New Zealand featured at the World Cup once again. They even got off to a flying start, drawing 2-2 with Iran. But they then lost to both Belgium and Egypt and failed to reach the knockout stage. In September, they drew 2-2 with Palestine and beat China 3-0. They then competed in the Kirin Cup, beating Panama on penalties after a draw before losing to Japan in the final.

India have long been outside the reckoning in world football. They have not even qualified for the Asian Cup. In their friendlies this autumn, they began September with draws against Tajikistan and Panama. But the following month brought heavy defeats to Brazil and Uruguay.

Oceania’s top team score 1.3 goals per match and concede considerably more, at 2.22. The Asian visitors are not much different, averaging 1.2 goals scored and 2.1 conceded.

Previous matches: New Zealand vs India

The only meeting between the sides was also a friendly, played in 2018. India lost 2-1.

The hosts are much stronger now. We’re backing them with a -1.5-goal handicap (odds: 1.95).

• New Zealand have won just one of their last eight matches in normal time
• Both teams have scored in 50% of New Zealand’s matches, with an average of 3.5 goals per game
• India have lost five of their last seven matches
• Both teams have scored in 60% of India’s matches, with an average of 3.3 goals per game.

New Zealand are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Paulsen — Elliott, Bindon, Tuiloma, Old — Stamenic, McCowatt — Rogerson, Just, Wayne — Randall

India are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Sandhu — Abhishek Singh, Anwar Ali, Mishra, Shabong — Lalengmawia, Shabong — Manvir Singh, Williams, Kuruniyan — Vikram Singh

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The club from the outskirts of Madrid spent four seasons in Segunda B between 2016 and 2021. But then they dropped back to the fourth tier. What is more, they recorded their worst result in recent memory last spring, finishing only tenth in their group. Their numbers are fairly average this season too. They did, however, hold Guadalajara to a 2-2 draw.

The Seville side finished fifth in La Liga. That finally earned them a return to the Champions League, where the Spaniards made a convincing start with wins. They did lose to Borussia Dortmund, though. They have also picked up plenty of wins domestically—even beating Real Madrid. Málaga and Elche were also defeated.

Artístico Navalcarnero have a near-even record so far, with 1.8 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match. The Champions League side score 1.67 goals per game and concede 1.25.

Previous meetings: Navalcarnero vs. Betis

This will be the first time these visitors have played at the Mariano González.

Even Betis' experimental lineup is far stronger than the opposition. Our pick is Betis to win with a -2 goal handicap (odds: 1.66).

• Navalcarnero are unbeaten in six consecutive matches
• 90% of Artístico Navalcarnero's matches see both teams score, and the average total is 3.3 goals per game.
• Betis have won two of their last three matches
• 50% of Betis' matches see both teams score, and the average total is 2.92 goals per game.

Navalcarnero play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Calado — Souza, Cruz, Álvarez, Peque — Azurmendi, Kensly, Larrañaga — Aarón, Domínguez, Varo

Betis play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Conde — Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, Firpo — Fornals, Ceballos — Antony, Isco, Riquelme — Morante

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Equatorial Guinea finished second-bottom of their World Cup qualifying group, collecting 11 points from 10 matches. They also lost all three of their games at the Africa Cup of Nations. They began this campaign with a defeat to DR Congo, but bounced back to beat Sierra Leone in the second round.

Zimbabwe finished bottom of their qualifying group, managing just five points. They fared little better than their opponents at the last Africa Cup of Nations, drawing with Angola and losing twice. They made a similar start to qualifying, beating underdogs Sierra Leone before falling to the Congolese.

The home side average 0.7 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match. Their opponents play more open football, averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.3 conceded.

Previous matches: Equatorial Guinea vs Zimbabwe

This will be the first meeting between the two sides.

The visitors will look to put up a fight—they cannot afford to lose. Our pick is "both teams to score" (odds: 2.20).

• Equatorial Guinea have lost six of their last nine matches
• Both teams have scored in 40% of Equatorial Guinea's matches, with an average of 1.9 goals per game
• Zimbabwe have won four of their last six matches
• Both teams have scored in 60% of Zimbabwe's matches, with an average of 2.8 goals per game

Equatorial Guinea are expected to line up in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation: Ovono — Mbomio, Coco, Orozco, Ondo — Buyla — Balboa, Ganet, Eneme, Zuniga — Hansa

Zimbabwe are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Chipezeze — Marudza, Garananga, Moyo, Rinomhota — Nakamba, Munetsi — Maswanhise, Chirewa, Antonio — Ngwenya

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Ghana featured at the World Cup in the summer. They picked up four points to advance from their group, but were eliminated in the first knockout round after a 0-1 defeat to Colombia. Then, in September, they lost to both Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia in qualifying.

