Football predictions for 22 May 2026: analysis of 2 key matches, anticipation for 2 major competitions, today's football schedule.
On 22 May 2026, today's football predictions cover two major competitions, including a title-deciding match in the French Cup final. Let's follow the match analyses and expert opinions on these two intriguing games.
- French Cup final / Kick-off at 02:00 GMT+7
Lens aim to win their first French Cup title after finishing as runners-up three times before. They hope to make up for missing the Ligue 1 championship to PSG by six points. In their last seven matches, they lost only to PSG, winning four and drawing two. Their latest game was a 4-0 away win over Lyon to close the season. This season against Nice, Lens remain unbeaten (home 2-0 win, away 1-1 draw). However, they will be missing three injured players including key defender Samson Baidoo. Their attacking lineup remains strong with Florian Thauvin, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Odsonne Edouard.
Nice still face a relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne, who are 3rd in Ligue 2, after failing to win in their last eight Ligue 1 matches (five draws, three losses). However, in this competition, they have eliminated three Ligue 1 teams: Nantes, Lorient, and Strasbourg, giving them a chance to win their fourth French Cup. In their last eight meetings with Lens, they were unbeaten in seven (four wins, three draws). They have four injured players but retain key men such as Jonathan Clauss, Sofiane Diop, and top scorer Elye Wahi. Despite this, Lens's recent form is superior and they are likely to succeed.
Expert opinion Lens to narrowly win and claim the title.
- Italian Serie A final match of the season / Kick-off at 01:30 GMT+7
Fiorentina have secured their safety from relegation after a 0-0 draw with Genoa and a 2-0 away win over Juventus, thanks to strong form in their last 10 league matches with only one loss (four wins, five draws). They have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven games and remain unbeaten at home in seven matches (two wins, five draws). Against Atalanta in their last 10 meetings, Fiorentina remained unbeaten six times (five wins, one draw). They have four injured players including Moise Kean, Luca Ranieri, Fabiano Parisi, and Tarek Lamti, relying on Rolando Mandragora, Nicolò Fagioli, Albert Guðmundsson, and Roberto Piccoli.
Atalanta have secured a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoffs after missing the Europa League due to inconsistent form, winning only once in their last seven matches (four losses, two draws). They recently lost 0-1 at home to Bologna but have not lost two consecutive league games since Raffaele Palladino, former Fiorentina coach, took over on 11 November. They have two injured players, Odilon Kossounou and Lorenzo Bernasconi, but will have defender Isaac Hien back from suspension. Key players such as Giorgio Scalvini, Ederson, Nicola Zalewski, Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere, and Nikola Kostić remain available. This match is expected to end in a draw.
Expert opinion Draw with goals scored.