Salzburg have lost all three of their Europa League away games at Lyon, Bologna and Freiburg and another defeat may follow at Aston Villa, who had reeled off 11 straight home wins before losing to Everton most recently. That said, the Austrians pack a punch in the final third and Villa, having already secured a top-eight finish, are expected to make some changes.

Stuttgart need a win and potentially by a big margin if they are to break into the top eight, while Young Boys are clinging on to a play-off spot. VfB have scored at least three goals in five of their last eight games and are facing a Young Boys side who have shipped at least three in four of their last five games. An early home goal would open this fixture up and Stuttgart have the tools to take advantage, they can grab at least three goals here.

Brann know a win would guarantee a play-off place and they should be able to get the three points they need at already eliminated Sturm Graz. The visitors have gone six games without a clean sheet, however, and Sturm Graz have scored in nine of their last 12 home games so Brann may concede in victory in Austria.

Crvena Zvezda have the better chance of breaking into the top eight with a win and they can make the most of home advantage to overcome Celta. Red Star have seven wins and just one defeat in their last 10 at home and have beaten both Lille and FCSB at this venue in the Europa League, while Celta have two defeats in three trips in this competition.

Utrecht have lost their last five matches and they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Genk in the Europa League last week before limping to a 1-0 loss to Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. The visitors have been beaten on European trips to Betis, Brann and Freiburg and Celtic look rejuvenated.

A point would probably be enough for Braga to finish in the top eight and GA Eagles need all three to stand any chance of progress. The visitors have seen goals at both ends in four of their last five trips, while both teams have scored in nine of GAE’s last 10 games. With both sides in need of points, goals at both ends looks likely.

Roma need a win to lock in a top eight finish, while Panathinaikos will finish in the play-offs whatever happens. The hosts are on a three-game winless run and Roma have won their last four European games, the visitors should be able to claim the points they need for a passage straight through to the last 16.

Plzen are yet to lose in the Europa League but that record may end in Switzerland. The visitors are guaranteed a play-off but a top eight finish is essentially out of reach, while Basel need a win to stand any chance of progress. Basel claimed a morale boosting 4-3 win domestically over the weekend and can grind out the result they need here, even if that isn’t enough to finish in the top 24.

Both teams have scored in four of Midtjylland’s last five games and in four of their seven league phase games. Dinamo can’t break into the top eight and dropping out of the top 24 looks unlikely, but they rarely draw a blank on their travels and have scored in 13 of their 15 road games this season across all comps.

The over is the best play because Miami’s ball movement and pace will affect Orlando’s defense which then inflates scoring potential. Add in the rivalry aspect with motivation factored in and both teams can easily come out swinging here. There are multiple avenues for the number to clear this low number. Take the over.

The over is the best play because Miami’s ball movement and pace will affect Orlando’s defense which then inflates scoring potential. Add in the rivalry aspect with motivation factored in and both teams can easily come out swinging here. There are multiple avenues for the number to clear this low number. Take the over.

Houston beat the Spurs in a close game on Sunday and the visitors can settle the score in this quick rematch. They have shown they can rise to the occasion on the big stage and are consistent on both ends of the court, and they’ve also had an extra day to prepare for this game. 

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.

Aryna Sabalanka has reached each of the last six Grand Slam finals played on hardcourts and has won four of those. The Belarusian has won two of the last three editions of the Australian Open and can respond to the disappointment of losing last year’s final by taking the trophy in 2026.

Aldosivi ended last season with a three-game winning run and are now unbeaten in four overall. They can overcome a Barracas side who have lost their last two games without scoring.

Racing Club are unbeaten in normal time in their last seven home games and should be able to overcome Rosario, who have lost their last three and have scored just one goal across their last four competitive games.

Boca won their season opener and have won their last two head-to-head meetings with Estudiantes. The visitors make it six points from as many games against a side who have lost two of their last four competitive home fixtures.

Boca won their season opener and have won their last two head-to-head meetings with Estudiantes. The visitors make it six points from as many games against a side who have lost two of their last four competitive home fixtures.

Salzburg have lost all three of their Europa League away games at Lyon, Bologna and Freiburg and another defeat may follow at Aston Villa, who had reeled off 11 straight home wins before losing to Everton most recently. That said, the Austrians pack a punch in the final third and Villa, having already secured a top-eight finish, are expected to make some changes. That could lead to an open game with both teams contributing so over 2.5 goals appeals.