Somalia failed to qualify for the Arab Cup, losing to Oman on penalties after a goalless draw in the playoff. Their two-legged battle with Mauritius for a place in this qualifying campaign also produced two 0-0 draws, but this time Somalia came out on top in the penalty shootout. However, they went on to lose to both opponents in the autumn.

Mensa and his teammates are averaging 0.7 goals per game, while conceding a hefty 1.9. For perennial underdogs Somalia, the numbers are as expected: a paltry 0.3 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game.

Previous meetings: Ghana vs Somalia

The sides have met only in 2003. Ghana won both games and kept clean sheets across more than 180 minutes of play.

Ghana are clearly the stronger side and desperately need to turn their fortunes around. Our pick is a home win with a -2.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.85).

• Ghana have lost four games in a row
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Ghana's matches, with an average of 2.6 goals per game
• Somalia have lost both of their previous games
• Both teams have scored in 20% of Somalia's matches, with an average of 1.7 goals per game.

Ghana are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Asare — Oppong, Agyetey, Opoku, Mensah — Sibo, Yirenkyi — Fatawu, Nuamah, Afena-Gyan — Thomas-Asante

Somalia are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Hussein — Mohamed, Jijili, Omar, Osman — Othman, Sharif, Suleiman, Adam — Njie, Hassan

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Tunisia crashed out of the last AFCON in the round of 16 over the winter, losing to Mali on penalties. Their summer World Cup campaign was a complete failure: after replacing their coach following the opening match, they went on to lose again. They also drew both of their qualifying matches in the autumn.

Libya picked up 16 points from 10 games in World Cup qualifying to finish third in their group. But in the play-off for a place at the Arab Cup, they lost to Palestine on penalties after a 0-0 draw. In the current qualifying campaign, they have drawn with Botswana and lost 1-3 to Uganda.

The World Cup participants score just 0.7 goals per game but concede far more, averaging 2.2. Their modest opponents have a positive record, scoring 1.1 goals per game and conceding 0.8.

Head-to-head: Tunisia vs Libya

Libya have managed just one draw in their last nine meetings.

The visitors look up against it once again — we expect the hosts to claim another win over a familiar opponent with a -1.0 handicap (odds – 1.60).

• Tunisia are winless in eight consecutive matches
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Tunisia's matches, with an average of 2.9 goals per game
• Libya have drawn after 90 minutes in six of their last eight matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Libya's matches, with an average of 1.9 goals per game

Tunisia are expected to line up in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation: Dahmen — Nasraoui, Arous, Talbi — Ltaief, Sassi, Laidouni, Maaloul — Slimane, Garbi — Mastouri

Libya are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Al-Tihar — Salama, Youssef, Ali, Jaddour — Al-Hibishi, Al-Shalwi — Issa, Akasha, El-Houni — El-Maremi

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Senegal beat Morocco on penalties in the final of the previous AFCON, only for a controversial ruling to later award them a technical defeat. They then travelled to the World Cup, where their only win came against Iraq. That was enough to reach the knockout stage, but despite leading 2-0, they meekly went on to lose to Belgium. They also began qualifying with a draw against Mozambique and beat Ethiopia by just 1-0. The same scoreline followed in a friendly against the Comoros.

Sudan were in the same World Cup qualifying group as their current opponents. They finished third with thirteen points from ten matches. They also lost 1-3 to Senegal in the round of 16 at the winter AFCON! In September, they managed a 1-0 win over Ethiopia, but lost to the stronger Mozambique.

The powerhouse of the "Dark Continent" scores an average of 1.8 goals per game but also concedes plenty, at 1.4. The underdogs have scored just 0.7 goals per game while conceding as many as 1.8.

Previous matches: Senegal vs Sudan

The teams have met eight times, with Mané and co. winning five of those matches—including both of the last two—while three ended in draws. Senegal also won on penalties at the 2025 African Nations Championship.

The hosts are much stronger this time, too. We’re backing them to win with a "-2 goal" handicap (odds – 1.7).

• Senegal have won two matches in a row
• Both teams have scored in 60% of Senegal’s matches, with an average of 3.2 goals per game
• Sudan have lost six of their last eight matches
• Both teams have scored in 40% of Sudan’s matches, with an average of 2.5 goals per game

Senegal play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Diaw — Koulibaly, Mendy, Sarr, Sy — Gueye, Ndiaye — Mbaye, Sarr, Ndiaye — Soumare

Sudan play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Mustafa — Hakim, Karsoum, Taifour, Khidir — Abdallah, Omer, Barglan, Ali — Eisa, Tabanga

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South Africa reached the knockout stage both at the Africa Cup of Nations in winter and, more importantly, at the World Cup in summer, although they were eliminated straight away on both occasions. And so far this autumn, they have done nothing but win. They first beat Kenya 2-1 at home in qualifying, then thrashed Eritrea 5-0 away. Last month, they also secured a 1-0 win over strong opposition from Egypt in a friendly.

