Football Betting Tips

Leeds made wholesale changes for their 3-1 win over Derby in the last round of the FA Cup, and they face a much sterner test against Birmingham.

The Blues have been let down by their away record, but they’ve won eight and drawn six of their 15 home matches this season.

The new wave of documentary clubs seem to put plenty of emphasis on the cups, as Birmingham did last season. They made it to the fourth round of the FA Cup during their League One promotion campaign, pushing Birmingham in an intense atmosphere. Leeds’ focus is elsewhere, so Birmingham are good value to at least avoid defeat at home.

Millwall’s 2-0 win at Wrexham on Saturday extended their lead over the sixth-placed side to six points. The Welsh outfit are busy in the FA Cup this weekend, so the Lions can extend that cushion in this visit to bottom side Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls have lost nine straight games without scoring, while Millwall top the form table with 17 points from eight games. The Lions have beaten Wrexham, Charlton, and Watford by two or more goals across their last five league games, so they can claim a comfortable win.

Man City didn’t hold back in the third round of the cup, as they thumped Exeter 10-1. League Two Salford have suffered 1-0 defeats to Accrington and Chesterfield across their last three, but they should fear a heavier defeat on Saturday.

Salford were beaten 8-0 when these two sides met at the Etihad last year, with a ruthless City side generating 10 shots on target and 5.04 Expected Goals.

PSV Eindhoven are the runaway Eredivisie leaders, winning 19 of their 22 league games this term. The Dutch champions have a perfect record of 11 wins from 11 on their travels, averaging close to three goals per game.

Volendam haven’t beaten a top-half side in 11 attempts this season, but they have scored in 10 of their 11 home games. PSV have conceded in 13 of their 19 league wins this term, so Volendam should be good for a consolation goal.

Glenavon are bottom of the Northern Irish Premiership, and and they’ve lost all 13 of their away games this season. The visitors have conceded a huge 32 goals across those games, while scoring just seven times.

Carrick Rangers have surged up the standings with four straight wins, and they’ve already recorded a home win over the relegation-threatened visitors this term.

Leipzig caused real problems for Bayern Munich when these sides last met, but the Bavarians ran out 5-1 winners. Vincent Kompany’s side have scored 11 times across the two Bundesliga meetings between the sides this season.

Over 3.5 goals has landed in five of the last six clashes between the teams, while Bayern beat Hoffenheim 5-1 at the weekend. The free-scoring Bundesliga leaders should book their place in the last four of the German Cup with another comfortable win.

Pisa’s struggles in front of goal continued last weekend, with the second-bottom side drawing 0-0 with fellow strugglers Hellas Verona.

Pisa have scored only three times in 12 home matches, while Milan are in the title mix thanks to some impressive defending. The Rossoneri have conceded only eight times on their travels this term, and they’ve already recorded 10 wins to nil in the league this season.

The last meeting between these two Edinburgh rivals was a thriller, which Hibs won 3-2. The visitors won by the same scoreline against Dundee United in their last league game, and their trip to Hearts should be another high-scoring affair.

Hibs were beaten 4-1 at Falkirk in their last away game, while Hearts have scored 25 times in their 12 home Premiership games this term.

NEC Nijmegen continued their Eredivisie success with a 4-1 win over Heracles on Saturday, earning their fourth consecutive league win. They’re above Ajax in the standings, while they’re only a point shy of second-placed Feyenoord.

Visitors Utrecht have lost all of their visits to top-half sides, and they head into this midweek clash having suffered four defeats in their last five league games.

Barcelona made it 17 wins from 18 games with a 3-0 success against Real Mallorca on Saturday. They can continue their brilliant run in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

Atletico lost to Real Betis on Sunday, days after beating them 5-0 in the last round of the cup. Simeone’s side have lost their last three meetings with Barca, including a home defeat at this stage of the cup last season.

There have been goals at both ends in seven of Brighton’s last eight games, while Crystal Palace have scored and conceded in each of their last four.

Cologne usually manage to get on the scoresheet at home, but their defensive record suggests they struggle to hold leads or protect tight games. Leipzig have seen both teams score in five of their last seven Bundesliga matches.

Both teams have scored in each of Bilbao’s last seven games and they have gone 10 without a clean sheet across all comps. Levante have struggled in attack this season but have scored in four of their last six league games, only drawing blanks against the two Madrid clubs, so both teams should be able to find a way through here.

Juve’s usually watertight defence has shown signs of vulnerability in the last couple of games. The Old Lady conceded in victory against Parma – who have the worst attack in the division – last weekend before shipping three goals at Atalanta in the cup in midweek. Lazio have scored in three of their last four away games and in three of the last four head-to-head games, so backing both teams to score offers value in Turin.