Ludogorets have scored three goals in their last two Europa League home games but are yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition, while Nice have scored in defeat in two of their three away games in the Europa League. These sides should be able to combine for least four goals.

Stuttgart need a win and potentially by a big margin if they are to break into the top eight, while Young Boys are clinging on to a play-off spot. VfB have scored at least three goals in five of their last eight games and are facing a Young Boys side who have shipped at least three in four of their last five games. An early home goal would open this fixture up and Stuttgart have the tools to take advantage, they can grab at least three goals here.

Salzburg have lost all three of their Europa League away games at Lyon, Bologna and Freiburg and another defeat may follow at Aston Villa, who had reeled off 11 straight home wins before losing to Everton most recently. That said, the Austrians pack a punch in the final third and Villa, having already secured a top-eight finish, are expected to make some changes.

Real Betis need a win to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase and they have won their last three home matches. Feyenoord are also in need of a result, but they have lost all three Europa League away matches and have only won one of their last six trips in all competitions. Feyenoord have scored in 12 of their last 13 games and can at least strike in defeat.

Brann know a win would guarantee a play-off place and they should be able to get the three points they need at already eliminated Sturm Graz. The visitors have gone six games without a clean sheet, however, and Sturm Graz have scored in nine of their last 12 home games so Brann may concede in victory in Austria.

Lille are on a five-match losing streak and need a result to guarantee their continuation in the Europa League. However, Freiburg are third in the standings and have only lost one of their last eight. They may not have the need for a result like their hosts, but they have enough quality and the form to win regardless. Les Dogues have scored in nine of their last 10 home games and in six of their seven league phase outings so they should be able to get on the scoresheet.

Both teams have scored in six of Ferencvaros’s seven Europa League games this term, and 10 of their 13 European ties this term have seen BTTS. Forest average over 2.0 xG per game in Europe, but they’ve faced 4.66 xG in the three games since their 3-3 draw with Wrexham.

Real Betis need a win to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase and they have won their last three home matches. Feyenoord are also in need of a result, but they have lost all three Europa League away matches and have only won one of their last six trips in all competitions. 

Both teams have scored in six of Ferencvaros’s seven Europa League games this term, and 10 of their 13 European ties this term have seen BTTS. Forest average over 2.0 xG per game in Europe, but they’ve faced 4.66 xG in the three games since their 3-3 draw with Wrexham.

Feyenoord have scored in 12 of their last 13 games and have just one clean sheet themselves during that run. Real Betis need a win to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase and they have won their last three home matches so they should be able to get on the scoresheet.

Both teams have scored in four of Midtjylland’s last five games and in four of their seven league phase games. Dinamo can’t break into the top eight and dropping out of the top 24 looks unlikely, but they rarely draw a blank on their travels and have scored in 13 of their 15 road games this season across all comps.

A point would probably be enough for Braga to finish in the top eight and GA Eagles need all three to stand any chance of progress. The visitors have seen goals at both ends in four of their last five trips, while both teams have scored in nine of GAE’s last 10 games. With both sides in need of points, goals at both ends looks likely.

Ferencvaros are unbeaten in the Europa League and are unbeaten in their last 24 competitive away games stretching back into last season. The visitors are looking to lock in a top eight spot, while Forest seem destined for the play-offs and will probably have one eye on a crucial league game at the weekend so the visitors should at least be able to take a point.

Lille are on a five-match losing streak and need a result to guarantee their continuation in the Europa League. However, Freiburg are third in the standings and have only lost one of their last eight. They may not have the need for a result like their hosts, but they should put in a good showing to upset the odds.

Ferencvaros are unbeaten in the Europa League and are unbeaten in their last 24 competitive away games stretching back into last season. The visitors are looking to lock in a top eight spot, while Forest seem destined for the play-offs and will probably have one eye on a crucial league game at the weekend so the visitors should at least be able to take a point.

Crvena Zvezda have the better chance of breaking into the top eight with a win and they can make the most of home advantage to overcome Celta. Red Star have seven wins and just one defeat in their last 10 at home and have beaten both Lille and FCSB at this venue in the Europa League, while Celta have two defeats in three trips in this competition.

Ludogorets sit just a point outside the top 24 in the Europa League league phase and have everything to play for. They have scored three goals in their last two home games in this competition, while Nice are already eliminated and have lost all three of their away games in the competition.