Kenya managed just twelve points from ten matches in World Cup qualifying. They are hardly shining now, either. In September's qualifiers, they could only draw with even less fancied Eritrea before losing 0-1 in Guinea. At the start of October, they played out a 0-0 draw with Rwanda in a friendly.

South Africa average 1.2 goals scored per game while conceding even fewer—0.8. Their next opponents are significantly weaker: they score one goal away from home on average and concede 1.6 at their own end.

Previous meetings: South Africa vs Kenya

South Africa won both of the previous encounters.

They will be expected to come out on top again. Our pick is South Africa with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.66).

• South Africa have won four of their last five matches
• Both teams have scored in 40% of South Africa's matches, with an average total of 2.0 goals per game
• Kenya have drawn three of their last five matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Kenya's matches, with an average total of 2.6 goals per game

South Africa play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Cheyne — Matludi, Seema, Okon, Basadien — Sitole, Poggenpoel — Matthews, Ditehane, Singh — Mayulu

Kenya play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Odhiambo — Onyango, Kibwage, Odhiambo, Okwaro — Erambo, Abuya — Obiero, Bajaber, Ochieng — Omondi

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Mali reached the quarter-finals at last winter’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Senegal. They have also made a strong start to the new qualifying campaign this autumn. First, they beat World Cup participants Cape Verde 3-1 at home, then scored the only goal in Liberia. Even their draw with Morocco, albeit in a friendly, is a positive result.

Rwanda are rated lower, having finished second-bottom in World Cup qualifying with eleven points from ten matches. But they have been doing well in 2026: in March, they beat Grenada and Estonia in the FIFA Series, then picked up six points at the start of qualifying in September. Their only match last month was a goalless draw with Kenya in a friendly.

Doumbia and his teammates have been short on goals, averaging 0.8 scored and 0.8 conceded per game. Their opponents have scored 1.2 goals per game while conceding slightly fewer, at 0.9.

Previous meetings: Mali vs Rwanda

Mali have won three of their four meetings, with the other ending in a draw.

They are the stronger side now, too. We’re backing them to win at home again with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.9).

• Mali have won two of their last three matches
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Mali’s matches, with an average of 1.6 goals per game
• Rwanda have won four of their last five matches
• Both teams have scored in 20% of Rwanda’s matches, with an average of 2.1 goals per game

Mali are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Samassa — Guindo, Gassama, Keita, Kamara — Coulibaly, Haidara, Sangaré — Dorgel, Doumbia, Tia

Rwanda are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Hakizimana — Uvumukiza, Nkulikiyimana, Niyigena, Imanishimwe — Muhire, Guelette, Kwizera — Iradukunda, Biramashire, Nshuti

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Last winter, Ivory Coast reached the quarter-finals of the previous Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost 3-2 to Egypt. Then, at the World Cup in the summer, they reached the knockout stage for the first time, but were beaten 2-1 by Norway. In September, they opened their new qualifying campaign with 2-0 wins over Ghana and Somalia. Last month, however, they lost 1-0 to Cameroon in a friendly.

Gambia picked up just 13 points from 10 matches in World Cup qualifying. They have made a strong start this time around, though. First, they beat Somalia 2-1 at home. Then came a major upset: a 4-2 win away to powerhouse Ghana.

Renard’s side score 1.6 goals per game and concede just 0.6. Their visitors average 2.7 goals scored and 1.7 conceded.

Head-to-head: Ivory Coast - Gambia

Kessié and company have won all six of their previous meetings.

The hosts remain clearly the stronger side, and they have a great chance to pull away from their main rivals in the group. They should take it. Our pick is a home win with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.67).

• Ivory Coast have won two of their last three matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Ivory Coast’s matches, with an average of 2.2 goals per game
• Gambia have won back-to-back matches
• Both teams have scored in 80% of Gambia’s matches, with an average of 4.4 goals per game

Ivory Coast play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (likely lineup): Lafont — Ouattara, Agbadou, Diomandé, Tapé — Sangaré, Koné — Gboho, Gueu, Touré — Fofana

Gambia play in a 1-5-4-1 formation (likely lineup): Gaye — Ceesay, Sanneh, Colley, Bojang, Trawally — Sanyang, Barry, Adams, Camara — Badamosi

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Cameroon failed to qualify for the World Cup, losing to DR Congo in a playoff match a year ago. However, they reached the quarter-finals at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where they were beaten by Morocco, the tournament hosts. In the current qualifying campaign, they comfortably defeated Comoros but then settled for a draw with Morocco.

