco (19:00)

Second Division Matches

• Coventry versus Ipswich (6pm)
• The Foxes versus Derby
• Boro v The Tigers
• The Lions v The Robins
• The Red Dragons v Preston

League One

• Cardiff v Stevenage

Recent Lineup Updates

Ipswich at Coventry Team News

The early game, featuring the sides sitting top and third in the Championship, promises to be an exciting match. These are the confirmed lineups.

Coventry City (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, Brau; Torp, the captain; the winger, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright.

Subs: The backup keeper, Allen, Simms, the defender, the full-back, Latibeaudiere, the midfielder, Perry, Andrews.

Ipswich (4-2-3-1) Walton; Furlong, the centre-half, the defender, Greaves; Matusiwa, the midfielder; the attacker, Nunez, Jack Clarke; Azon.

Subs: The goalkeeper, Young, the midfielder, Humphreys, Cajuste, Burns, the forward, the attacker, Akpom.

Referee Backhouse (Cumbria).

Africa Cup of Nations: First Group Permutations

The situation is complex. That's often the case where only some third-placed teams progress. Here’s how things look ahead of this evening's last round of matches.

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

To summarize, Morocco are probably fine though they will aim to defeat Zambia and top their pool. Zambia likely requires a draw or better against the hosts. Comoros probably need to beat Mali, who should advance if they get a draw.

A host of potential results and permutations.

Egypt's Match with Angola Latest

The denouement of Group B at this continental championship has coverage elsewhere. If you don’t want to know the score, don’t click the link.

Championship Table Snapshot