Real Betis need a win to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase and they have won their last three home matches. Feyenoord are also in need of a result, but they have lost all three Europa League away matches and have only won one of their last six trips in all competitions.

Ferencvaros are unbeaten in the Europa League and are unbeaten in their last 24 competitive away games stretching back into last season. The visitors are looking to lock in a top eight spot, while Forest seem destined for the play-offs and will probably have one eye on a crucial league game at the weekend so the visitors should at least be able to take a point.

Petar Stanic has excelled in this competition for Ludogorets and he leads the scoring charts with six goals and two assists. He’s scored four goals across their last two European home games and can add to his account against Nice as the Bulgarian side bid to break into the top 24.

Igor Jesus has scored four goals in five appearances in the Europa League, while the forward has netted in two of his last three matches.

Basel need a hero as they bid to avoid an early exit and veteran Xherdan Shaqiri can play his part by getting on the scoresheet. The former Bayern forward has three goals in the Europa League this season and scored a hat-trick in his side’s 4-3 win over Zurich at the weekend.

Ludogorets sit just a point outside the top 24 in the Europa League league phase and have everything to play for. They have scored three goals in their last two home games in this competition, while Nice are already eliminated and have lost all three of their away games in the competition. Ludogorets have scored three goals in their last two Europa League home games but are yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition, while Nice have scored in defeat in two of their three away games in the Europa League so a 3-1 home win has a chance.

Crvena Zvezda have the better chance of breaking into the top eight with a win and they can make the most of home advantage to overcome Celta. Red Star have seven wins and just one defeat in their last 10 at home and have beaten both Lille and FCSB at this venue in the Europa League, while Celta have two defeats in three trips in this competition. Red Star’s last two home European wins have come via 1-0 scorelines and they can make it a hat-trick against Celta. The Serbian club have conceded just one goal across their last five home fixtures, and can grind out a win on Thursday.

Porto have only lost once at home all season and they have kept nine clean sheets in front of their own fans. Rangers have struggled to score in Europe, netting only four goals and it is tough to see Danny Rohl’s team troubling the scoresheet.

Utrecht have lost their last five matches and they suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Genk in the Europa League last week before limping to a 1-0 loss to Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. The visitors have been beaten on European trips to Betis, Brann and Freiburg and Celtic look rejuvenated.

Crvena Zvezda have the better chance of breaking into the top eight with a win and they can make the most of home advantage to overcome Celta. Red Star have seven wins and just one defeat in their last 10 at home and have beaten both Lille and FCSB at this venue in the Europa League, while Celta have two defeats in three trips in this competition. Red Star have conceded just one goal across their last five home fixtures.

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.

Blackpool have scored in their last nine League One games, while they’ve netted 23 goals across their 14 games at Bloomfield Road. However, only two sides in the third tier have conceded more goals than Blackpool’s 39. Opponents Stockport have found the net in 10 of their 13 away games this term, but all of the visitors’ away clean sheets have come against teams in the relegation zone.

Barcelona haven’t kept a clean sheet in their seven Champions League games this term. The Catalans have conceded at home to Olympiakos and Eintracht Frankfurt, and they host a Copenhagen side who are pushing to make the top 24 after winning 3-2 against Villarreal last time out. 

Feyenoord have conceded 13 times across their seven League Phase games, while they were beaten 4-3 at FCSB in their last European trip. Betis have scored twice in all three of their home games in the Europa League this term, but the visitors need a win to avoid elimination. 

BTTS has landed in 10 of 14 Genoa games since Patrick Viera was sacked, and they head to a Lazio side who have scored 13 times in their six home clashes with sides below them.

Wolves have conceded the second-highest number of goals at home, while Bournemouth have shipped the most goals away. BTTS has landed in the visitors’ last eight games, while Wolves can threaten after an upturn in performances under Rob Edwards.

Rangers return from a visit to Portugal aiming to continue some free-scoring form in the Premiership, but they visits a Hibs side that averages two goals per game at home. 

Seventeen places separate Napoli and Chelsea and the Blues will look to showcase the gulf in class on Wednesday in Naples. Chelsea have won four of their seven games in the Champions League so far, and they should have too much for a Napoli side that has won one in six.

Barcelona have won their last nine home games with both teams scoring in six. Meanwhile, Copenhagen have lost three of their last five away games with both teams scoring in the last couple.

Bayern Munich are one of only two teams that have secured their spot in the round of 16 in the Champions League and they should outclass PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch side have scored 15 goals in the League Phase and can get on the scoresheet, but they face a Bayern side that have won six of their seven matches.