Namibia also finished second in their World Cup qualifying group, but their 15 points were not enough to earn them a place in the playoffs. They failed to qualify for the last Africa Cup of Nations, too. And although they beat Congo 1-0 this time around, they then suffered a surprise defeat to Comoros.

Mbeumo and his teammates score 1.3 goals per game and concede considerably fewer — 0.8. By comparison, their opponents average just 0.5 goals scored and two conceded.

Previous matches: Cameroon vs Namibia

The head-to-head record is currently level, with each side claiming one win in four meetings.

All the signs point to the hosts. We’re backing them to win this football match by a margin of at least two goals, with a -1.5 handicap (odds: 1.75).

• Cameroon have won three of their last four matches
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Cameroon’s matches, with an average of 2.1 total goals per game
• Namibia have lost seven of their last nine matches
• Both teams have scored in 10% of Namibia’s matches, with an average of 2.5 total goals per game

Cameroon are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Ngapandouetnbu — Tchatchoua, Keben, Kotto, Nagida — Nyenge, Avom — Mbeumo, Namaso, Djibrin — Nsongo

Namibia are expected to line up in a 1-3-5-2 formation: Ndisiro — Amenutya, Hambira, Katua, Hanamub — Shidolo, Petrus — Hotto, Muzeu, Rudath — Shalulile

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Cabo Verde were the surprise package at their first-ever World Cup: they drew all three group-stage matches and their playoff against Argentina, only to lose to the world runners-up in extra time. But they disappointed in qualifying, losing not only 3-1 in Mali but also 2-1 at home to Rwanda.

Liberia earned the same 15 points as Namibia in World Cup qualifying but finished third in the group on the tiebreakers. They also suffered their share of defeats in friendlies and have yet to pick up a point this autumn: 3-1 against Rwanda and 1-0 against Mali.

The World Cup participants have averaged 1.5 goals scored and 1.5 conceded. Their next opponents have scored 1.2 goals per game and conceded 1.5.

Previous matches: Cabo Verde vs Liberia

The teams have met four times, with Cabo Verde winning three and losing once.

They remain the stronger side and it is time for them to win again, even with a -1.5-goal handicap (odds – 1.88).

• Cabo Verde have lost two matches in a row
• Cabo Verde average 1.5 goals scored and 1.5 conceded per match. Both teams have scored in 60% of Cabo Verde's matches, with an average of 3.0 total goals per game
• Liberia have lost five of their last seven matches
• Both teams have scored in 60% of Liberia's matches, with an average of 2.7 total goals per game

Cabo Verde are expected to line up in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation: Vozinha — Wagner Pina, Logan Costa, Diney Borges, Sidny Cabral — Kevin Pina — Ryan Mendes, Telmo Arcanjo, Jé Tavares, Ayoni Santos — Gilson Benchimol

Liberia are expected to line up in a 1-3-5-2 formation: Williams — Due, Sangare, Fully — Ledlum, Dorley, Kenneh, Tweh, Nyenetu — Nimely, Kosiah

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Egypt enjoyed a very successful year. At the last AFCON, they reached the final over the winter. Then, in the summer, they made history by advancing from their group at the World Cup for the first time — and even reached the round of 16, where they led Argentina before conceding three late goals and meekly going down 3-2. Things did not go quite as smoothly in the autumn: they opened qualifying with a goalless draw against Angola and, after a 5-0 win over South Sudan, lost a friendly against South Africa 1-0.

Malawi picked up a respectable 13 points from 10 matches in World Cup qualifying. They also began the current qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win, albeit against modest South Sudan. After that, they were outclassed away from home by Angola, losing 3-1.

The North African powerhouse scores an average of 1.5 goals per game and concedes one. The underdogs have an even record, averaging 0.8 goals scored and conceded per match.

Previous matches: Egypt vs Malawi

The teams have met eight times in total. Egypt have won five of those matches, including the last three in a row, and have suffered just one defeat.

Of course, Salah and company should win this one too — and by a margin of at least two goals (odds: 1.69).

