Today's football tips for 23 May 2026: Analysis of 3 key matches for the Premier League playoff and today's football schedule. The focus is on exciting European football with important games.
On 23 May 2026, today's football tips highlight three major European competitions worth watching, especially the playoff to decide the final new team promoted to the English Premier League, and the DFB-Pokal cup final. Follow the football analysis and insights for these three matches.
- Championship playoff final / Kickoff at 21:30
The "Tigers" secured the final playoff spot by defeating Millwall, the 3rd place team in the regular season, reaching the final. Last season, they narrowly avoided relegation on goal difference. Despite winning only 3 of their last 10 matches, drawing 5, and losing 2, they remain unbeaten in their last 3 games (2 wins, 1 draw), showing good form at the right time. This season, results against "Boro" have been mixed. They face injury challenges but expect Cody Drameh, Amir Hadziahmetovic, and David Akintola to return to aid the attack led by key forwards Oli McBurnie and Liam Millar.
"The Red Devils" replaced Southampton in the final after Southampton was disqualified due to spying allegations, boosting their chance to return to the Premier League since 2017. Although their recent form is weak, with only 2 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in the last 10 matches, they have the upper hand against Hull, winning 5, drawing 1, and losing 2 of their last 8 encounters. Additionally, teams finishing 5th like Boro have won 3 of the last 4 playoff finals. Hayden Hackney, a key midfielder, has returned to fitness and will coordinate with David Strelec and Morgan Whittaker, making a win possible.
Prediction Middlesbrough narrowly defeats Hull to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
- DFB-Pokal final / Kickoff at 01:00
The "Bavarians," fresh off their Bundesliga title, aim to end a six-year wait for this cup by winning their 21st title. Under coach Vincent Kompany, their attack has been fierce, scoring 181 goals and conceding only 62 in 54 matches this season. In their last 24 games, they've lost only once—to PSG in the UCL semifinals (19 wins, 4 draws). They beat Stuttgart twice in the league this season. Bayern will miss Manuel Neuer, Alphonso Davies, and Serge Gnabry to injury but retain their top forwards Harry Kane (58 goals in all competitions), Luis Diaz, and Michael Olise.
The "Swabians" seek their 5th cup title and a second consecutive defense. However, recent form is inconsistent with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses in the last 9 games, winning only once in their last 4. They have struggled against Bayern, losing 7 of the last 8 meetings since 2018, with only one win. Good news is key attacker Bilal El Khannous returns fit, teaming with Deniz Undav, Ermedin Demirovic, and Angelo Stiller, but overall they remain outmatched by Bayern.
Prediction Bayern edge out Stuttgart to secure the double title.
- La Liga Spain final matchday / Kickoff at 02:00
The "Bats" still chase a UEFA Conference League playoff spot, just 2 points behind 7th place Getafe. They are unbeaten in their last 3 matches (2 wins, 1 draw) and have lost only once in their last 6 (3 wins, 2 draws). However, they have suffered heavy defeats against Barcelona in their last 3 meetings, conceding 18 goals and scoring only once. Their last win over Barcelona was in January 2020 (2-0). This match sees Eray Cömert suspended and six others injured, including José Gayà, Lucas Beltrán, and José Gómez, relying on forwards Javi Guerra and Hugo Duro.
Barcelona have already secured the league title after beating Real Madrid 2-0, though they lost 0-1 to Alavés before a 3-1 win over Real Betis. The "Blaugrana" have the best away record in the league this season with 12 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses in 18 matches. They have been unbeaten in the last 12 meetings against Valencia across all competitions, last losing in the league in April 2016. Injuries include Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, but Marcus Rashford, Frenkie de Jong, and Ferran Torres have returned to fitness, joining Rafinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo. Barcelona appear stronger and are expected to secure a final three-point victory.
Prediction Barcelona narrowly defeats Valencia.