Liverpool have won 20 of their last 27 Champions League games with at least four goals in 12. They should be able to beat a Qarabag side that have lost three of their last five Champions League games with at least four goals in four, but the Azerbaijani champions have scored in six of their seven Champions League games this season and can bag against a leaky Liverpool defence.

Phil: Juventus have won their last three Champions League games against Bodo/Glimt, Pafos and Benfica and they can complete a clean sweep of the second half of their league phase with a win in Monaco. Juve have lost only one of their last ten league and cup games, while the home side are struggling with more Ligue 1 defeats than wins this season.

Oliver: Athletic Bilbao are in must-win territory to secure their place in the knockout stages. They take on Sporting, who have already secured knockout football, but have done so without winning away from home. Bilbao can take advantage of that and will be confident after beating Atalanta last week.

Rob: Atalanta look good value for the away win at Union Saint-Gilloise, with Raffaele Palladino having made a tremendous impact. La Dea have won 10 of the 15 games in which he has been in charge. Union have already lost to Marseille (3-2), Inter (4-0) and Newcastle (4-0) at home and Atalanta can make it a perfect four.

Henry: PSV were crushed 3-0 by Newcastle last week, in a game where they could manage only one shot on target. Bayern Munich have qualification in the bag, but the Bavarians will still be striving for a top-two finish.

Enda: Dortmund were undone by a red card against Tottenham last week but responded with a 3-0 Bundesliga win at Union Berlin. Inter were well beaten by Arsenal on matchday seven and had to come from 0-2 down at the San Siro to see off Pisa at the weekend.

Tom: Ajax can still qualify for the knockout stages but they know they will need to beat Olympiakos at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The hosts have certainly improved over recent weeks, winning seven of their last 10 across all competitions.

Aidan: Club Brugge need a win to stand any chance of finishing in the top 24 and they have demonstrated they can be tough to handle at home already in the competition, beating Monaco 4-1.

Former Bodo/Glimt striker Alexander Sorloth has scored in four of his last six matches for Atleti and could come back to haunt his former club, who may be tired after their difficult shift against Manchester City last time out.

Dani Olmo has scored in back-to-back games for Barca and has registered three goals in 300 minutes of action since his return from injury last month.

Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue tend to steal the headlines in Paris, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia continues to impress and was the only one of PSG’s attackers to find the net in Lisbon last week. The Georgian has scored three goals in six Champions League appearances and should get plenty of space as he will be marked by an ageing Kieran Trippier.

With Arsenal expected to rotate for their dead rubber Champions League finale against Kairat Almaty, Noni Madueke should get a chance. The winger’s last six goals at club level have come in Europe and he can net again here.

Juventus are six places above Monaco and have a slim chance of securing a top-eight finish. The hosts have only won one of their last five games and are struggling for consistency, so the Italian giants can secure their third win on the bounce.

Seventeen places separate Napoli and Chelsea and the Blues will look to showcase the gulf in class on Wednesday in Naples. Chelsea have won four of their seven games in the Champions League so far, and they should have too much for a Napoli side that has won one in six.

Pafos are only three points above Slavia Prague in the Champions League table, but they should be able to record another win. Slavia Prague have yet to pick up a point or score a goal on the road in Europe and they will be short of confidence this week.

Having to play at the home of Anderlecht at Lotto Park in order to meet UEFA regulations, Union Saint-Gilloise have struggled having lost 4-0 hosting both Newcastle and Inter as well as suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Marseille. Atalanta have won ten of their last 14 matches and should pounce.

Seventeen places separate Napoli and Chelsea and the Blues will look to showcase the gulf in class on Wednesday in Naples. Chelsea have won four of their seven games in the Champions League so far, and they should have too much for a Napoli side that has won one in six.

Barcelona have won their last nine home games with both teams scoring in six. Meanwhile, Copenhagen have lost three of their last five away games with both teams scoring in the last couple.

Bayern Munich are one of only two teams that have secured their spot in the round of 16 in the Champions League and they should outclass PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch side have scored 15 goals in the League Phase and can get on the scoresheet, but they face a Bayern side that have won six of their seven matches.

Liverpool have won 20 of their last 27 Champions League games with at least four goals in 12. They should be able to beat a Qarabag side that have lost three of their last five Champions League games with at least four goals in four, but the Azerbaijani champions have scored in six of their seven Champions League games this season and can bag against a leaky Liverpool defence.

