Parma eased their relegation concerns with a win at Bologna last time out and they can follow it up by beating a Verona side who are in deep trouble. The visitors have just 15 points on the board, leaving them six adrift of safety, and have managed just one road win all season. Verona have scored just one goal across their last four games and that lack of cutting edge could prove costly again at Parma, back the hosts to claim the spoils.

Goals at both ends could be on the cards in this huge game in the title battle. Both teams have scored in three of Rangers’ last five games and they have scored themselves in 17 of their last 18 across all comps, while Hearts have scored in 12 of their last 13.

Ceuta look backable underdogs ahead of their trip to Huesca. The visitors sit in mid-table and have won three of their last six, while they also won the reverse fixture 2-1. Huesca have picked up just four points from their last six games and have lost two of their last four at home in the league.

Real Betis are flying high in La Liga and they can boost their Champions League qualification hopes with a comfortable win at Mallorca. The Green & Whites have a good recent record against the Islanders who are languishing down in 16th spot with just six wins this term. Betis won 1-0 at Atletico Madrid last time and they back up that impressive showing with a more routine win in the Balearics.

Torino have struggled badly at home, losing five of their last seven Serie A matches at Stadio Filadelfia and winning just one of their last six overall. With no side conceding more than Torino’s 42 league goals this season and Bologna losing only one of the last eight meetings between the teams, the visitors look the stronger option.

Lorient have been strong at home, winning five, drawing four and losing just once in Ligue 1, while going unbeaten in eight of their last ten on their own patch. Angers have struggled for goals on the road, scoring just six times in ten away matches, which tilts this clash in the hosts’ favour.

Sarmiento have two defeats in as many away games in the league and they look set for more road misery at Huracan. The hosts have made a solid start to the season with five points from three games, and they’ve won each of their last three home games against Sarmiento.

Talleres Cordoba have won three of their last four home games and should have too much for promoted Gimnasia Mendoza, who were thumped 4-0 at Union Santa Fe in their last road game.

Independiente Medellin picked up their first league win of the season last time out and with home advantage they can make it two in a row against Deportivo Pereira, who have three defeats and no wins after five games. The visitors have at least scored in two of their last three games and they can grab a consolation strike, as Ind Medellin have conceded in their last five consecutive home games.

Tucuman have had a tough start to the season with just two points from four games but they can claim a first win and a second clean sheet against Estudiantes Rio Cuarto. The visitors have struggled since winning promotion with just one point and one goal scored in four games, the Tucuman can win without conceding here.

This is a match-up between the top two in the division and goals at both ends could be the best angle. Inter Bogota have seen both teams score in four of their last five games, while Pasto have conceded in three of their last five games and rarely draw a blank at home.

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.

Sarmiento have two defeats in as many away games in the league and they look set for more road misery at Huracan. The hosts have made a solid start to the season with five points from three games, and they’ve won each of their last three home games against Sarmiento.

Talleres Cordoba have won three of their last four home games and should have too much for promoted Gimnasia Mendoza, who were thumped 4-0 at Union Santa Fe in their last road game.

Independiente Medellin picked up their first league win of the season last time out and with home advantage they can make it two in a row against Deportivo Pereira, who have three defeats and no wins after five games.

Rivadavia have made a perfect start to the season and they can make it five wins in a row against Belgrano. The visitors are also unbeaten with two wins and two draws, but they have struggled against their hosts in recent seasons – failing to score in the last three meetings – and have been in mixed form on the road with just three wins in their last 10 competitive trips. Rivadavia are in form and have home advantage, they look well placed to pick up the win here.

Rivadavia have made a perfect start to the season and they can make it five wins in a row against Belgrano. The visitors are also unbeaten with two wins and two draws, but they have struggled against their hosts in recent seasons – failing to score in the last three meetings – and have been in mixed form on the road with just three wins in their last 10 competitive trips. Rivadavia are in form and have home advantage, they look well placed to pick up the win here.