No team has lost more Serie A matches this season than Lecce’s 13 and the strugglers could be in for another difficult time when they host Udinese. The visitors come into this one having posted wins over Hellas Verona and Roma, and there looks a strong chance they can make it three in a row.

Nacional won the reverse fixture 2-0 earlier this term, and they have been in impressive scoring form at home. The hosts have beaten Rio Ave 4-0 and Tondela 3-1 across their last three home matches, also drawing 3-3 with Santa Clara in that run. They’ve struck 11 goals in four home meetings with the sides below them, so they’re well priced for a couple of strikes against the fourth-bottom visitors.

Unbeaten in five and following a recent Ligue 1 away win at Brest, Toulouse can collect another three points from Sunday’s trip to Angers, who sit four points below them.

Strasbourg have shown few signs of slowing down since Liam Rosenior’s departure and Gary O’Neil’s arrival, winning four of their five games since the former Wolves boss took over the Ligue 1 side. Le Havre are scrapping it out at the wrong end of the table and they have just one win from their last 11 games, they look set for another defeat on Sunday.

Malaga have only lost once at home in the league all season and they have won five of their seven games at this venue since that loss, while La Cultural are out of form with just two points to show from their last seven games. However, the visitors have a decent strike rate on their travels with 17 goals in 12 trips so they can at least record a consolation effort.

As the hunt for a new Real manager continues, on the pitch the Madrid giants have racked up six La Liga wins on the spin to leave them just a point behind Barcelona. Valencia have scored in each of their last 15 games in all competitions.

Yeremy Pino has scored two goals in his four outings for Crystal Palace and he looks solid anytime goalscorer option in this contest. The Eagles are in the doldrums following a run of 12 matches without a win and the collapse of Jean-Philippe Mateta’s move away from the club on transfer deadline-day may not help matters. Pino has shown signs of spirit this season though and he could make his mark once more against Brighton.

There are goalscorers all across the pitch in this clash but Reds’ striker Hugo Ekitike is arguably the form forward in the Premier League at the moment so he looks solid anytime goalscorer option. His partnership with Florian Wirtz is starting to become lethal but Ekitike looks the more reliable choice. The Frenchman has bagged 16 goals this term, including three in his last two outings and he could steal the spotlight off City hotshot Erling Haaland.

Ousmane Dembele has five goals in his last six starts for PSG and stands out as a candidate for an anytime effort.

Kylian Mbappe has eight goals in his last five games and can continue his hot-streak for Real Madrid at the Mestalla.

Both teams have scored in each of Bilbao’s last seven games and they have gone 10 without a clean sheet across all comps. Levante have struggled in attack this season but have scored in four of their last six league games, only drawing blanks against the two Madrid clubs, so both teams should be able to find a way through here.

Goals at both ends looks the best angle here. Both teams have scored in seven of Ceuta’s last eight games and they are on a nine-game run without a clean sheet, while both teams have scored in three of Cordoba’s last four outings.

Depor have been struggling for results at home with just one point to show from their last four La Liga games at this venue, and just one win in six here across all competitions. Ablacete saw a six-game unbeaten run ended by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey last time out but their league form suggests they can claim at least a point at the Riazor.

These sides meet in La Liga just a few days after Atleti crushed Betis 5-0 in the Copa del Rey. The hosts may be able to back that up with another win but a repeat mauling is perhaps unlikely, although goals could be on the cards again. Over 2.5 goals has landed in four of Atleti’s home games across all competitions and Betis may be able to contribute as they have scored in four consecutive domestic road games, so these teams can combine for at least three goals.

Gijon are in mixed form with three wins and three defeats across their last six games, but home advantage should be key against a Huesca side who have eight defeats in  trips in this competition.

Manchester City have failed to win in four of their last five away matches in all competitions and they may struggle to enhance that record against improving Liverpool. The Reds have had over a week off to prepare for this contest having hammered Newcastle 4-1 at Anfield last Saturday. Each of the last three meetings have seen a win to nil but this could be one occasion that both teams get on the scoresheet.

Club Brugge sit 14 points above Standard Liege and have been excellent at home with eight wins in 11 games. Liege have three defeats in their last four and are unlikely to come away with any points  – but they can strike in defeat as Brugge have just one clean sheet in their last seven at home across all comps.

Gijon are in mixed form with three wins and three defeats across their last six games, but home advantage should be key against a Huesca side who have eight defeats in  trips in this competition. Huesca have scored in four of their last five away games, however, and can at least grab a consolation effort.

