Champions League Tips

Tottenham are 16 points below third-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League and a run of just three wins in 13 matches makes them difficult to trust. The visitors have won 12 of their last 14 games in all competitions and could be tough to stop.

Osasuna’s recent resurgence has seen them score 14 goals in their last seven games and the last two meetings with Girona have produced at least three goals, while the hosts have seen over 2.5 goals land in each of their last five fixtures.

Bromley are in form and can extend their current three-game winning streak away at Tranmere on Saturday. They have won five of their last seven League Two games on their travels and should be backed to get another victory at Prenton Park.

Newcastle have scored nine goals across their last three games, while Bournemouth have been this season’s entertainers, with 74 goals being struck in 21 Premier League matches involving the Cherries.

PSV have won 11 straight Eredivisie games, while they have 15 wins from 17 matches this term. However, they’ve only managed one clean sheet at home, while the visitors have seen both teams score in five of their last six away games.

Como have won three straight games without conceding, and they host a Bologna side who are winless in six Serie A matches, losing four times. The visitors have lost all three visits to the sides above them, while sixth-placed Como have won four of their last five home games.

Four of the last five meetings between these sides have featured four or more goals, including a seven-goal thriller earlier this season. Stuttgart have seen over 3.5 goals land in four of their last six away games, while Bayer Leverkusen have in two of their last three outings.

Brentford are in flying form in the Premier League and, having kept three clean sheets in their last five outings, they can shut out Sheffield Wednesday. The Championship’s bottom club are winless in 19 and have fired blanks in three of their last five home games. At the other end, Brentford are scoring for fun, netting 13 times in their last five appearances.

Villarreal have scored at least twice in eight of their last nine Primera Liga games and just two clubs have scored more goals this season. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in fourteen of their last sixteen meetings with Alaves, who have conceded on six straight away trips.

Twente have won four of six home meetings with sides below them, while struggling PEC Zwolle have conceded 27 times across their nine trips, losing five. They’ve netted in each of those losses, and they visit a side who have back-to-back home victories behind them.

Spartans have won their last three games, and the league leaders have conceded in five of their six away victories this season, keeping just one clean sheet in total across their nine trips. They have beaten East Kilbride 3-1 and 2-1 already this term, so back a high-scoring away win.

The Clippers enter this matchup with a veteran core led by James Harden and Ivica Zubac, capable of controlling tempo and exploiting Brooklyn’s defensive struggles. The Nets have been inconsistent, particularly on defense and in protecting the paint, making it difficult to contain Los Angeles’ offensive weapons. With superior depth, experience, and a matchup edge, the Clippers are well positioned to dominate and cover.

The Nuggets have held up well without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. They’ve won three of their first five games since he was ruled out, including wins over Philadelphia and Boston in their previous two. The Hawks lost back-to-back games at the Raptors earlier this week, and they’ve lost five of their last six away trips.

The Knicks have struggled on the road, going just 7-9 and 5-12 ATS, despite strong production from Jalen Brunson and their frontcourt. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent Western teams, with Devin Booker leading the way and Dillon Brooks providing crucial secondary scoring. With the Suns playing confidently at home and New York’s road inefficiencies continuing, the edge clearly goes to Phoenix.

This will be the second straight meeting between the sides, with the Trail Blazers coming out on top in the first meeting at home. With Alperen Sengun remaining out, the Rockets will once again be on the road without their leading playmaker. In each of the last 3 games they have failed to score over 104 points and if they struggle similarly without his creativity here, it is hard to see them pick up a dominant win.

Both teams are on short rest, which should lead to tired legs and weaker defence, favouring the deeper roster. New Orleans is mostly healthy, with Zion Williamson producing consistently and Trey Murphy expected back to boost scoring. Washington faces lineup uncertainty and defensive issues. The Pelicans have capitalised when favoured, and they’re well placed to beat a Wizards side that gave up two players in their rotation for an injured Trae Young with an eye on sliding down the standings to keep their draft pick. 