Grimsby have claimed one Premier League scalp this term following their penalty-shootout success over Manchester United in the EFL Cup, and the in-form Mariners could take a bite out of Wolves in this FA Cup clash. Wanderers are tailed off in the Premier League and this cup tie could be a welcome distraction from their relegation troubles. However, the Blundell Park crowd will be baying for blood and this could be a lively encounter with both sides getting on the scoresheet.

Birmingham are unbeaten in eight games and haven’t lost a home match since October, while Leeds have only won twice away from home this season, with those victories coming against Derby and Wolves.

Oxford United are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Championship but they look to losing the battle amid a poor run of form and they could get short shrift from Sunderland on Sunday. The Black Cats are nestled nicely in 11th spot in the Premier League and they can attack the FA Cup with vigour and that could spell trouble for their hapless hosts this weekend. United have failed to score in five of their last seven outings. 

Stoke and Fulham have hit a poor run of form but the Premier League side have little left to play for this term so can give the FA Cup their full attention. Stoke, despite being 14th in the Championship, are just four points off the playoff spots, so may have an eye on improving their league form. The goals have dried up for the Potters recently and they may find their top-flight rivals too hard to break down.

Arsenal are huge favourites against a Wigan side that were battered 6-1 at Peterborough last weekend. The Latics have drawn one and lost five of their last six matches and have lost to nil four times since the turn of the year, while Arsenal have won to nil in three of their last four games.

Grimsby have claimed one Premier League scalp this term following their penalty-shootout success over Manchester United in the EFL Cup, and the in-form Mariners could take a bite out of Wolves in this FA Cup clash. Wanderers are tailed off in the Premier League and this cup tie could be a welcome distraction from their relegation troubles. However, the Blundell Park crowd will be baying for blood and this could be a lively encounter with both sides getting on the scoresheet.

Kilmarnock games rarely lack drama and they come into this off a chaotic 4-3 win. They’ve seen goals at both ends in five of their last seven and 15 of 26 league matches overall. Celtic have scored at least twice in four of their last five and average over two goals per game against bottom-half sides. The visitors may be able to come away with a victory, but Killie can at least contribute.

Eibar are down in 14th place in La Liga 2 but their home form hasn’t been the problem. They have the second best home record in the division and have scored 20 goals in 13 games at this venue, so they should be able to get on the scoresheet against the league leaders. Racing Santander have seen goals at both ends in eight of their last 12 games and have scored themselves in 24 of their 25 league games so goals at both ends looks likely at the Municipal de Ipurua.

Rayo are scrapping for survival and they have a decent strike rate against neighbours Atletico, with both teams scoring in three of the last four meetings. Rayo scored in defeat to Real Madrid last time out and both teams have scored in five of their last seven games, while Atleti have had a quick turnaround after their huge win over Barcelona in the cup and could rotate a little for this La Liga assignments. The visitors have enough quality to score and win, but an Atleti clean sheet appears less likely.

Parma eased their relegation concerns with a win at Bologna last time out and they can follow it up by beating a Verona side who are in deep trouble. The visitors have just 15 points on the board, leaving them six adrift of safety, and have managed just one road win all season. Verona have scored just one goal across their last four games and that lack of cutting edge could prove costly again at Parma, back the hosts to claim the spoils.

Parma eased their relegation concerns with a win at Bologna last time out and they can follow it up by beating a Verona side who are in deep trouble. The visitors have just 15 points on the board, leaving them six adrift of safety, and have managed just one road win all season. Verona have scored just one goal across their last four games and that lack of cutting edge could prove costly again at Parma, back the hosts to claim the spoils.

Oxford United are fighting for their lives at the bottom of the Championship but they look to losing the battle amid a poor run of form and they could get short shrift from Sunderland on Sunday. The Black Cats are nestled nicely in 11th spot in the Premier League and they can attack the FA Cup with vigour and that could spell trouble for their hapless hosts this weekend.

Cremonese are winless in ten Serie A matches and have failed to win nine of their last ten at home, losing six of their last eight overall. They have also struggled in front of goal, failing to score in eight of their last ten league games. Genoa have lost two of their last seven and come into the game after strong displays in defeat to two top five teams, that level of performance should be in enough to pick up a win over their struggling hosts.

