Today's football tips for 28 Jan 26: analysis of 4 top picks and today's fixtures preview, focusing on big UCL matches.
On 28 January 2026, today's football tips highlight a major event: the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 league phase final matchday, which will determine qualification or elimination. Here is analysis and insight on 4 key matches of interest.
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7
The "Reds" recently lost 2-3 to Bournemouth in the Premier League, ending a 13-match unbeaten streak (7 wins, 6 draws). However, in the Champions League, they are a different team: after 7 matches, they have 5 wins and 2 losses, already securing a playoff spot. Liverpool still need a win to guarantee a round of 16 place without extra matches. A major problem is their defense: Joe Gomez is newly injured, and Ibrahima Konaté may not have returned from his home country yet. Wataru Endo is expected to fill in temporarily.
Qarabag may not pose too much trouble for Liverpool. In their last 10 matches, Qarabag won 5, lost 4, and drew 1. In the league phase away games, they only beat Benfica (who had issues then), but lost to Atletico Madrid and Napoli. They have never beaten English teams in 8 attempts, only once drawing Chelsea 2-2 during Chelsea's slump. Facing Liverpool, who are eager to redeem themselves, Qarabag likely won’t stand a chance.
Prediction : Liverpool revival
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7
The "Sky Blues" recently suffered a setback last week, losing 1-3 away to Bodø/Glimt, but quickly bounced back with a 2-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton. They rested key players like star striker Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Jérémy Doku for this match. Although missing Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, who recently transferred and aren't registered yet, Nico Gonzalez has recovered from injury and will bolster the midfield.
Galatasaray have been inconsistent in the Champions League, having beaten Liverpool before but failing to win in their last 3 league phase matches (2 losses, 1 draw). They face 3-4 injuries and suspensions. Fortunately, striker Victor Osimhen has returned from AFCON 2025 to partner with Leroy Sané, a former Man City player. If Man City avoid mistakes, this should be their day.
Prediction : Man City narrowly prevail
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7
Napoli coach Antonio Conte faces his former team during a slump: 6 matches with only 1 win, 4 draws, and 1 loss. They were recently beaten 0-3 by Juventus and trail Serie A leader Inter Milan by 9 points. Last week in the league phase, they drew 1-1 at home against Copenhagen, who were down to 10 men. Although former Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has returned, he isn’t fit enough to displace Rasmus Højlund, who partners Scott McTominay.
Chelsea have improved steadily under new coach Liam Rosnier, winning 4 of their last 5 games with 13 goals scored and 5 conceded. Although they have yet to win any of their 3 league phase away games, those occurred under previous coach Enzo Maresca. While Cole Palmer may not be fit to start, players like João Pedro, Estevão, Enzo Fernández, Pedro Neto, and Alejandro Garnacho are ready to help break Chelsea’s poor record in Italy, where they have lost 8 and won only 2 of 13 visits.
Prediction : Chelsea to win
- Kickoff at 03:00 GMT+7
Although PSG lost 1-2 to Sporting Lisbon in their 7th league phase match, they regained confidence by winning 1-0 away at Auxerre on Friday, giving them more than 2 days' rest. Playing at home, PSG have won 5 of their last 6 matches, only losing to Paris FC in the French Cup round of 32, when key players rested. Ashraf Hakimi has returned from AFCON 2025 to join teammates like Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Newcastle recently lost 0-2 to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, with less rest and an away match, which has been a challenge this season. In their last 5 away games, they only beat Burnley (with 2 losses and 2 draws). They face 6-7 injuries, with Joelinton recently sidelined for 2-3 weeks and Bruno Guimarães a last-minute fitness doubt. Newcastle have never won when missing their captain, so at best they can hope to draw.
Prediction : PSG to shine