The Raptors have lost both meetings with the Celtics this season, including a 112-96 home defeat just before Christmas. Toronto have been dominated in the rebounding battle in those games, and the continued absence of Jakob Poeltl – their only 7 ft player – leaves them vulnerable. With doubts over their two most talented players, back Toronto to struggle against Boston again.

The Clippers enter this matchup with a veteran core led by James Harden and Ivica Zubac, capable of controlling tempo and exploiting Brooklyn’s defensive struggles. The Nets have been inconsistent, particularly on defense and in protecting the paint, making it difficult to contain Los Angeles’ offensive weapons. With superior depth, experience, and a matchup edge, the Clippers are well positioned to dominate and cover.

The Nuggets have held up well without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. They’ve won three of their first five games since he was ruled out, including wins over Philadelphia and Boston in their previous two. The Hawks lost back-to-back games at the Raptors earlier this week, and they’ve lost five of their last six away trips.

The Knicks have struggled on the road, going just 7-9 and 5-12 ATS, despite strong production from Jalen Brunson and their frontcourt. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent Western teams, with Devin Booker leading the way and Dillon Brooks providing crucial secondary scoring. With the Suns playing confidently at home and New York’s road inefficiencies continuing, the edge clearly goes to Phoenix.

This will be the second straight meeting between the sides, with the Trail Blazers coming out on top in the first meeting at home. With Alperen Sengun remaining out, the Rockets will once again be on the road without their leading playmaker. In each of the last 3 games they have failed to score over 104 points and if they struggle similarly without his creativity here, it is hard to see them pick up a dominant win.

The Nuggets have held up well without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. They’ve won three of their first five games since he was ruled out, including wins over Philadelphia and Boston in their previous two. The Hawks lost back-to-back games at the Raptors earlier this week, and they’ve lost five of their last six away trips.

The Knicks have struggled on the road, going just 7-9 and 5-12 ATS, despite strong production from Jalen Brunson and their frontcourt. Phoenix has been one of the most consistent Western teams, with Devin Booker leading the way and Dillon Brooks providing crucial secondary scoring. With the Suns playing confidently at home and New York’s road inefficiencies continuing, the edge clearly goes to Phoenix.

This will be the second straight meeting between the sides, with the Trail Blazers coming out on top in the first meeting at home. With Alperen Sengun remaining out, the Rockets will once again be on the road without their leading playmaker. In each of the last 3 games they have failed to score over 104 points and if they struggle similarly without his creativity here, it is hard to see them pick up a dominant win.

Carolina has home-field advantage in this clash with the Rams, but that’s their only real edge in this one. The Panthers did beat LA earlier in the season, but that win came during Matthew Stafford’s worst game of the year and an uncharacteristically poor defensive showing that’s unlikely to be repeated. With massive efficiency gaps, elite offensive metrics, Davante Adams’ return and strong revenge and experience angles, this sets up as a classic positive regression spot for the Rams, where they should control the game from the start and win big.

The Bears and Packers renew the NFL’s oldest rivalry in the playoffs for just the third time ever, with Chicago riding an 11-win surge and strong home form. Green Bay limps into Soldier Field off the back of four straight losses, and could be set to struggle against a Bears team that is full of confidence right now. Chicago posted an 11-5-1 spread record during the regular season, and as slight home underdogs, hold the value in this matchup.

Carolina has home-field advantage in this clash with the Rams, but that’s their only real edge in this one. The Panthers did beat LA earlier in the season, but that win came during Matthew Stafford’s worst game of the year and an uncharacteristically poor defensive showing that’s unlikely to be repeated. With massive efficiency gaps, elite offensive metrics, Davante Adams’ return and strong revenge and experience angles, this sets up as a classic positive regression spot for the Rams, where they should control the game from the start and win big.

The Bears and Packers renew the NFL’s oldest rivalry in the playoffs for just the third time ever, with Chicago riding an 11-win surge and strong home form. Green Bay limps into Soldier Field off the back of four straight losses, and could be set to struggle against a Bears team that is full of confidence right now. Chicago posted an 11-5-1 spread record during the regular season, and as slight home underdogs, hold the value in this matchup.