Stoke and Fulham have hit a poor run of form but the Premier League side have little left to play for this term so can give the FA Cup their full attention. Stoke, despite being 14th in the Championship, are just four points off the playoff spots, so may have an eye on improving their league form. The goals have dried up for the Potters recently and they may find their top-flight rivals too hard to break down.

Jack: Lyon have won their last 12 matches in all competitions and can overcome a Nice side that has emerged from their pre-Christmas crisis. Lyon have also kept clean sheets in their last three in all competitions.

Jamie: Four straight defeats will have done nothing for Rayo’s deteriorating confidence and this match arrives a whole two weeks after their last, so expect rustiness to show as Atleti cruise to victory in this Madrid derby.

Ian: The battle for the Scottish Premiership title would be a four-way affair had Motherwell not been held to 11 league draws this term, but they should have few problems seeing off Aberdeen. The Dons have scored just one goal in their last six on the road.

Aaron: Estoril have scored at least twice in all six of their visits to sides below them, scoring 19 goals across those matches. AVS have conceded 23 times in their 11 home matches, so back the visitors to score a couple of goals.

Alex: NEC Nijmenegen’s phenomenal season hit a stumbling block as they lost to Utrecht in midweek, but they head into the weekend round of fixtures third in the Eredivisie and can get back to winning ways against a Sparta Rotterdam side that have lost two of their last four home matches.

The Jambos won 2-1 when these two last met at Tynecastle just before Christmas but the Gers have improved steadily since then and could narrow the gap to the Edinburgh side who start the weekend seven points clear at the top. The Light Blues have lost just once in 13 outings since that December defeat and they can edge a lively encounter in Glasgow. Hearts have won both previous meetings with Rangers this season, however, and should be able to get on the scoresheet in defeat.

RB Leipzig have hit something of a sticky patch but they should get back on track against tame Wolfsburg. The Red Bulls have lost their last two Bundesliga home matches but their visitors this Sunday are in even worse shape having won just one of their last seven outings. Five of those were losses, including each of the last three, and with neither side trusted to keep a clean sheet, backing a home win in which both teams score looks a sound selection.

Peterborough thrashed Wigan last weekend and Arsenal beat Leeds 4-0 recently. There is a big gulf between the Premier League leaders and the League One strugglers and that could be reflected in a big win for the hosts. The Gunners put four past Portsmouth in the last round and can score heavily against the Latics.

Castellon won 3-1 in the reverse fixture in December and should be good for at least two goals on Sunday. Castellon have scored two or more goals in six of their last seven home games, winning all of those, while Depor have found clean sheets hard to come by with just one in their last eight games.

Estoril have scored at least twice in all six of their visits to sides below them, scoring 19 goals across those matches. AVS have conceded 23 times in their 11 home matches, so back the visitors to score a couple of goals.

Former Manchester United man Antony has six goals and four assists in 18 La Liga games this season, including the winner against Atletico Madrid last time out. Antony has two goals in his last four games across all comps and looks a contender for an anytime effort at Mallorca.

Pavel Sulc has 10 goals in 19 Ligue 1 games this season, including two in his last three. With Endrick suspended, other members of the Lyon side will have to step up in attack and Sulc stands out as a candidate to help his side outgun Nice.

With Luis Suarez suspended, Sporting need to look elsewhere for their goals and Pedro Goncalves stands out as a potential scorer. Goncalves has one goal in four starts since returning from injury and has 10 in total in 16 league games this season. He had a quiet game at Porto last time out but should be more effective when Famalicao visit Lisbon.

Three draws at the start of the year have seen Italian champions Napoli fall of the pace in the Serie A title race but they can keep up the pressure on the top two with a narrow victory over Roma. Meetings between these two have been close recently but Napoli will be wary of the threat posed by the visitors who could join them on 49 points with a victory at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Antonio Conte will look to keep things tight and the home side could nick a victory on Sunday. Eight of the last ten meetings have featured no more than two goals while six of the last ten have seen one or both teams fail to score, so backing a 1-0 home win could pay off.

