Coventry v The Tractor Boys, The Foxes v The Rams, along with More EFL Action Updates
Greetings for a packed evening of EFL as well as continental football fixtures. The spotlight falls on important second-tier matches and the crucial final pool matches in this Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Preamble
Hello everyone. Welcome to the checks writing desk rota the second-to-last soccer clockwatch of the year. There’s a full EFL slate, starting with Coventry v Ipswich at 6pm, while we’ll also be keeping a close watch on the two evening games from the first group at this Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco hosting Zambia as well as Mali facing Comoros.
Our primary attention will be on the following fixtures, all 19:45 kick-offs except where noted.
Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
- Comoros versus Mali (7pm)
- Zambia versus Morocco (7pm)
Second Division Matches
- The Sky Blues versus The Tractor Boys (6pm)
- The Foxes v Derby
- Middlesbrough v Hull
- Millwall versus The Robins
- The Red Dragons versus Preston
Third Tier Fixture
- The Bluebirds v Stevenage
Recent Lineup Updates
Coventry v Ipswich Team News
The early game, between the teams who are top and third in the second tier, could be a cracker. These are the two XIs.
Coventry (a 4-2-3-1 formation) Rushworth; the right-back, Woolfenden, Kitching, Brau; Torp, the captain; Sakamoto, Rudoni, the forward; the striker.
Substitutes: The backup keeper, the midfielder, Simms, the defender, the full-back, Latibeaudiere, the midfielder, the youngster, Andrews.
Ipswich (a 4-2-3-1 setup) The shot-stopper; Furlong, the centre-half, the defender, the left-back; Matusiwa, the midfielder; the attacker, the playmaker, the winger; Azon.
Substitutes: The goalkeeper, the defender, Johnson, the defender, Cajuste, the winger, the forward, Philogene-Bidace, the striker.
Referee Anthony Backhouse (from Cumbria).
Africa Cup of Nations: Group A Scenarios
The situation is complex. That's often the case where only some third-placed teams progress. Here’s how things look before tonight’s final round of matches.
- The Atlas Lions 4pts, GD+2
- Mali 2pts, GD0 (goals scored 2)
- The Copper Bullets 2 points, 0 goal difference (goals scored 1)
- Comoros 1 point, -2 goal difference
In short, Morocco is likely safe but will want to beat Zambia to win their pool. Zambia likely requires at least a point against Morocco. Comoros probably need to overcome Mali, who should advance if they get a draw.
Many possibilities, various outcomes, plenty of scenarios.
Egypt's Match with Angola Latest
The conclusion of the second group at this Africa Cup of Nations is being covered. To avoid spoilers, don’t click the link.
Second Tier Table 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 |
