Football tips for 22 Mar 2026: Analysis of 5 promising matches, a look ahead to the Carabao Cup final, and today's football schedule including key fixtures.
On 22 March 2026, the main football highlight is the Carabao Cup final, the first major English title of the season. In addition, top European leagues including the English Premier League will have matches. Here is an analysis and preview of five interesting games:
- Carabao Cup Final / Kickoff at 23:30
The "Gunners" begin their quest for four trophies this season. They have won the League Cup twice before, last in 1993. The most recent final against the "Sky Blues" was in 2018, a 0-3 loss. Manager Mikel Arteta aims to win his second cup final since the 2019-20 FA Cup victory. Arsenal's recent form is promising, unbeaten in 14 games (11 wins). Fitness checks are pending for Jurriën Timber and Martin Ødegaard, but key players like Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Víctor Jéqueres are available.
Manchester City can no longer aim for a quadruple after being eliminated by Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16. However, the League Cup has been favorable for the "Sky Blues," reaching nine finals and winning eight, including the last seven finals they contested. Yet, facing Arsenal now may be ill-timed, as City have won only one of their last five games (2 losses, 2 draws) and have not beaten Arsenal in six consecutive meetings (2 losses, 4 draws). Arsenal are likely to succeed in this match.
Prediction The Gunners are expected to claim their first of four trophies.
- English Premier League / Kickoff at 21:15
Igor Tudor has recorded his first win in six games managing the "Spurs" (4 losses, 1 draw), after a narrow 3-2 win over Atlético Madrid, though Spurs were eliminated from the Champions League round of 16 with a 5-7 aggregate loss. They seek their first Premier League win of 2026 after a 12-game winless streak (7 losses, 5 draws). This season, Tottenham have the worst home record in the league with just 2 wins, 4 draws, and 9 losses from 15 matches, totaling only 10 points. Good news is that Richarlison will return from suspension, and Dominic Solanke and João Palhinha might be fit.
"The Tricky Trees" recently gained a morale boost by beating Midtjylland 2-1 away and winning on penalties to reach the Europa League quarterfinals. However, they have failed to win in seven league games (3 losses, 4 draws) and have scored no goals in 14 of 30 league matches this season, better only than bottom club Wolverhampton (15 matches). Notably, Forest have won all three of their last matches against Spurs. Key players rested in the Europa League—Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, and Murillo—are expected back as starters to chase victory.
Prediction Tottenham and Forest are likely to draw.
- Spanish La Liga / Kickoff at 20:00
The "Blaugrana" recently thrashed Newcastle 7-2 to reach the Champions League quarterfinals with an 8-3 aggregate. They remain unbeaten in seven matches (6 wins, 1 draw), scoring 24 goals and conceding 6. Against Rayo, their record is dominant over the last 48 meetings: 30 wins and only 7 losses. Although they drew 1-1 in the first league meeting this season, Barcelona's attack options include Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, Marcus Rashford, Fermin Lopez, and Ferran Torres. This season, the team has scored 124 goals in 45 matches.
Rayo recently lost 0-1 at home to Samsunspor but advanced to the Conference League quarterfinals on a 3-2 aggregate. In La Liga, they have drawn their last two games 1-1 against Levante and Sevilla, totaling four draws in five recent matches. Their last away win over Barcelona was in the 2021-22 season (1-0). Though missing injured Diego Mendez, Rayo's recent form suggests Barcelona will likely win.
Prediction Barcelona should claim an easy 3 points.
- Spanish La Liga / Kickoff at 03:00
The "Los Blancos" have returned to form, beating Manchester City home and away to reach the Champions League quarterfinals with a 5-1 aggregate. They have won four consecutive matches in all competitions after a 0-1 home loss to Getafe. This match offers a chance to avenge a heavy 2-5 away loss to Atlético in their first meeting. At home, Real Madrid have remained unbeaten in their last four matches against Atlético (2 wins, 2 draws). Currently, only four players are injured; Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham have returned to fitness, while David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Raúl Asensio have recovered from injuries.
Atlético Madrid recently lost 2-3 to Spurs but still advanced to the Champions League quarterfinals with a 5-2 first-leg win and 8-4 aggregate. Their last six league matches against Real Madrid ended in four draws. However, Real Madrid have not beaten Atlético at home in the league since December 2021. Atlético's away record this season is modest with only 4 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses from 13 matches. They currently have four injured players. Facing a resurgent Real Madrid with key players fit again, Atlético may struggle.
Prediction Real Madrid to edge a narrow victory.
- Italian Serie A / Kickoff at 02:45
The "Nerazzurri" are faltering, having gone winless in their last three matches (1 loss, 2 draws). Despite losing to city rivals AC Milan, they remain five points clear at the top. A failure to win here would mark their first three-game winless league streak since April 2023. Inter have a strong record against Fiorentina in Serie A, winning 10 and losing only 2 of the last 17 meetings. However, they will miss injured striker Lautaro Martínez, which has reduced their winning percentage this year to 44% without their captain striker.
Fiorentina lost their last two encounters against Inter but defeated them 3-0 at home last season. Their recent win over Raków 2-1 secured Europa Conference League quarterfinal qualification with a 4-2 aggregate. They are confident after their latest 4-1 league win against Cremonese. In their last seven home league matches, Fiorentina lost only once (3 wins, 3 draws). Key players rested midweek such as David de Gea, Albert Guðmundsson, and Robin Gosens will return, potentially causing an upset.
Prediction Fiorentina to share the points with Inter.