Lyon are one of the form sides in Europe and their Ligue 1 charge can continue with a comfortable home win over Nice. Les Gones have won each of their last 12 matches in all competitions, while even more impressively they have won 14 of their last 15 matches in all. Nice have won just one of their last four matches, while Lyon have scored two or more goals in nine of their last 11 fixtures on home soil and they can extend that sequence this week with a 2-0 triumph.

Three draws at the start of the year have seen Italian champions Napoli fall of the pace in the Serie A title race but they can keep up the pressure on the top two with a narrow victory over Roma. Meetings between these two have been close recently but Napoli will be wary of the threat posed by the visitors who could join them on 49 points with a victory at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Antonio Conte will look to keep things tight and the home side could nick a victory on Sunday.

Lyon are one of the form sides in Europe and their Ligue 1 charge can continue with a comfortable home win over Nice. Les Gones have won each of their last 12 matches in all competitions, while even more impressively they have won 14 of their last 15 matches in all. Nice have won just one of their last four matches.

Real Betis are flying high in La Liga and they can boost their Champions League qualification hopes with a comfortable win at Mallorca. The Green & Whites have a good recent record against the Islanders who are languishing down in 16th spot with just six wins this term. Betis won 1-0 at Atletico Madrid last time and they back up that impressive showing with a more routine win in the Balearics.

Castellon won 3-1 in the reverse fixture in December and should be good for at least two goals on Sunday. Castellon have scored two or more goals in six of their last seven home games, winning all of those, while Depor have found clean sheets hard to come by with just one in their last eight 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.

El Hadji Malick Diouf is the best crosser of a ball at West Ham and has already racked up four assists in 18 Premier League starts this term. With the hosts likely to sit off their opponents, expect Diouf to get plenty of opportunities to cross from deep on the left and he looks a tempting price for an assist.

With injuries to Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley in recent weeks, Joe Willock has gotten more of an opportunity in Newcastle’s midfield. He is particularly effective in this role away from home and it is notable that all four of his shots on target this term have come on the road. After good performances in his last two games, back him for a shot on target.

Wirtz is growing into his first season as a Liverpool player and he was a persistent thorn in Sunderland’s side on Wednesday. The German now has 13 shots on target in his last 13 games and has scored six times in that spell.

Each of Oldham’s last four games have gone over 2.5 goals and three of their last four at home have also produced three or more goals. Fleetwood’s last six games have all featured more than two goals, too.

West Ham have been in decent form recently, winning four of their last six games, and they are fancied to continue that recent run against a Burton side struggling at the bottom of League One. The Brewers’ last eight games have gone over 2.5 goals and a repeat may be on the cards in defeat.

Stuttgart have scored in seven of their last eight Bundesliga games, while Cologne have been inconsistent, winning just two of their last six. The hosts have won four of the last six head-to-heads and are unbeaten in nine of the last ten meetings, making goals likely in this clash.

MK Dons’ recent matches have been high-scoring, including a 3-2 win over Cheltenham last weekend. Ten of Newport’s 15 away league games have produced at least three goals, and over 2.5 has landed in seven of their last nine on the road. Newport have also conceded a league-high 56 goals.

Aston Villa have been fortunate to pick up four points from their last two games, but they have lost two of their last four at home and face a Newcastle side that picked up a confidence-boosting win over Tottenham in midweek. The Magpies arguably have greater strength in depth, and that could prove pivotal in a tie where both sides are expected to rotate.

Reading look the stronger proposition at home. They’ve scored in 27 of their last 28 league games and have hit at least two goals in five straight League One matches. Crucially, they’ve lost just once in their last ten at home. In contrast, Wycombe Wanderers have struggled badly for goals on the road, averaging just 0.71 per away game.

Tranmere are on a dreadful run of six successive League Two defeats, with them conceding 14 goals in this sequence. This includes four successive home losses in which they have conceded at least twice, while Crawley have taken four points from their last two away fixtures.

Burnley manager Scott Parker should give this fixture his maximum focus and a 5-1 win at home to Championship outfi Millwall in the third round supports that case. The Clarets should have got a lift from Wednesday’s 3-2 win at Crystal Palace and can win an entertaining FA Cup fixture.