• Egypt have won just two of their last nine matches in regulation time
• Both teams have scored in 60% of Egypt's matches, with an average of 2.5 total goals per game
• Malawi have lost three of their last five matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Malawi's matches, with an average of 1.6 total goals per game

Egypt are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Shobair — Hani, Rabia, Abdelmagid, Hafez — Lasheen, Attia, Ashour — Ibrahim Adel, Zico, Marmoush

Malawi are expected to line up in a 1-5-4-1 formation: Tole — Lameck, Petro, Denis, Chirwa, Nyirenda — Mwaungulu, Njaliwa, Singini, Gaddie Chirwa — Babatunde

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Burkina Faso reached the Round of 16 at the last Africa Cup of Nations, where they were thrashed by Côte d’Ivoire. They opened the new qualifying campaign by sharing the points with Benin, drawing 1-1 at home. Then they secured a 1-0 away win over the Central African Republic. However, they suffered a heavy 0-7 defeat to Argentina in a friendly in October.

Mauritania failed to qualify for the Arab Cup, losing to Kuwait in a playoff a year ago. They have hardly impressed this autumn either. They beat underdogs the Central African Republic 3-1 at home, but then lost to Benin.

Tapsoba and his teammates average 1.2 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per match. Their visitors have looked less impressive, averaging 0.8 goals scored while conceding almost twice as many: 1.4.

Previous matches: Burkina Faso vs Mauritania

Burkina Faso won half of their last six meetings, including progressing on penalties after a 1-1 draw. However, Mauritania won their most recent encounter.

It looks like Burkina Faso’s turn to win again. We’re backing a "home" victory (odds: 1.6).

• Burkina Faso have lost twice in their last seven matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Burkina Faso’s matches, with an average of 3.0 goals per game
• Mauritania have won two of their last three matches
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Mauritania’s matches, with an average of 2.2 goals per game

Burkina Faso are expected to line up in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation: Koffi — Kaboré, Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, Kouassi — Douce — Buda, Ismahila Ouédraogo, Abdoul Tapsoba, Zagré — Lassina Traoré

Mauritania are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Diop — Diaw, Lefort, Ba, El-Abd — Ngom, Bodda — Gassama, Mahmoud, Camara — Koita

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The Sheffield club endured a disastrous season in the Championship last term, although it had been struggling with long-standing, chronic financial problems. Things have stabilised in League One, but points have been dropped in more than half of their matches. They drew with Blackpool, and their cup tie with Oldham also finished 1-1 before their opponents scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The Lancashire side finished 16th in League Two last season with 53 points. They made a very difficult start this time around, but began to show marked improvement in September and climbed into mid-table. Draws have still been a regular feature, including their last-round stalemate with Northampton. They also lost 0-2 to Wycombe in the cup.

In this competition, the side relegated from the Championship have yet to drop a point, winning both of their matches. Their opponents drew with both Sunderland U21 and Salford, but won on penalties on each occasion to claim an extra point.

Previous meetings: Sheffield Wednesday vs Accrington Stanley

The clubs met in League One between 2021 and 2023. The Sheffield side recorded three wins and one draw.

The hosts are expected to win, and comfortably, too. However, neither side has been particularly prolific, so our pick is "under 3.5 goals" (odds – 1.8).

• Sheffield Wednesday have won one of their last seven matches
• Sheffield Wednesday score an average of 1.69 goals and concede 1.08 per match
• Both teams have scored in 54% of Sheffield Wednesday's matches, with an average total of 2.77 goals per game
• Accrington Stanley have won three of their last seven matches
• Accrington Stanley score an average of 1.64 goals and concede 1.21 per match
• Both teams have scored in 64% of Accrington Stanley's matches, with an average total of 2.86 goals per game

Sheffield Wednesday are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Maynard-Brewer — Valery, Weaver, Lowe, James — Slattery, Bannan — Gray, K. Dunn, Mitchell — Burstow.

Accrington Stanley are expected to line up in a 1-3-4-1-2 formation: Moulden — Love, Matthews, Anderson — O'Brien, Mols, Borland, Tutonda — Warren — Walton, Woods

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DR Congo reached the knockout stages of both the Africa Cup of Nations and even the World Cup this year, but were eliminated in the first round of each competition. They have a perfect record in qualifying so far, beating Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe in September. In October, however, they managed only a draw and a defeat in two friendlies against Uganda.

Sierra Leone put in a decent showing in World Cup qualifying, picking up 15 points from 10 matches. But they are yet to get off the mark here. They lost 3-2 at home to Zimbabwe, then failed to respond after conceding against Equatorial Guinea.

Desabre's men are averaging just 1.1 goals scored per game, while conceding 0.9. Their next opponents have slightly worse figures: 1.0 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game.

Previous meetings: DR Congo vs Sierra Leone

DR Congo have won all three of their head-to-head meetings.

They should come out on top again, and by a margin of at least two goals: DR Congo -1.5 on the handicap (odds: 1.9).