Jacksonville has surged in the second half of the season under first-year head coach Liam Coen, with QB Trevor Lawrence playing ranking in the top six and the defense quietly becoming elite. However, the Jaguars’ postseason resume is still thin and that could make the difference. Buffalo counters with a massive edge in playoff experience, an elite and healthy offense led by Josh Allen, and a coaching staff that’s been through 13 postseason games together. While the Jaguars could keep it close, the Bills and Allen should have enough in their locker to pick up the road win.

The 49ers survived a rash of injuries, including quarterback Brock Purdy missing eight games, to secure a spot in the playoffs and only narrowly miss out on the NFC’s top seed. While a road date with the reigning Super Bowl champs is a tough assignment, the Niners were strong on the road (7-2) and already crushed Philadelphia 42-19 at Lincoln Financial Field last December. The Eagles were a shaky 4-4 ATS at home and have one of the weakest playoff offenses by yardage. Given Kyle Shanahan’s strong playoff track record and San Francisco’s success as an underdog, the 49ers should at least keep this one close.

The Patriots flipped the AFC East script under new coach Mike Vrabel, rebounding from a 4-13 season to go 14-3 as Drake Maye emerged as an MVP candidate, though skeptics point out that 12 of those wins came against non-playoff teams and New England oddly lost three times at home. The Chargers arrive at Gillette seeking Justin Herbert’s first playoff win after back-to-back 11–6 seasons, which included statement wins over Kansas City and Philadelphia this year. Home-field advantage could count a lot for New England in this one, and given the momentum the Patriots have been riding this season, they should be able to win and cover.

Pittsburgh’s season was saved by a missed field goal, but the Steelers still earned it, posting one of their best offensive games of the year behind Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith while once again proving head coach Mike Tomlin’s intangibles matter more than the metrics. Houston brings the biggest matchup edge with an elite, pressure-heavy defense and a battle-tested resume, but questions remain about whether their inconsistent offense can fully capitalize, even with CJ Stroud’s growth. With the spread sitting at a field goal in what profiles as a lower-scoring game, the Steelers look the right side to be on.

Jacksonville has surged in the second half of the season under first-year head coach Liam Coen, with QB Trevor Lawrence playing ranking in the top six and the defense quietly becoming elite. However, the Jaguars’ postseason resume is still thin and that could make the difference. Buffalo counters with a massive edge in playoff experience, an elite and healthy offense led by Josh Allen, and a coaching staff that’s been through 13 postseason games together. While the Jaguars could keep it close, the Bills and Allen should have enough in their locker to pick up the road win.

The 49ers survived a rash of injuries, including quarterback Brock Purdy missing eight games, to secure a spot in the playoffs and only narrowly miss out on the NFC’s top seed. While a road date with the reigning Super Bowl champs is a tough assignment, the Niners were strong on the road (7-2) and already crushed Philadelphia 42-19 at Lincoln Financial Field last December. The Eagles were a shaky 4-4 ATS at home and have one of the weakest playoff offenses by yardage. Given Kyle Shanahan’s strong playoff track record and San Francisco’s success as an underdog, the 49ers should at least keep this one close.

The Patriots flipped the AFC East script under new coach Mike Vrabel, rebounding from a 4-13 season to go 14-3 as Drake Maye emerged as an MVP candidate, though skeptics point out that 12 of those wins came against non-playoff teams and New England oddly lost three times at home. The Chargers arrive at Gillette seeking Justin Herbert’s first playoff win after back-to-back 11–6 seasons, which included statement wins over Kansas City and Philadelphia this year. Home-field advantage could count a lot for New England in this one, and given the momentum the Patriots have been riding this season, they should be able to win and cover.

Pittsburgh’s season was saved by a missed field goal, but the Steelers still earned it, posting one of their best offensive games of the year behind Aaron Rodgers and Arthur Smith while once again proving head coach Mike Tomlin’s intangibles matter more than the metrics. Houston brings the biggest matchup edge with an elite, pressure-heavy defense and a battle-tested resume, but questions remain about whether their inconsistent offense can fully capitalize, even with CJ Stroud’s growth. With the spread sitting at a field goal in what profiles as a lower-scoring game, the Steelers look the right side to be on.