Ajax have won seven of their last nine matches, including back-to-back Champions League victories, and they have plenty of motivation with millions on the line along with faint hopes of qualifying. The visitors have struggled on the road in Europe, losing two of three trips this term and 49 of 78 away games in this competition overall.

Dortmund have lost only one of their last 21 Champions League matches at home (W13 D7). They have won five of their last seven at Signal Iduna Park and can overcome an Inter side that have lost their last three Champions League matches. The Nerazzurri have lost five of their last six Champions League group stage/league phase games against German opposition.

Having to play at the home of Anderlecht at Lotto Park in order to meet UEFA regulations, Union Saint-Gilloise have struggled having lost 4-0 hosting both Newcastle and Inter as well as suffering a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Marseille. Atalanta have won ten of their last 14 matches and should pounce.

Club Brugge have won only two of their last seven European fixtures while Marseille have taken six points from their last three matches in the competition and lost just one of their last four away games in all competitions.

With Tottenham needing to be positive to claim a top-eight berth and Frankfurt with little to lose in their final Champions League game of the season, it would be a big surprise if there were not plenty of goals in this one.

Both teams have scored in six of Sporting’s seven Champions League games, while BTTS has landed in six of Athletic Bilbao’s previous seven matches. The hosts were 3-2 winners at Atalanta last week as their poor run at the back continued, so expect another open game.

Barcelona have won their last nine home games with both teams scoring in six. Meanwhile, Copenhagen have lost three of their last five away games with both teams scoring in the last couple.

Bayern Munich are one of only two teams that have secured their spot in the round of 16 in the Champions League and they should outclass PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch side have scored 15 goals in the League Phase and can get on the scoresheet, but they face a Bayern side that have won six of their seven matches.

Liverpool have won 20 of their last 27 Champions League games with at least four goals in 12. They should be able to beat a Qarabag side that have lost three of their last five Champions League games with at least four goals in four, but the Azerbaijani champions have scored in six of their seven Champions League games this season and can bag against a leaky Liverpool defence.

Manchester City were beaten by Bodo/Glimt last week and have looked extremely vulnerable at the back in recent times. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals has landed in four of their last six Champions League games and is fancied again.

Ajax have won seven of their last nine matches, including back-to-back Champions League victories, and they have plenty of motivation with millions on the line along with faint hopes of qualifying. The visitors have struggled on the road in Europe, losing two of three trips this term and 49 of 78 away games in this competition overall.

Club Brugge have won only two of their last seven European fixtures while Marseille have taken six points from their last three matches in the competition and lost just one of their last four away games in all competitions.

Ajax have won seven of their last nine matches, including back-to-back Champions League victories, and they have plenty of motivation with millions on the line along with faint hopes of qualifying. The visitors have struggled on the road in Europe, losing two of three trips this term and 49 of 78 away games in this competition overall.

Dortmund have lost only one of their last 21 Champions League matches at home (W13 D7). They have won five of their last seven at Signal Iduna Park and can overcome an Inter side that have lost their last three Champions League matches. The Nerazzurri have lost five of their last six Champions League group stage/league phase games against German opposition.

Monaco have scored in five consecutive home games, but they have not scored more than one goal in front of their own fans since October 5. Juventus have won three of their last four away matches without conceding a goal and they should be able to come through a close battle on Wednesday.

Ajax have scored exactly twice in their last four home matches, and they’ve conceded in all seven of their Champions League games this term.

Ajax have won seven of their last nine matches, including back-to-back Champions League victories, and they have plenty of motivation with millions on the line along with faint hopes of qualifying. The visitors have struggled on the road in Europe, losing two of three trips this term and 49 of 78 away games in this competition overall.

Atletico Madrid have won their last 13 home games with at least three goals in nine while Bodo/Glimt have lost two of their last five away matches with at least three goals in all five.

With Tottenham needing to be positive to claim a top-eight berth and Frankfurt with little to lose in their final Champions League game of the season, it would be a big surprise if there were not plenty of goals in this one.

Liverpool have won 20 of their last 27 Champions League games with at least four goals in 12. They should be able to beat a Qarabag side that have lost three of their last five Champions League games with at least four goals in four.

Manchester City were beaten by Bodo/Glimt last week and have looked extremely vulnerable at the back in recent times. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals has landed in four of their last six Champions League games and is fancied again.