Juve haven’t lost at home in any competition this season and have won seven of their last eight in Turin. The hosts can claim the spoils but Lazio can at least deny them a clean sheet. Juve’s usually watertight defence has shown signs of vulnerability in the last couple of games. The Old Lady conceded in victory against Parma – who have the worst attack in the division – last weekend before shipping three goals at Atalanta in the cup in midweek. Lazio have scored in three of their last four away games and in three of the last four head-to-head games.

PSG have an exceptional home record against L’OM with just one defeat in the last 17 meetings between these sides at this venue across all competitions. Marseille have shown they can compete with their hosts this season but the fact the game is taking place in Paris gives PSG a clear edge. Marseille have scored in both of their meetings with PSG this season and can keep that run going but any goals they do score are likely to be consolation efforts.

Malaga have only lost once at home in the league all season and they have won five of their seven games at this venue since that loss, while La Cultural are out of form with just two points to show from their last seven games. However, the visitors have a decent strike rate on their travels with 17 goals in 12 trips so they can at least record a consolation effort.

Valencia have lost all four matches against the top four this term, while they head into the game having suffered back-to-back defeats. The hosts have been in scoring form of late, with BTTS landing in 10 of their last 13 and their previous five at home. Real Madrid have been shaky at the back, but they’ve won four of their last five.

The Reds have scored 15 goals across their last four matches, and they have scored two or more in five of their last six. Clean sheets have been slightly harder to come by so both of these teams should be able to contribute and combine for at least three goals.

Three of Inter’s last five games have gone over 2.5 goals and two of Sassuolo’s last five have produced at least three goals. Thirteen of Inter’s 23 league games this season have produced three or more goals, and they could potentially beat 2.5 goals themselves as they have won by three goals or more on five occasions.

The last Le Classique ended 2-2 after normal time in the Super Cup and another high-scoring affair could be on the cards on Sunday. Both of these teams score on average over two goals per-game, and both look capable of adding to the overall total.

Juve’s usually watertight defence has shown signs of vulnerability in the last couple of games. The Old Lady conceded in victory against Parma – who have the worst attack in the division – last weekend before shipping three goals at Atalanta in the cup in midweek. Lazio have scored in three of their last four away games and in three of the last four head-to-head games, so backing both teams to score offers value in Turin.

The last Le Classique ended 2-2 after normal time in the Super Cup and another high-scoring affair could be on the cards on Sunday. Both of these teams score on average over two goals per-game, and both look capable of adding to the overall total.

Malaga have only lost once at home in the league all season and they have won five of their seven games at this venue since that loss, while La Cultural are out of form with just two points to show from their last seven games. Los Albicelestes should be able to boost their promotion push with three points at home on Sunday.

Valencia have lost all four matches against the top four this term, while they head into the game having suffered back-to-back defeats. Real Madrid have won four of their last five and can claim a win at the Mestalla.

PSG have an exceptional home record against L’OM with just one defeat in the last 17 meetings between these sides at this venue across all competitions. Marseille have shown they can compete with their hosts this season but the fact the game is taking place in Paris gives PSG a clear edge. Marseille have scored in both of their meetings with PSG this season and can keep that run going but any goals they do score are likely to be consolation efforts.

Malaga have only lost once at home in the league all season and they have won five of their seven games at this venue since that loss, while La Cultural are out of form with just two points to show from their last seven games. However, the visitors have a decent strike rate on their travels with 17 goals in 12 trips so they can at least record a consolation effort.

Valencia have lost all four matches against the top four this term, while they head into the game having suffered back-to-back defeats. The hosts have been in scoring form of late, with BTTS landing in 10 of their last 13 and their previous five at home. Real Madrid have been shaky at the back, but they’ve won four of their last five.

Malaga have only lost once at home in the league all season and they have won five of their seven games at this venue since that loss, while La Cultural are out of form with just two points to show from their last seven games. However, the visitors have a decent strike rate on their travels with 17 goals in 12 trips so they can at least record a consolation effort.

Cremonese have failed to score in five successive away games and have blanked in six of their last seven on the road. Atalanta have kept clean sheets in six of their last eight Serie A matches and have conceded just nine goals in 12 home league games this season.

AVS have lost seven of their nine away trips by two goals or more this season, while the visitors have picked up only five points in 20 league games. Famalicao have won by at least two goals in each of their four home wins, while they’ve won all five clashes with the bottom three to nil this term.

AZ Reserves lost 4-3 in their last home game, and half of their home matches have featured at least four goals. The visitors have scored eight goals across a three-game winning streak, while over 3.5 has landed in seven of the hosts’ last eight league games.