• DR Congo have won both of their previous qualifying matches
• Both teams have scored in 50% of DR Congo's matches, with an average of 2.0 goals per game
• Sierra Leone have lost three matches in a row
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Sierra Leone's matches, with an average of 2.2 goals per game

DR Congo are expected to line up in a 1-4-4-2 formation: Berto — Pedro, Mbemba, Kapuadi, Kayembe — Kadile, Sadiki, Banzuzi, Ndezi — Mbuku, Muleka

Sierra Leone are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Jalloh — Kakai, Toure, Tarawally, Bah — Forna, Saidu Bah Kamara — Idris Kanu, M. Kamara, Koroma — Conte

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Benin reached the round of 16 at the last AFCON, where they lost 1-3 to Egypt. This autumn, they opened with a draw away to Burkina Faso, then beat Mauritania 2-1. In October, they faced Argentina in a friendly and lost 0-3 to the World Cup runners-up.

The Central African Republic are traditionally among the outsiders. In World Cup qualifying, they finished second-bottom with eight points from ten matches. And so far, they have only lost: 1-3 to Mauritania and 0-1 to Burkina Faso.

The hosts average 0.9 goals scored and concede almost twice as many — 1.7. The Central African Republic have fared even worse, scoring just 0.8 goals and conceding 1.8 per game.

Previous meetings: Benin vs Central African Republic

This will be the first-ever meeting between these sides.

The stronger team is playing at home. We expect them to secure a convincing win, so we’re backing them with a "-1.0 goals" handicap (odds – 2.14).

• Benin have won one of their last five matches — against their current opponents
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Benin’s matches, with an average of 2.6 total goals per game
• The Central African Republic have lost three matches in a row
• Both teams have scored in 30% of the Central African Republic’s matches, with an average of 2.6 total goals per game.

Benin play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Dandjinou — Omor, Roch, Tijani, Ouorou — D’Almeida, Imourane — Aloko, Olaïtan, Yamiru Ouorou — Aiyegun

The Central African Republic play in a 1-5-4-1 formation (probable lineup): Yufegan — Yapende, Gambor, Diomande, Yangao, Mbaka — Sole, Baboula, Kouarshi, Sambia — Koyalipou

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San Marino managed to climb from League D in the previous cycle. However, they remain underdogs: since the start of last calendar year, they have managed just one draw — a 0-0 friendly against Albania. They have lost every match in the tournament.

Belarus are finally challenging for top spot in their group. They made a poor start, losing to Albania, but held Finland to a goalless draw in September. Their next matches were technically "home" fixtures, and they won both against San Marino and Finland on neutral ground.

The group’s biggest underdogs average 0.5 goals scored and concede far more, with an average of 3.0. Ebong and his teammates average 1.6 goals scored and 0.8 conceded.

Previous matches: San Marino vs Belarus

Belarus have won all three previous meetings without conceding a single goal.

They should have no problems this time either. Our pick is an away win with a "-2 goals" handicap (odds: 1.84).

• San Marino have avoided defeat only once since the start of last year
• 50% of San Marino’s matches see both teams score, with an average of 3.5 goals per game
• Belarus have won two matches in a row
• 40% of Belarus’s matches see both teams score, with an average of 2.4 goals per game

San Marino are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-1-2 formation: Colombo — Fabbri, Cevoli, Rossi, Giocondi — Meloni, Capicchioni, Zannoni — Della Balda — Giacopetti, Salicioni

Belarus are expected to line up in a 1-4-4-2 formation: Lapoukhov — Kalinin, Volkov, Gomanov, Pechenin — Lukashov, Bocherov, Ebong, Selyava — Shumansky, Barkovsky

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Turkey impressed at Euro 2024, but after losing their first two matches at the World Cup, they were left with no chance of reaching the knockout stage before the final game — though they did beat the USA. Montella was kept in the job at the time. But in the Nations League, Turkey lost all four matches under him. Vincenzo was eventually sacked and replaced by Yalçın.

Belgium, by contrast, shone at the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals — only to lose to eventual champions Spain after conceding in the 88th minute, following the injured Courtois’s substitution. Even so, Rudi Garcia was replaced as manager by Van Bommel. His first match in charge ended in a 2-0 win in Italy. In October, Belgium also beat Turkey at home, 3-0. But they lost both matches against France.

Güler and company are currently scoring 1.2 goals per match and conceding 1.7. Their Benelux visitors score two goals per game and concede 1.2.

Previous meetings: Turkey vs Belgium

The visitors tipped the balance in their favour in October. Before that, both teams had three wins apiece, along with three draws.

A change in the dugout is unlikely to turn everything around straight away. Our pick is an away win (odds: 1.95).

