Today's football tips for 29 Jan 2026: analysis of three top picks and the Europa League schedule.
On 29 January 2026, today's football tips focus on a major highlight event: the final group stage matches of the 2025-26 Europa League. These matches determine which teams advance or are eliminated. Here is analysis of four key matches along with expert opinions.
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
The home team, the "Villans," have already secured automatic qualification to the last 16, so they can rest key players. Despite four midfielders being injured simultaneously – John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Ross Barkley, and most recently Youri Tielemans – Unai Emery plans to field reserves, including Jadon Sancho, Victor Lindelöf, and Tyrone Mings.
The visitors, Salzburg, though leading the Austrian top league, have been on winter break since 14 December and only recently returned to official matches in the Europa League last week, beating Basel 3-1. Currently, they must win to have a chance for the playoffs but cannot finish in the top 8. Their away record in this competition is poor, with three straight losses. Facing Villa, who have won 19 of their last 22 home games, Salzburg's needed 3 points may be out of reach.
Analysis : Villa remain the reliable choice.
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
"The Tricky Trees" must win to secure automatic progression to the last 16; otherwise, they face two more tough playoff games. However, they will be without key midfielder Elliot Anderson, suspended after a red card in a 0-1 loss to Braga. Their hopes rest on three forwards: top scorer Igor Jesus (9 goals), captain Morgan Gibbs-White (6 goals), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (5 goals). They come confident after a 2-0 Premier League away win at Brentford.
Ferencváros are no easy opponents; they remain unbeaten in three Europa League away matches (2 wins, 1 draw). Their coach, Robbie Keane, a former Liverpool, Spurs, and Leeds United striker, is familiar with English football. However, their recent form is poor, with one loss and one draw in the last two matches. Additionally, top scorer Barnabás Varga, with 20 goals this season, recently transferred to AEK Athens, weakening their attack. Forest may still have a chance to claim victory.
Analysis : Forest to edge a narrow win.
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
Betis have at least secured a playoff spot, but last week's loss to PAOK means they must fight until the last match to qualify directly for the last 16. Their home form remains strong, with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the last 8 matches, including victories in their last three home games, despite temporarily moving to La Cartuja stadium. They face a lengthy injury list of 7-8 players, including Isco, Giovani Lo Celso, Junior Firpo, and Sofyan Amrabat, though Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli are expected to return fit to boost their attack.
Feyenoord, with only 6 points, must win to avoid elimination without even reaching playoffs. Their away form in the Europa League is concerning, having lost all 3 matches and conceding at least two goals in 5 of their last 6 away games (1 win, 1 draw, 4 losses). Despite having Japanese striker Ayase Ueda, who scored 19 goals in 28 matches this season, their injury toll of 8-9 players may leave them unable to resist Betis.
Analysis : Betis favored to win.