FEBRUARY –  The Texans’ suffocating defence has been the key to their eight-game winning run and with the AFC looking the less competitive conference this season after the demise of the Kansas City Chiefs, they have the talent to go a long way. Quarterback CJ Stroud is fully fit again and can look for an elite wide receiver in Nico Collins while former first-round picks Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. are just two of their many defensive stars.

JULY – Elena Rybakina looks a bet in her bid to repeat her 2022 triumph at the All England Club. The Kazakhstani has had a tough couple of years, due in the main to off-court issues, but she finished last year on a high with victory at the WTA Finals. She’s a superb grass-court player who is as good as Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek when she’s on her game.

JULY – Alex Noren enjoyed a resurgence in his career in 2025, winning twice on the DP World Tour, and 2026 could finally be the year he ends his long wait for a maiden Major. The Swede has an affinity for links golf, evidenced by his victory at the 2016 Scottish Open and his two top-10 Open finishes, he could go all the way and land the Claret Jug in 2026.

DECEMBER – Mercedes may have botched the ground-effect era, but the Silver Arrows have a strong record of responding well to rule changes, and the sweeping regulation shift coming in 2026 should bring the title back into play. Their power unit has already come under, and been cleared, of scrutiny, suggesting it is likely to be among the strongest engines on the grid, and they have the driver lineup to win the consistent points necessary to land the constructor crown.

The hosts are unbeaten in five, winning each of their last four games. They host a Wanderers side who have lost three in a row, while they’ve been beaten in four of their first five away trips.

Macarthur are unbeaten in six, while they’ve suffered only one home defeat this term. Sydney FC have lost three of their first seven away trips without visiting any of the top four, so back the third-placed hosts to avoid defeat.

Perth Glory have kept only one home clean sheet this season, which came against bottom side Western Sydney Wanderers. The visitors have lost five of their last seven league games, but they’ve scored in each of those defeats.

The hosts are unbeaten in five, winning each of their last four games. They host a Wanderers side who have lost three in a row, while they’ve been beaten in four of their first five away trips.

These teams look evenly matched but home advantage gives Everton the edge. Sunderland have struggled for goals on the road all season, scoring just five times across 11 trips, so the Merseyside outfit should be able to grind out a win in their first FA Cup tie at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

There is a clear gulf in class here and Palace should win comfortably but Macclesfield may be able to at least get on the scoresheet against the holders. The Silkmen, the lowest ranked team in the competition, have a solid scoring record at home this season and their player should be fully up for this game. This is the biggest fixture in the phoenix club’s short history and the game is being televised, they can at least mark the ocassion with a goal against a potentially weakened/rotated Palace side.

Luton have enjoyed two straight League One successes at home and Jack Wilshere’s side will be confident of getting the win against Stevenage on Saturday. There should be plenty of goals in this one, with over 3.5 goals looking the likely outcome.

The best bet is a Stockport victory when they host Huddersfield in League One on Saturday. Their visitors have struggled defensively of late. Huddersfield are on a run of seven League One away days without recording a shutout and have conceded 21 goals on the road this season – an average of 1.75 goals per game from 12 matches.

Como have won three straight games without conceding, and they host a Bologna side who are winless in six Serie A matches, losing four times. The visitors have lost all three visits to the sides above them, while sixth-placed Como have won four of their last five home games.

Ian: Spurs have won just one of their last six matches, against a Crystal Palace side who were on their knees after a mammoth December fixture build-up. Villa have already gained a league success at N17 and can repeat the dose in the cup.

Warren: Bromley continue to impress, with six straight wins taking Andy Woodman’s men to the top of League Two. Tranmere  have lost two of their last three home games, conceding seven goals during that run.

Gareth: Eibar are winless on the road in La Liga 2 with just three points to show from nine trips, scoring a meagre five goals in the process. Burgos sit 10th in the table but they’re only three points off the play-offs, so back them to prove too strong. 

Henry: Burnley played pretty well in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday night, but Scott Parker’s men put a lot into that contest. The Clarets are without a win in 12, so Millwall could upset them. 

