Football predictions for 31 Jan 2026: Analysis of four top picks, previewing today's fixtures and Liverpool's prospects in focus.
On 31 January 2026, today's football schedule features matches across Europe's top leagues, notably the English Premier League, the people's favorite, alongside Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1, and others. We analyze four particularly interesting matches with insights as follows.
- English Premier League / Kickoff at 03:00
Last week, the "Reds" lost 2-3 to Bournemouth, ending a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions, but quickly bounced back with a 6-0 thrashing of Qarabag in the UEFA Champions League. Despite losing right-back Jeremy Frimpong to injury, Ibrahima Konaté has returned to the defense. Curtis Jones has recovered from illness, and Liverpool hold a dominant record, remaining unbeaten against the "Magpies" in the Premier League for 18 consecutive matches.
Newcastle, the visitors, gained confidence from a 1-1 draw away at Paris Saint-Germain in Europe. However, they have won only three away games all season and have not beaten Liverpool at Anfield in the last 29 Premier League encounters. Although Bruno Guimarães and Jacob Murphy have returned from injury, Joelinton remains sidelined. It seems unlikely they will overcome the "Reds" on the road.
Prediction Liverpool continues to dominate.
- English Premier League / Kickoff at 22:00
The "Gunners" have stumbled in the league, failing to win in three consecutive matches (one loss, two draws), most recently losing their first home game this season 2-3 to Manchester United, reducing their lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa to just four points. However, after rotating their squad in the midweek 3-2 victory over Kairat in the Champions League, key players like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magalhães, Martin Zubimendi, and Bukayo Saka are fully fit and eager to secure a league win.
Leeds are improving steadily, unbeaten in 10 of their last 11 matches (4 wins, 6 draws), with only one game without scoring. Their home record is solid with 5 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses. Yet, facing Arsenal is challenging as they've lost seven consecutive matches in all competitions to them, including six straight league defeats. Additionally, star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored just once in his last five games. It appears the time is ripe for the "Gunners" to reclaim victory.
Prediction Arsenal revives to win.
- German Bundesliga / Kickoff at 00:30
Hamburg's situation remains concerning, only three points above the relegation playoff zone after five winless matches (2 losses, 3 draws). Their attack is struggling, scoring no more than one goal in 12 of their last 14 matches in all competitions. They remain unbeaten at home in the last five games (2 wins, 3 draws) but will miss key striker Yusuf Poulsen due to an ankle injury until March.
Bayern Munich suffered their first home league defeat this season last week to Augsburg but won midweek against PSV in the Champions League while resting most starters. They aim to refresh for the league, and their head-to-head record is dominant with 10 consecutive wins over Hamburg and 11 wins in their last 12 away matches. With Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise leading the attack, Bayern looks set to secure victory.
Prediction Hamburg succumbs to Bayern Munich.
- Spanish La Liga / Kickoff at 03:00
Although newly promoted Elche sit mid-table with 24 points from 21 matches, just three points above the relegation zone, they have faltered recently with five winless matches (3 losses, 2 draws). In 2026, they've earned only two points from four league games. Their home form is reliable with 5 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss from 11 games, accumulating 20 points.
However, facing "Los Blaugrana" is likely a nightmare for Elche, as Barcelona has remained unbeaten against them for 52 years and won the last 11 encounters consecutively. Under coach Hans-Dieter Flick, Barcelona has the second-best away record in La Liga this season, with 7 wins from 11 matches and 22 points. Frenkie de Jong returns from suspension to lead the team alongside the recovered Ferran Torres. The visitors are expected to take all three points.
Prediction Barcelona maintains dominance over Elche.