Football tips for 21 Jan 2026 highlight 4 favorites and open today's match schedule, focusing on major UCL clashes.
On 21 January 2026, today's football tips feature a major highlight: the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 league phase, matchday 7. There are analyses of 4 key intriguing matches with expert insights as follows.
- Kickoff at 03:00 Thai time.
"The Reds" have gone unbeaten in 12 matches since losing 1-4 at home to PSV on 26 November in this competition, with 6 draws and 6 wins. Their form is still somewhat uncertain. They will miss Ibrahima Konaté, who has returned home due to personal issues, leaving only two professional center-backs: Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Fortunately, Mohamed Salah has returned from international duty.
However, Roberto De Zerbi's "OM" is no less dangerous, scoring the most goals in Ligue 1 (41), even more than PSG. In the last 7 matches across all competitions, they've scored 28 goals. Their forwards include Mason Greenwood, a former Manchester United player with 20 goals this season, as well as Igor Pjaca (9 goals) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (8 goals). If Liverpool's finishing remains as poor as in their 1-1 draw with Burnley, they could face a shock defeat.
Expert opinion Marseille could spring a surprise.
- Kickoff at 03:00 Thai time.
The "Magpies" recently struggled in the Premier League with a 0-0 draw against bottom-placed Wolverhampton, but their home form remains strong: in the last 15 home matches, they won 10, drew 4, and lost only 1. Eddie Howe's team always plays energetically at home. Additionally, Dan Burn and Willock Osula have recovered from injury and resumed training, adding options in defense and attack.
PSV has performed well away in the Champions League, remaining unbeaten and once thrashing Liverpool 4-1. In their last 21 matches, they lost only once, 2-3 to Atletico Madrid, with 17 wins and 3 draws. Both teams have 5-6 injured players each. The game may be decided by the attacking prowess of Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, and Joao Vissa, versus PSV's Ivan Perisic, Guus Til, and Esmir Brajkarevic.
Expert opinion Likely a high-scoring draw.
- Kickoff at 03:00 Thai time.
Slavia Prague could be eliminated immediately if they fail to win this match. Despite being unbeaten in 19 Czech league matches, they have yet to win in Europe (3 draws, 3 losses). They have also been inactive competitively for over a month since beating Jablonec 4-3 on 13 December. Although they played friendlies against Basel, Karlsruhe, and Brann, these don't compare to facing the formidable "Blaugrana".
Barcelona recently lost 1-2 to Real Sociedad in La Liga, but had won 11 consecutive matches before that. Despite missing Lamine Yamal (suspended), Ferran Torres, Gavi, and Andreas Christensen (injured), their remaining squad is strong. Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo should help secure goals and a 3-point win to stay in contention.
Expert opinion Barcelona will likely end their worries.
- Kickoff at 00:45 Thai time.
Galatasaray's last 10 matches look decent with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, but they have never beaten Atletico Madrid in major European competitions (3 losses, 1 draw). Their record against Spanish teams is poor: in the last 21 matches, only 1 win and 15 losses. Despite having notable players like Victor Osimhen, Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, and Mauro Icardi, they are missing 5 players due to injury or suspension.
Atletico Madrid has been in good form recently, losing only 1 of their last 8 matches (6 wins, 1 draw). They have a strong record visiting Turkish teams, winning 6 of their last 7 away games in Turkey, including victories in their last 4 matches. Although missing Clement Lenglet and Nico Gonzalez (injured), key players Juliano Simeone, Alexander Sorloth, and Julian Alvarez have been outstanding in the UCL, scoring 4 goals and 2 assists in 5 matches, likely giving the visitors the edge.
Expert opinion Atletico Madrid should not disappoint.