Racing are top of the table and they’re backed to see off a Mirandes side who have lost seven of 12 away trips. The visitors are bottom of the standings, but they’ve scored 14 goals in 12 away trips, while they’ve scored in each of their three losses against the top three.

Porto suffered a shock defeat against Gil Vicente last week, but they have dropped just two home points this season and can get back to winning ways against their chief title rivals.

Sunday: Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is arguably the form forward in the Premier League at the moment. The Frenchman has bagged 16 goals this term, including three in his last two outings and he could steal the spotlight off City hotshot Erling Haaland.

Saturday: England are on a run of 11 straight wins, a streak that includes last March’s 68-14 triumph in Cardiff. Wales showed signs of attacking improvement in the autumn but looked poor in defence. The English are often slow starters, but they could begin their 2026 campaign with a statement victory.

Saturday: Nick Ball has a 23-0-1 record and 13 of his wins have come inside the distance, including two of his last three. If Ball can close the distance and deliver his trademark shots to the body, he can send out a message by becoming the first man to stop Brandon Figueroa.

New England have done incredibly well to turn their fortunes around in just one year, but their offence is simply not good enough to live with the Seattle defence. Seattle have done everything right for the last two months after reeling off nine consecutive wins and they should cover the spread in San Francisco.

AVS have lost seven of their nine away trips by two goals or more this season, while the visitors have picked up only five points in 20 league games. Famalicao have won by at least two goals in each of their four home wins, while they’ve won all five clashes with the bottom three to nil this term.

Both defences have been struggling. Villarreal have gone 10 games across all competitions without a clean sheet and both teams have scored in four of Espanyol’s last six games, and they have conceded in all of those, so goals at both ends looks likely at El Madrigal.

Middlesbrough are on a five-game winning run but that streak may end at Sheffield United. Boro’s away form has been less impressive with two defeats in their last four trips and they have been leaking goals on their travels, while the Blades are unbeaten in eight at home and have won six of those games.

Porto suffered a shock defeat against Gil Vicente last week, but they have dropped just two home points this season and can get back to winning ways against their chief title rivals.

AZ Reserves lost 4-3 in their last home game, and half of their home matches have featured at least four goals. The visitors have scored eight goals across a three-game winning streak, while over 3.5 has landed in seven of the hosts’ last eight league games.

Bottom side Mirandes head to leaders Racing Santander, and the hosts have seen over 2.5 goals land in 83% of their home matches. The visitors have conceded twice in six of their last seven matches, so back goals in this encounter.

Only one of Roma’s last nine matches have gone over 2.5 goals, with their 23 league games featuring only 41 goals at an average of 1.78 out per outing. They excel defensively but a lack of firepower is what is holding them back.

Racing are top of the table and they’re backed to see off a Mirandes side who have lost seven of 12 away trips. The visitors are bottom of the standings, but they’ve scored 14 goals in 12 away trips, while they’ve scored in each of their three losses against the top three.

Villarreal have eight wins in 11 home La Liga games and their only defeats in this competition at El Madrigal have been against Barca and Real Madrid. However, Villarreal have gone 10 games across all competitions without a clean sheet and both teams have scored in four of Espanyol’s last six games.

A home win is expected but United are unlikely to deny Middlesbrough a goal. The Blades have gone nine games without recording a shut-out, but Boro’s away form has been less impressive with two defeats in their last four trips and they have been leaking goals on their travels. The hosts have won four straight at home, scoring three goals in each.

Under 2.5 goals looks the most prudent play and correct-score bettors should side with a 1-0 home win. The Wolves have kept ten clean sheets in 23 league outings and five of their 14 league victories have ended that way.

A home win is expected but United are unlikely to deny Middlesbrough a goal. The Blades have gone nine games without recording a shut-out so a 2-1 home win is the correct score pick, as United score on average 1.7 goals per-game at home.

Both defences have been struggling. Villarreal have gone 10 games across all competitions without a clean sheet and both teams have scored in four of Espanyol’s last six games, and they have conceded in all of those, so goals at both ends looks likely at El Madrigal.

Gerard Moreno scored both of Villarreal’s goals in the draw with Osasuna last time out and has three goals in his last four league games. The 33-year-old looks a contender for an anytime effort on Monday.

Callum O’Hare is the Blades’ top scorer this season with eight Championship goals. The midfielder has two goals in his last three appearances at Bramall Lane and can add to his haul on Monday.

Porto suffered a shock defeat against Casa Pia last week, but they have dropped just two home points this season and can get back to winning ways against their chief title rivals.

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.