Alvaro Arbeloa has recovered from a disastrous start to lead Real Madrid to five wins from his last six games. They have won four successive home games but conceded in three of them, while the in-form Real Sociedad have found the net in 12 successive games.

Bayer Leverkusen have scored in all ten Bundesliga home games this season and both teams have scored in four of their last six matches. Leverkusen have failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last ten games. St Pauli’s last three matches have also featured goals at both ends, but the visitors have also lost their last three away games.

Just six points separate these sides, but Crewe are unbeaten in nine home games and have won three of their last four here, while Gillingham have lost three of their last four League Two trips.

Lens are well in the Ligue 1 title fight and have won 13 of their last 14 matches. Six of their last seven away games have ended in victory, while Paris FC are winless in seven home games and hold the third worst home record in Ligue 1.

Bristol City have bigger priorities than a FA Cup run as they look to secure a Championship playoff spot, but they should have too much for Port Vale, who are marooned at the bottom of League One. Back the second-tier outfit to win without conceding.

Aston Villa have been fortunate to pick up four points from their last two games, but they have lost two of their last four at home and face a Newcastle side that picked up a confidence-boosting win over Tottenham in midweek. The Magpies arguably have greater strength in depth, and that could prove pivotal in a tie where both sides are expected to rotate.

Reading look the stronger proposition at home. They’ve scored in 27 of their last 28 league games and have hit at least two goals in five straight League One matches. Crucially, they’ve lost just once in their last ten at home. In contrast, Wycombe Wanderers have struggled badly for goals on the road, averaging just 0.71 per away game.

Tranmere are on a dreadful run of six successive League Two defeats, with them conceding 14 goals in this sequence. This includes four successive home losses in which they have conceded at least twice, while Crawley have taken four points from their last two away fixtures.

Burnley manager Scott Parker should give this fixture his maximum focus and a 5-1 win at home to Championship outfi Millwall in the third round supports that case. The Clarets should have got a lift from Wednesday’s 3-2 win at Crystal Palace and can win an entertaining FA Cup fixture.

Alvaro Arbeloa has recovered from a disastrous start to lead Real Madrid to five wins from his last six games. They have won four successive home games but conceded in three of them, while the in-form Real Sociedad have found the net in 12 successive games.

Bayer Leverkusen have scored in all ten Bundesliga home games this season and both teams have scored in four of their last six matches. Leverkusen have failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last ten games. St Pauli’s last three matches have also featured goals at both ends, but the visitors have also lost their last three away games.

Sevilla are without a clean sheet in their last eight games and both teams have scored in their last four outings, while there have been goals at both ends in three of Alaves’ last four fixtures.

Alvaro Arbeloa has recovered from a disastrous start to lead Real Madrid to five wins from his last six games. They have won four successive home games but conceded in three of them, while the in-form Real Sociedad have found the net in 12 successive games.

Bayer Leverkusen have scored in all ten Bundesliga home games this season and both teams have scored in four of their last six matches. Leverkusen have failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last ten games. St Pauli’s last three matches have also featured goals at both ends, but the visitors have also lost their last three away games.

Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle both concede far too regularly to trust either defence. Plymouth have scored in 12 straight games but have also let in goals in seven on the bounce. Blackpool have shipped 44 in 30 and are without a clean sheet in three. Five of Blackpool’s last seven and Plymouth’s last three have landed BTTS, and this has all the same ingredients.

Liverpool bounced back from their loss to Manchester City by getting the better of Sunderland in midweek and they are fancied to dominate a Brighton team who have been dismal as of late, winning just two of their last 14 games.

Cardiff City are ruthless at home, winning nine of their last ten league games at the Cardiff City Stadium and leading League One with 19 victories from 30 matches. They’ve scored 55 goals — more than anyone in the division — and have hit at least twice in four of their last five. Luton Town arrive in poor away form, losing five of their last six on the road and failing to score in their last three trips.

Just six points separate these sides, but Crewe are unbeaten in nine home games and have won three of their last four here, while Gillingham have lost three of their last four League Two trips.

Livingston are rock bottom of the Scottish Premiership with 11 points from 26 games. Only four of these have been earned away from home, and each of their last six trips have ended in defeat, while Dundee have won six of their last nine at home.