• Turkey have lost six of their last seven matches
• Both teams have scored in 40% of Turkey’s matches, with an average of 2.9 goals per game
• Belgium have won five of their last eight matches
• Both teams have scored in 60% of Belgium’s matches, with an average of 3.2 goals per game

Turkey are expected to line up in a 1-5-4-1 formation: Çakır — Çelik, Elmali, Kabak, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu — Akgün, Yüksek, Özcan, Kahveci — Şimşir

Belgium are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Vandevoordt — Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, Seys — Raskin, Lavia, Vanaken — Lukebakio, Lukaku, De Cuyper. Moreira will miss the match

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Albania competed at Euro 2024 and fought until the very end to qualify for the World Cup, but struggled in the previous Nations League campaign. After dropping into League C, however, they won most of their matches, beating Belarus and San Marino twice. Yet they also lost to San Marino, the very side they were competing with.

Finland were frankly poor for a long time, but are looking fairly solid now: they thrashed San Marino 7-0 and beat Albania at home. On the other hand, they managed just one point from two games against Belarus: a 0-0 draw at home and a 0-1 defeat in a match officially played away.

Rolando Maran’s side have struck a balance, scoring and conceding one goal per game. The Scandinavians score 1.7 goals per match but concede one.

Previous meetings: Albania vs Finland

Albania recorded both of their wins almost half a century ago. In the other six meetings, Finland have five wins and one draw.

The result is hugely important, which could make for a less entertaining game. Our pick is "Under 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.62).

• Albania have won three of their last four matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Albania’s matches, with an average of 2.0 goals per game
• Finland have won two of their last four matches
• Both teams have scored in 30% of Finland’s matches, with an average of 2.7 goals per game.

Albania are expected to line up in a 1-3-4-3 formation: Dajsinani — Gjimshiti, Ismajli, Mitaj — Hysaj, Shehu, Asllani, Pilos — Muçi, Manaj, Hoxha

Finland are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Hradecky — Lähtenmäki, Tenho, Miettinen, Mahuta — Markhiev, Peltola, Valta — Svanbäck, Valakari, Keskinen

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Montenegro failed to stay in League B of the competition, but they are now very close to returning. They started the autumn campaign with three wins, beating every opponent. Perhaps they took their foot off the gas a little, or simply ran out of steam: at home against Armenia, they had to settle for a goalless draw.

Latvia were considered outsiders from the outset, even in this group. They avoided relegation to League D only because they beat Gibraltar twice in the March play-offs. But they have offered no surprises this autumn: they kept a clean sheet only at home against Cyprus, holding them to a goalless draw, and lost their other matches.

Adzic and his teammates score 1.8 goals per game, while conceding just under a third fewer — only 1.3. The Baltic side score just 0.7 goals per game and concede twice as many — 1.5.

Previous matches: Montenegro - Latvia

Across their five meetings, Montenegro wins and draws have alternated strictly.

The hosts are expected to win again. We’re backing them with a -1 goal handicap (odds: 1.60).

• Montenegro have won three of their previous four matches
• Both teams have scored in 70% of Montenegro’s matches, with an average of 3.1 goals per game
• Latvia have lost three of their last four matches
• Both teams have scored in 40% of Latvia’s matches, with an average of 2.2 goals per game

Montenegro are expected to line up in a 1-4-3-3 formation: Popovic — Roganovic, Djuric, Savic, Gasevic — Adzic, Bulatovic, Jankovic — Djukanovic, Krstovic, Osmajic

Latvia are expected to line up in a 1-5-4-1 formation: Matrevics — Jurkovskis, Vienties, Balodis, Melniks, Ciganiks — Daskievics, Vapne, Zelenkovs, Strods — Gutkovskis

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Armenia began the tournament with a win, but that came at home against Latvia, the clear underdogs in the group. They then lost to both of their rivals, Montenegro at home and Cyprus away. Only a goalless draw in Podgorica in their most recent outing has kept their hopes of finishing second alive—but now they need a win.

Cyprus opened their campaign with back-to-back away matches. They lost 1-2 to Montenegro, then were held to a goalless draw by Latvia. But last month, playing at home, they picked up maximum points: they beat their current opponents 2-0 and then saw off Latvia 2-1.

Melikyan's side score just 0.8 goals per game while conceding considerably more—two per match. The islanders average 1.3 goals scored and 1.3 conceded.

Previous meetings: Armenia vs Cyprus

The teams have met eight times, with Cyprus winning four and losing just once.

We don't expect many goals here, so we're backing "under 2.5 goals" (odds – 1.76).

