Football tips today, 4 Apr 2026: analysis of 4 recommended matches, cheering for Liverpool, today's match schedule. The focus is on key games.
On 4 April 2026, today's football tips highlight important matches resuming simultaneously. The focus is on the English FA Cup quarterfinals and the closely contested Spanish La Liga title race. Follow the analysis and interesting insights on these 4 matches as follows.
- English FA Cup quarterfinal / Kickoff at 18:45.
"The Citizens," seven-time champions, are the only ones still pursuing a treble this season after winning the Carabao Cup 2-0 against Arsenal. A win over "The Reds" will secure a place in the FA Cup semifinals for the eighth consecutive year. In the last four seasons, they have won 19 of 21 matches in this tournament, losing only in the finals in 2024 (to Man United 1-2) and 2025 (to Crystal Palace 0-1). Marc Guehi, who missed the League Cup, will return to lead the defense, while Nico O'Reilly, the hero against Arsenal, is expected to play in midfield supporting Erling Haaland up front.
Liverpool, eight-time champions, will have Mohamed Salah playing for the first time since announcing his departure at season’s end, just returning from injury. This match offers a chance for revenge after losing both Premier League matches against Man City (0-3 and 1-2). In their last four FA Cup meetings, Liverpool won all, though City has a 17-match home winning streak in this competition. With first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker still injured and Alexander Isak not fully fit to start, the home team is favored to celebrate.
Analysis : Manchester City edges through to the next round.
- English FA Cup quarterfinal / Kickoff at 02:00.
"The Gunners," record 14-time winners, missed out on a quadruple after Man City ended their League Cup dream but remain contenders for a treble. If they reach the semifinals, they have a strong chance of winning, having claimed the trophy in their last four semifinal appearances. Before losing to City, Arsenal had a 14-match unbeaten run (11 wins). However, it remains uncertain how many of the 11 players who withdrew from international duty will be fit, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, and Gabriel Magalhães. This may open a chance for 16-year-old Max Dowman.
"The Saints," the only Championship side left, face a tough challenge for a second title but have reached the last eight three times in six years. Since 2026, they are unbeaten in 14 matches (11 wins) and once eliminated Arsenal as defending champions in the 2020-21 FA Cup third round. However, Arsenal won both Premier League games last season against Southampton, sending them to relegation. Southampton will miss Flynn Downs and Kuriyu Matsuki due to suspension, and captain Jack Stephens is injured, likely favoring the visitors.
Analysis : Arsenal to narrowly beat Southampton away.
- Spanish La Liga / Kickoff at 21:15.
"Los Blancos" bounced back from a 0-1 home loss to Getafe in early March by winning five straight matches before the international break. They are competing for two titles, La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Their latest home win was 3-2 over Atlético Madrid. Real Madrid boasts the league's best away record this season with 30 points from 14 matches (9 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses). They have won the last three meetings against Mallorca but may rest attackers Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham, both carrying minor injuries from international duty ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern.
Mallorca's situation is concerning this season, with only 28 points from 29 matches, just one point above the relegation zone. Their recent form is poor, with five losses and one win in their last seven matches. Home form is decent with 6 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses from 14 matches. However, they have beaten Real Madrid only once in the last 11 meetings. Five players remain injured, although Vedat Muriqi, the Kosovo international striker and top scorer with 18 league goals (second only to Kylian Mbappé's 23), is their key player. Still, the team lacks the overall strength to compete.
Analysis : Los Blancos to win comfortably.
- Spanish La Liga / Kickoff at 02:00.
"Los Rojiblancos" face "The Blaugrana" in what will be an intense series of three encounters over four matches, starting with this game, followed by two UEFA Champions League quarterfinal legs. So far this season, Atlético has won only one of the first three meetings—in the Copa del Rey semifinals first leg—but lost both away games in the second leg and the league. Leading Real Betis (5th) by 13 points, Atlético may rest players to focus on two cup titles. They have seven absences due to injury or suspension, but Julián Álvarez is expected to lead the attack as usual.
Barcelona has won four of the last five meetings against Atlético and remains unbeaten in away league games against them since 2021. Recently, they have an eight-match unbeaten streak (seven wins). Manager Hans-Dieter Flick's team aims to maintain their 4-point lead over Real Madrid, despite facing Atlético again in the Champions League midweek. Though Raphinha is still injured, Eric García, Jules Koundé, and Alex Baldé have recovered to strengthen the defense. The attack includes Marcus Rashford and Lamine Yamal, both ready to help secure victory.
Analysis : Barcelona to claim another win.