Alvaro Arbeloa has recovered from a disastrous start to lead Real Madrid to five wins from his last six games. They have won four successive home games but conceded in three of them, while the in-form Real Sociedad have found the net in 12 successive games.

Bayer Leverkusen have won four of their last five games and three on the spin at home, while St Pauli have taken just one point from the last 15 available away from home.

Derby County are worth siding with at Pride Park against a Swansea side that simply cannot buy a result on the road. The visitors have lost seven of their last nine away league games and confidence looks fragile. Derby, by contrast, have been ultra-consistent in front of goal, scoring in 24 of their last 25 Championship matches. With just three points separating the sides despite Derby sitting higher, home advantage and attacking reliability give the Rams the edge.

Lens are well in the Ligue 1 title fight and have won 13 of their last 14 matches. Six of their last seven away games have ended in victory, while Paris FC are winless in seven home games and hold the third worst home record in Ligue 1.

Serie A leaders Inter Milan have won five straight games and 19 of their 24 Serie A matches this term, suggesting they are far too strong for a Juventus side who have managed just one victory in four. The returns of Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu only further boost the hosts’ chances and anything other than a Nerazzurri win would represent a major shock.

Morecambe remain in miserable form, sitting second from bottom in the National League having endured a torrid season on and off the pitch. They have lost three of their last four away games and face a Southend side on a four-game winning streak at home.

Just six points separate these sides, but Crewe are unbeaten in nine home games and have won three of their last four here, while Gillingham have lost three of their last four League Two trips.

Queens Park Rangers look well placed to capitalise on Blackburn Rovers’ travel sickness. Blackburn have failed to win any of their last seven away games, losing four of the last six, and have blanked in four of their previous five on the road. QPR, by contrast, have won six of their last eight at Loftus Road and average over two goals per game at home against bottom-half sides. With a 12-point cushion in the table, the hosts hold the stronger hand.

Derby County are worth siding with at Pride Park against a Swansea side that simply cannot buy a result on the road. The visitors have lost seven of their last nine away league games and confidence looks fragile. Derby, by contrast, have been ultra-consistent in front of goal, scoring in 24 of their last 25 Championship matches.

Barrow are edging closer to the relegation zone after a six-game losing streak in League Two, and they may fall to another loss against a Colchester side that have taken 12 points from their last 18 available.

These teams are heading in opposite directions in the Championship and the rejuvenated Canaries should avenge a 1-0 home league defeat to West Brom in October by booking their place in the fifth round.

The Saints produced a great comeback to see off Leicester on Tuesday and the Foxes may take some time to recover, so take the Saints to go marching on in the FA Cup.

Bristol City have bigger priorities than a FA Cup run as they look to secure a Championship playoff spot, but they should have too much for Port Vale, who are marooned at the bottom of League One. Back the second-tier outfit to win without conceding.

Burnley manager Scott Parker should give this fixture his maximum focus and a 5-1 win at home to Championship outfi Millwall in the third round supports that case. The Clarets should have got a lift from Wednesday’s 3-2 win at Crystal Palace and can win an entertaining FA Cup fixture.

Florian Wirtz has found his feet as a Liverpool player, he has 13 shots on target in his last 13 games and has six goals in that run. He is a tempting price to get on the scoresheet once more when Brighton visit.

Phil Foden has not been at his best this season but with injuries to Savinho and Jeremy Doku he may get the chance to start in a forward position against this Salford side. He has scored ten goals in all competitions and could add to that tally.

Aston Villa have been fortunate to pick up four points from their last two games, but they have lost two of their last four at home and face a Newcastle side that picked up a confidence-boosting win over Tottenham in midweek. The Magpies arguably have greater strength in depth, and that could prove pivotal in a tie where both sides are expected to rotate.

