Football tips for 12 May 2026: analysis of 2 recommended matches to watch, with Premier League playoff stakes and today's match schedule.
On 12 May 2026, today's football tips include major league action to follow, especially the playoff games for promotion to the English Premier League. Here is analysis and predictions for two interesting matches.
- English Championship playoff semi-final second leg (first leg ended 0-0) / Kick-off at 02:00 GMT+7.
Counting from the first leg, the "Saints" have remained unbeaten in the Championship for 20 consecutive matches (14 wins, 6 draws) since losing 1-2 at home to Hull City on 17 January. They climbed to finish 4th. Despite allegations of sending staff to spy on the "Boro" training, Southampton is focusing on promotion back to the Premier League. They have only two injured players, Jack Stephens and Mads Roerslev, as before. The attack is led by Finn Azaz, a former Boro player, along with Kyle Larin, Tom Fellows, and Leo Sianza.
Middlesbrough aim to return to the Premier League since relegation in 2016-17 but missed automatic promotion, falling to the playoffs after failing to win in 7 consecutive matches (3 losses, 4 draws) from 11 March to 19 April. They finished just 4 points behind 2nd place. The "Boro" have not lost to Southampton in their last 5 meetings (2 wins, 3 draws). However, key midfielder Hayden Hackney is likely out injured. Although forwards Morgan Whittaker (14 goals) and Tommy Conway (13 goals) are in form, overall they still struggle against the "Saints."
Prediction Southampton narrowly advances to the final.
- Spanish La Liga / Kick-off at 02:30 GMT+7.
The "Colchoneros" have already secured a UCL spot as Spain confirmed a second-place ranking in UEFA coefficients after England, granting an extra qualification spot totaling 5 teams. With only 3 matches left, Atletico leads 6th place Celta by 13 points. In their last 5 games, they won 2, lost 2, and drew 1. Their last 6 away league games include 4 losses and 2 wins. Matches against Osasuna in the last 5 encounters have been close, with 3 wins and 2 losses. This match may see up to 8 players unavailable due to injuries or suspensions, including Julian Alvarez, Juliano Simeone, and Pablo Barrios. They will rely on Antoine Griezmann and Ademola Lookman.
Osasuna, the home team, needs 4 more points from their remaining 3 games to officially avoid relegation. Their home league form this season is decent: in 17 matches, they have 9 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. In their last 6 games at El Sadar stadium, they won 3, drew 2, and lost 1. However, counting both home and away matches in the last 6 games, they only managed 1 win, 2 draws, and 3 losses. Goalkeeper Sergio Herrera is suspended following a red card in their latest loss to Levante, but they have attacking threats in Ante Budimir (17 goals) and Raul Garcia (7 goals). They are likely to avoid defeat at home.
Prediction A high-scoring draw is expected.