Coventry v The Tractor Boys, Leicester versus The Rams, and More Football Action Previews
Welcome for the packed night of EFL and continental soccer fixtures. We'll be covering important second-tier matches plus those pivotal last pool games in this Africa Cup of Nations competition.
Preamble
Hello everyone. You are welcome to the checks writing desk rota this second-to-last soccer clockwatch of the year. We have an extensive Football League slate, starting with Ipswich's trip to Coventry at 6pm, and we will also monitor at least a third of an eye on the two night games from Group A at this Afcon: Morocco hosting Zambia and Mali facing Comoros.
We'll be focussing on these matches, all 7.45pm start times unless stated.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- The Coelacanths v The Eagles (19:00)
- The Copper Bullets versus The Atlas Lions (19:00)
Championship
- Coventry versus Ipswich (6pm)
- Leicester v The Rams
- Boro v The Tigers
- The Lions v Bristol City
- Wrexham versus Preston
Third Tier Fixture
- Cardiff versus Boro
Recent Lineup Updates
Coventry v Ipswich Confirmed Lineups
The evening's opener, between the teams who are top and third in the second tier, promises to be a thriller. These are the confirmed lineups.
Coventry City (4-2-3-1) The goalkeeper; van Ewijk, the centre-back, Kitching, Brau; the midfielder, Grimes; the winger, Rudoni, Mason-Clark; Wright.
Subs: Wilson, Allen, the forward, Kesler-Hayden, Bidwell, the defender, Eccles, Perry, Andrews.
Ipswich Town (4-2-3-1) Walton; Furlong, O’Shea, the defender, Greaves; Matusiwa, Taylor; the attacker, the playmaker, the winger; the centre-forward.
Subs: Palmer, the defender, Johnson, the defender, Cajuste, Burns, the forward, Philogene-Bidace, the striker.
The official Anthony Backhouse (from Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Scenarios
The situation is complex. That's often the case when some but not all third-placed teams progress. Here’s how things look ahead of this evening's last set of games.
- Morocco 4 points, GD+2
- Mali 2pts, 0 goal difference (with 2 goals for)
- The Copper Bullets 2pts, 0 goal difference (with 1 goal for)
- Comoros 1 point, GD-2
In short, Morocco is likely safe but will want to defeat their opponents and win the group. Zambia probably need a draw or better versus Morocco. The island nation likely need to beat their rivals, who should advance if they get a draw.
Lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.
Angola v Egypt Update
The conclusion of Group B at the continental championship has coverage elsewhere. For those wishing to remain unaware, don’t click the link.
Championship Standings 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 |