Norwich started the Championship season in dismal fashion, picking up just ten points from their opening 17 games, but they have been rejuvenated by the appointment of manager Philippe Clement.The Belgian has completely transformed the side, leading them to ten wins in 18 games and six in the last seven, and their blend of exciting youngsters like Tuesday’s hat-trick hero Mo Toure with seasoned pros such as Kenny McLean means they are becoming a force to be reckoned with.West Brom, meanwhile, do not fall into the same category. The Baggies are still searching for a first win since bringing in new boss Eric Ramsay and the measly three goals Albion have scored in six games under him suggests it is unlikely to arrive in this FA Cup tie at Carrow Road.

With League One title rivals Lincoln and Bolton doing battle at Sincil Bank, leaders Cardiff will be keen to take advantage and strengthen their grip at the summit.The Bluebirds have won nine and drawn one of their last ten home league games and look a nice price to bring Luton’s upturn in form to a halt.The Hatters have won back-to-back league fixtures to put themselves back in playoff contention but they have picked up only one point from their last six away games, suffering 1-0 reverses in their last three at Exeter, Huddersfield and Plymouth.

Sheffield Wednesday have lost nine consecutive games without scoring, a run which saw them beaten 4-0 at Swansea last weekend. The Owls are now heavy underdogs in every game they play, and this weekend pits them against a Millwall side who are fifth in the Championship.The Lions have beaten Wrexham, Charlton, and Watford by two clear goals across their last five matches. Wednesday head into this clash having conceded 33 times in their 12 home matches, scoring only seven times in return.

Lens won for the 13th time in their last 14 games against Rennes last time out, and the surprise Ligue 1 title challengers can claim another three points in the French capital on Saturday.Paris FC have the third-worst home record in the top flight and have failed to win each of their last seven games on home soil. Les Sang et Or have taken 18 points from the last 21 available on their travels and have already beaten Paris FC this season, so back their good form to continue.

Hibs may have lost the Edinburgh derby to rivals Hearts in midweek but they are fancied to bounce back as they host St Mirren on Saturday.The Buddies shuddered a deflating defeat of their own on Wednesday, throwing away a lead to lose 4-3 to strugglers Kilmarnock and they are in right in the relegation battle.Hibs have scored nearly double the amount of goals that St Mirren have this season, 41 to 21, and that could be the difference between these two teams.

Serie A leaders Inter Milan have won five straight games and 19 of their 24 Serie A matches this term, suggesting they are far too strong for a Juventus side who have managed just one victory in four. The returns of Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu only further boost the hosts’ chances and anything other than a Nerazzurri win would represent a major shock.

Lens are well in the Ligue 1 title fight and have won 13 of their last 14 matches. Six of their last seven away games have ended in victory, while Paris FC are winless in seven home games and hold the third worst home record in Ligue 1.

Lille have been in strong home form this season, winning ten of 21 Ligue 1 games and averaging 2.80 goals per game against bottom-half sides. Brest are struggling on the road, having failed to win six of their last seven away matches and conceding 20 goals in ten games, giving Lille the edge.

Alvaro Arbeloa has recovered from a disastrous start to lead Real Madrid to five wins from his last six games. They have won four successive home games but conceded in three of them, while the in-form Real Sociedad have found the net in 12 successive games.

Real Madrid have scored exactly twice in six of their seven games since Alvaro Arbeloa took charge, including a 2-1 win in their last home game. Real Sociedad have scored exactly one goal in three of their last five away fixtures.

Juventus edged a thriller 4-3 when these sides met in Turin in September but Inter have won 18 of their 21 Serie A games since and should control things at the San Siro. The Nerazzurri have won four of their last six Serie A matches to nil and can prevail 2-0 for the third time in five games.The Belgian has completely transformed the side, leading them to ten wins in 18 games and six in the last seven, and their blend of exciting youngsters like Tuesday’s hat-trick hero Mo Toure with seasoned pros such as Kenny McLean means they are becoming a force to be reckoned with.West Brom, meanwhile, do not fall into the same category. The Baggies are still searching for a first win since bringing in new boss Eric Ramsay and the measly three goals Albion have scored in six games under him suggests it is unlikely to arrive in this FA Cup tie at Carrow Road.

Lens are well in the Ligue 1 title fight and have won 13 of their last 14 matches. Six of their last seven away games have ended in victory, while Paris FC are winless in seven home games and hold the third worst home record in Ligue 1.