Today's football tips for 3 Feb 2026 include analysis of 3 top picks and the match schedule, focusing on the Carabao Cup.
On 3 February 2026, there are several important football matches scheduled. Here is analysis and predictions for 3 notable games in the Carabao Cup (English League Cup), Italy's Serie A, and the Copa del Rey.
- Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg (first leg: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal) / Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
"The Gunners" hold the advantage after their away win in the first leg and have dominated Chelsea in recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in the last 10 encounters (7 wins, 3 draws). Despite missing key players Bukayo Saka, Mikel Merino, and Max Dawman due to injury, their squad depth compensates well, with key players like Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Martin Ødegaard, and Víctor Jéqueres all available.
Chelsea, under new manager Liam Rosinier, are in good form with five straight wins scoring 12 goals. However, facing Arsenal won't be easy; their last three away visits ended in defeat. Although the squad is fit with players like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Estevao Willian, and João Pedro ready to play, it seems unlikely they will overturn the deficit.
Prediction : The Gunners will remain unbeaten against Chelsea and advance to the final.
2. Bologna (10th) VS AC Milan (2nd)
- Italy Serie A / Kickoff at 02:45 GMT+7.
The "Rossoneri" visitors may have dropped points early in 2026 but maintain a 21-match unbeaten streak in the league (13 wins, 8 draws) since their opening loss to Cremonese in August. Although they missed out on signing Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, their attacking options remain strong with Christopher Nkunku, Niklas Fullkrug, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leão.
Home team "Rossoblù" have struggled recently, winning only once in their last 10 league games (6 losses, 3 draws). In addition, they have beaten AC Milan only once in the last 20 league meetings and have not won any of their last 5 home league games (4 losses, 1 draw). With key defensive absences including goalkeeper Lucas Skorupski (suspended) and defender Jon Lucumi (injured), they are likely to continue struggling against AC Milan.
Prediction : The Rossoneri will secure the victory.
3. Albacete (12th in Segunda Division) VS Barcelona (1st in La Liga)
- Copa del Rey quarter-finals / Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7.
The home side are in great form, winning four consecutive matches and previously knocking out Real Madrid. They have kept clean sheets in their last three league games. However, this time they face a tough challenge against Barcelona, the tournament's record 32-time champions. They will rely on star striker Jephte Betancor, who scored twice against Real Madrid and once in their recent 2-0 win over Real Zaragoza.
Barcelona, the defending champions, have regained form after a 1-2 league loss to Real Sociedad, winning their last four games. Despite Albacete's hot streak, Barcelona have won all six of their last meetings. Coach Hansi Flick may rest some key players, but Marcus Rashford, Dani Olmo, Fermín López, and Ferran Torres should be strong enough to secure a win.
Prediction : Barcelona will advance to the next round.