Alex: Valencia are showing signs of improvement and head into this tie unbeaten at the Mestalla since October. They face an Elche side with one of the worst away records in the league, with the visitors losing their last five La Liga away days.

Chelsea’s last six games have seen both teams score, while BTTS landed in all three of their EFL Cup games so far. Charlton have scored in nine consecutive home matches, while the Blues have conceded in nine of their last 11 games.

Villarreal have scored at least twice in eight of their last nine Primera Liga games and just two clubs have scored more goals this season. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in fourteen of their last sixteen meetings with Alaves, who have conceded on six straight away trips.

Union Berlin have conceded in four of their last six games, while Mainz have yet to keep a clean sheet away. Both teams have scored in four of Union Berlin’s last six Bundesliga matches. Union are eighth with six wins, while Mainz have struggled with just one victory in 15 games.

Atalanta have improved since sacking Ivan Juric, and the hosts have scored in 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions. However, Torino have a good away record this term, and the visitors have scored in eight straight league games.

Newcastle have scored nine goals across their last three games, while Bournemouth have been this season’s entertainers, with 74 goals being struck in 21 Premier League matches involving the Cherries.

Blackpool’s last League One away trip ended in a 5-1 defeat at struggling Port Vale and they face a daunting FA Cup tie at Ipswich. The Tractor Boys are going well in the Championship promotion race, winning their last four home fixtures, and can claim an entertaining cup victory at Portman Road.

Inconsistent Bristol City thrashed Portsmouth 5-0 on New Year’s Day before losing 2-0 at home to Preston and they should be opposed in their FA Cup tie against Watford. The Hornets are flying in the Championship, winning their last four games, and their hot streak may well continue in the cup.

Tottenham are 16 points below third-placed Aston Villa in the Premier League and a run of just three wins in 13 matches makes them difficult to trust. The visitors have won 12 of their last 14 games in all competitions and could be tough to stop.

Doncaster are facing a battle for League One survival but they were 4-0 winners at Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup first round and can cause problems for Southampton at the Eco-Power Stadium. Rovers can ensure a rough ride for out-of-sorts Saints, who may struggle to do the job in normal time.

Newcastle have scored nine goals across their last three games, while Bournemouth have been this season’s entertainers, with 74 goals being struck in 21 Premier League matches involving the Cherries.

Osasuna’s recent resurgence has seen them score 14 goals in their last seven games and the last two meetings with Girona have produced at least three goals, while the hosts have seen over 2.5 goals land in each of their last five fixtures.

Four of the last five meetings between these sides have featured four or more goals, including a seven-goal thriller earlier this season. Stuttgart have seen over 3.5 goals land in four of their last six away games, while Bayer Leverkusen have in two of their last three outings.

Roma have shown signs of improvement going forward of late, scoring at least twice in two of their last three. They host a Sassuolo side who have conceded twice in each of their visits to the top six this term, while they were beaten 3-0 by Juventus in midweek.

Blackpool’s last League One away trip ended in a 5-1 defeat at struggling Port Vale and they face a daunting FA Cup tie at Ipswich. The Tractor Boys are going well in the Championship promotion race, winning their last four home fixtures, and can claim an entertaining cup victory at Portman Road.

PSV have won 11 straight Eredivisie games, while they have 15 wins from 17 matches this term. However, they’ve only managed one clean sheet at home, while the visitors have seen both teams score in five of their last six away games.

Spartans have won their last three games, and the league leaders have conceded in five of their six away victories this season, keeping just one clean sheet in total across their nine trips. They have beaten East Kilbride 3-1 and 2-1 already this term, so back a high-scoring away win.

Burnley are struggling in the league but they were too strong for their Championship opponents when winning promotion last season. The Clarets can snap a 12-game winless run by seeing off Millwall, who are the more likely of the two teams to rotate as they focus on a promotion push.

Bradford have enjoyed four straight League One successes at home and they should be backed to continue their winning run when Rotherham visit Valley Parade on Saturday.

Celtic won seven of their eight games under Martin O’Neill’s watch, including four victories by two clear goals. Despite this season’s turmoil, Celtic have won all six home meetings with sides outside the top five, keeping four clean sheets and scoring 16 goals.

