Football tips for 18 Feb 2026: Analysis of 3 promising matches, with anticipation around Arsenal in today's fixtures.
On 18 February 2026, the football highlights focus on two major competitions: the English Premier League, impacting title and relegation battles, and the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 play-off first legs. We present analyses and predictions for three notable matches as follows.
- English Premier League / Kick-off at 03:00 GMT+7
Arsenal remain in contention for four trophies, having reached the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in six years. Their league form is strong, with only one loss in the last 11 matches (7 wins, 3 draws). They aim to extend their lead over Manchester City from 4 to 7 points. However, their away league record shows just 3 wins in the last 8 games (4 draws, 1 loss). Still, their record at Wolverhampton is excellent, winning 9 and losing only 2 of the last 11 visits. Additionally, Ricardo Calafiori and Ben White have recovered fitness and are available for selection.
Prediction Arsenal to dominate and defeat Wolverhampton.
- UEFA Champions League play-off first leg / Kick-off at 00:45 GMT+7
Newcastle United have struggled recently, winning only 3 of their last 10 matches, losing 5 and drawing 2. However, they have improved in their last two away wins: 2-1 against Tottenham in the league and 3-1 at Aston Villa in the FA Cup. They are chasing a third consecutive win for the first time this season. Away games remain a challenge, with only 5 wins in 19 league matches this season (8 losses, 6 draws). Their recent European away record is also poor, with just 2 wins in the last 15 matches.
Qarabağ, the hosts, have regained some confidence with three consecutive league wins after a heavy 6-0 loss at Liverpool in their last group stage match. Their home European form this season is respectable: 2 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, including a 2-2 draw with Chelsea, helping redeem their prior record of losing 7 of 8 matches against English teams. Brazilian midfielder Cadi Borges has recovered from injury and is available, leaving them injury-free, while Newcastle have 8 injured players. This gives Qarabağ a chance to compete.
Prediction Newcastle may only manage a draw against Qarabağ.
- UEFA Champions League play-off first leg / Kick-off at 03:00 GMT+7
Inter Milan, despite finishing as runners-up in the UCL twice in the last three seasons, have a strong knockout record in Europe, winning 10 and losing only 1 of their last 15 matches outside the final. Their recent form is fierce, with six consecutive wins across all competitions, including a narrow 3-2 league victory over Juventus. Nicolo Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu have returned from injury to strengthen midfield, supplying forwards Lautaro Martínez (14 goals) and Marcus Thuram (7 goals).
Bodø/Glimt have bounced back from near elimination by defeating Manchester City and Atlético Madrid in their last two group matches to advance. Last season, they reached the Europa League semi-finals, beating another Italian team, Lazio, in the quarterfinals. Their squad is complete, led by scorers Jens Petter Hauge (4 goals) and Kasper Junker, who scored 3 goals in the wins over Manchester City and Atlético. However, Inter Milan’s recent form and experience appear stronger, suggesting they are likely to prevail.
Prediction Inter Milan remain a reliable bet to win.