Football tips for 9 Apr 2026: Analysis of 3 promising matches for 2 European cups, today's match schedule.
On 9 April 2026, today's football tips focus on two European cup competitions: the Europa League and the UEFA Conference League, featuring three English Premier League teams. Here is the match analysis and insights for the three notable fixtures.
- Europa League quarterfinal first leg / Kickoff at 02:00 local time.
"The Villans" have won both previous meetings in the league phase—once in last season's Champions League and again this season's Europa League—now aiming for their eighth consecutive win in this competition after defeating Lille home and away in the round of 16. Their record stands at nine wins and one loss in ten matches in this cup. The team should be in full fitness after the international break without any games for 18 days. This match is expected to see Youri Tielemans return to the starting lineup. Only two players, Boubacar Kamara and Jadon Sancho, are injured; others like John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, and Ollie Watkins are ready to play.
Bologna seek revenge at home after losing both away matches to Villa (0-2 and 0-1). Since their first league phase loss, they have gone unbeaten in 11 Europa League matches (7 wins, 4 draws), a club record in European competition. Their recent form is solid with three wins in the last four games (one loss). Although five players are injured, Juan Miranda, the Spanish left-back, is back from suspension. Key players such as Federico Bernardeschi, Jonathan Rowe, and Riccardo Orsolini are available. They have a good chance to avoid defeat against Villa for the first time.
Prediction A draw expected in the first leg.
- Europa League quarterfinal first leg / Kickoff at 02:00 local time.
"The Tricky Trees" have previously beaten Porto 2-0 in the league phase's third match under manager Sean Dyche. Despite struggling in the Premier League, sitting 16th and fighting relegation, they have performed well in the Europa League by overcoming tough opponents like Fenerbahçe in the playoffs and Midtjylland in the round of 16. Before the international break, they confidently defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-0. However, this match sees the suspension of Elliot Anderson and seven injured players. Ola Aina and Omari Hutchinson might return.
Porto are chasing three trophies this season: leading the Portuguese league by 5 points over Sporting Lisbon despite having played one more match, reaching the Portuguese Cup semifinals, and competing in the Europa League. In their last ten Europa League matches, they lost only to Forest, with seven wins and two draws. They defeated Stuttgart home and away in the round of 16. At home this season, they have lost only once—to Vitória Guimarães in the Portuguese League Cup. However, this match lacks two key forwards, Samuel Azevedo and Luuk de Jong, who are injured. Rodrigo Mora and Nehuén Pérez are doubtful. This game could end in a draw.
Prediction Likely a draw.
- UEFA Conference League quarterfinal first leg / Kickoff at 02:00 local time.
Palace will play in the European quarterfinals for the first time in club history. Recently, they have regained form, losing only once in their last eight matches—a 1-0 Premier League loss to Manchester United while down to ten men—with four wins and three draws otherwise. They are unbeaten in their last four games. In the UEFA Conference League, they have remained undefeated in six matches (three wins, three draws). Dean Henderson, who was ill in the previous round against AEK Larnaca, will return to goal. Adam Worthington, injured during England duty, is expected to be fit. The attack is led by Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Fiorentina face an English side for the first time since their 1-2 loss to West Ham in the 2023 final of this competition. Although they sit 15th in Serie A, five points clear of relegation, they have remained unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions (four wins, two draws). They have extensive experience in the UEFA Conference League, reaching the semifinals three consecutive years and finishing as runners-up twice. Right-back Dodo has recovered from injury. Their attack features Moise Kean, Albert Guðmundsson, Jack Harrison, and Niccolò Fagioli, giving them a good chance to avoid defeat away.
Prediction Fiorentina to draw away at Palace.