Cardiff are worth backing to beat Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road on Saturday. League One leaders Cardiff have 16 wins, three draws and five defeats from their 24 games this season, while Leyton Orient are 20th in the table having won eight, drawn four and lost 12.

Diallo has scored in all three of his starts at AFCON, while he found the net for Manchester United in his final game before the tournament.

Santos has struggled for Chelsea this term but he was a regular scorer for Rosenior’s Strasbourg last term, netting 10 goals in Ligue 1 and scoring in their opening French Cup tie. He featured in all three of the Blues’ EFL Cup games so far and he’s likely to get significant minutes in this clash.

Atalanta have improved since sacking Ivan Juric, and the hosts have scored in 10 of their last 11 games across all competitions. However, Torino have a good away record this term, and the visitors have scored in eight straight league games.

Valencia are showing signs of improvement and head into this tie unbeaten at the Mestalla since October. They face an Elche side with one of the worst away records in the league, with the visitors losing their last five La Liga away days.

PSV have won 11 straight Eredivisie games, while they have 15 wins from 17 matches this term. However, they’ve only managed one clean sheet at home, while the visitors have seen both teams score in five of their last six away games.

Torino have recorded back-to-back away wins and their underlying numbers away from home are encouraging. They have lost only one of five visits to sides in the top 10, so back them to claim a 1-1 draw.

This game comes at a tricky time for Chelsea, as new manager Liam Rosenior takes charge for the first time. Charlton have lost 10 of 25 league games this term, but they’ve lost only three at the Valley and two were by a one-goal margin. Back the visitors to claim a narrow win on the road.

Chelsea’s last six games have seen both teams score, while BTTS landed in all three of their EFL Cup games so far. Charlton have scored in nine consecutive home matches, while the Blues have conceded in nine of their last 11 games.

Liverpool look like the best value pick, with the Reds putting their struggles behind them with an eight-game unbeaten run. The Reds have the fourth-best Expected Goals record across the first six Champions League gameweeks, while they’ve recorded back-to-back 1-0 wins over Real Madrid and Inter Milan in Europe. Arne Slot’s side have a kind double-header in January, leaving them primed for a top-eight finish. With the Premier League coasting towards a fifth Champions League berth, the Reds should be in a good position to focus on European success in the spring.

Spain have some incredibly talented individuals, Lamine Yamal being the prime example, but are strong in all areas and don’t have any particular weaknesses. They won Euro 2024 with relative ease and they should be too good for their continental rivals at the World Cup. They also look a level above South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil, suggesting they will be the team to beat at the World Cup this summer.

Championship outfit Preston will be expected to reach the fourth round against League One side Wigan. The hosts are unbeaten in four, while they have only tasted defeat in one of their last 10 games in the Championship. Wigan have only won one of their previous six fixtures in the third tier and this should be a step too far in their FA Cup journey.

Title challengers Borussia Dortmund may be nine points behind Bayern Munich in the race for the Bundesliga crown, but they should have too much class for Eintracht Frankfurt. The hosts have only won one in six, while Dortmund have only tasted defeat once this season. They are in good form in front of goal too, having scored at least twice in four of their last five league outings.

Cadiz may be unbeaten in three games, but they have been inconsistent on home soil. They have only one win to their name in their last five matches in front of their own fans, and Gijon should be able to unsettle them. The visitors have won three on the spin away from home, keeping a clean sheet in each of those ties.

Real Sociedad may have only won one game away from home this season, but their clash with Getafe looks the perfect fixture to improve that record. Sociedad are unbeaten in three and drew 1-1 with Atletico Madrid last time out, but they have only lost one of their eight away ties. Getafe are winless in five, losing four of those ties and they look vulnerable ahead of kick-off.

Keith Andrews has done a remarkable job since taking charge of Brentford and they look overpriced to reach a first-ever major cup final. They may need some luck with the draw, but they have the squad necessary to challenge any team on their day.

Arsenal have been the standout team in the country this season and, with the worst of their injury crisis behind them, now have the necessary squad depth to deal with fixture congestion. They have won 23 of their 29 competitive games this term and are the most successful side in FA Cup history.