• Armenia have lost twice in their last three matches
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Armenia's matches, with an average of 2.8 goals per game
• Cyprus have won two matches in a row
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Cyprus's matches, with an average of 2.6 goals per game

Armenia are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Beglaryan — Piloyan, Simonyan, Harutyunyan, Tiknizyan — Ivu, Hovhannisyan — Serobyan, Manvelyan, N. Hovhannisyan — Miranyan

Cyprus are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Fabiano — Konomis, Kyprianou, Panayiotou, Malekkidis — Artymatas, Kastanos — Edwards, Loizou, Kakoullis — Pittas

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With 77 points, the Bradford club finished fourth in League One, but then immediately suffered a playoff defeat to Bolton. They are clearly aiming to become the division's leaders this season, although there have been plenty of draws, and they even lost to Huddersfield. In the League Cup, however, they comfortably defeated Peterborough. This week, they thrashed Marine 7-0 in the cup.

York's team won the National League last season. They are now holding their place near the top of the table in the fourth tier, having lost only a couple of times at this level so far. Their recent rounds, however, brought defeats against both Barnet and Grimsby. They did claim a convincing cup victory over Northampton, though.

The home side currently have a 100% record in the Trophy, having won both of their matches. The League One newcomers suffered a 1-3 defeat to Newcastle United U21. They also lost to Rotherham on penalties after a draw.

Previous matches: Bradford City vs York City

There have been nine official head-to-head meetings in total, and Bradford have never lost in regular time. They have won only twice, though.

They are still the higher-rated side. Our pick is a win for the home team (odds – 1.88).

• Bradford City have won two of their last five matches
• Bradford City score an average of 0.77 goals and concede 0.62 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 15% of Bradford's matches, while the average total goals per match is 1.38
• York City have lost twice in their last three matches
• York City score an average of 1.71 goals and concede 1.5 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 71% of York's matches, while the average total goals per match is 3.21

Bradford City play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): McCreadie — Pratt, Baldwin, Pennington — Toure, Connolly, Sarcevic, O'Keeffe — Lapslie, Swan — Jackson

York City play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): McNally — Fallowfield, Johnson, Kitching — Jack Hunt, Alex Hunt, Banks, Boyes — Reid, Maguire — Pearce

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The Edgeley-based club were aiming for promotion to the Championship: they finished third in the regular season before reaching the final playoff tie, where they lost to Bolton. Now, having remained in League One, they are battling for the top spots. After a couple of setbacks, they also beat AFC Wimbledon. They defeated Cray Wanderers in the cup as well, but only thanks to a goal in extra time.

The Merseyside side narrowly avoided relegation from the fourth tier, eventually finishing 19th with 41 points. They made a decent start to the current campaign, but then faded in the autumn and began dropping points more frequently. They did beat Cheltenham in the latest round, but then suffered a heavy defeat to Barnet in the cup.

In the Trophy, one of League One's leading sides opened their campaign with a convincing 6-3 win over Everton U21. They then comfortably defeated Shrewsbury 2-0. Their opponents have played just one match in the competition so far, narrowly beating Shrewsbury 1-0.

Previous meetings: Stockport County vs Tranmere Rovers

The sides have recorded two wins apiece in their last four meetings.

The hosts are in good form right now. We are backing them with a -1 goal handicap (odds: 1.61).

• Stockport County have won one of their last four matches
• Stockport County score an average of 1.86 goals and concede 1 goal per match
• Both teams have scored in 50% of Stockport County's matches, while the average total is 2.86 goals per game
• Tranmere Rovers have won just twice in their last twelve matches
• Tranmere Rovers score an average of 1.36 goals and concede 1.21 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 64% of Tranmere Rovers' matches, while the average total is 2.57 goals per game

Stockport County play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Watmough — Job, O'Connell, Pye — Glover, Bate, Norwood, Osborn — Diamond, Wootton, Wood

Tranmere Rovers play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): McGee — Senior, Faulkner, Nevett, Slater — Vaulks, Conlon — Jones, Ince, O'Connor — Ironside

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The Plymouth-based club tried to fight for a return to the Championship but ultimately finished last spring in eighth place. Now they are looking to step up their performances and earn more wins, although they suffered several defeats last month. They also failed to score against Reading in their most recent league match, settling for a draw. In the cup, however, they thrashed Alvechurch 4-0.

The team from the County Ground finished ninth in League Two with 75 points. At the moment, they have suffered as many defeats as they have recorded wins, and their chances of reaching the playoff zone are fading. They did beat Rotherham in their last league match, but a defeat to MK Dons followed immediately afterward in the cup.

The home side opened their Trophy campaign by thrashing Crystal Palace U21 5-1. They then drew with Newport, but still prevailed in the ensuing penalty shootout.

Previous matches: Plymouth Argyle - Swindon Town

Plymouth have won three of their last four meetings, suffering just one defeat.

There are still no arguments in favor of the visitors. We are backing the hosts to win with a "-1 goal" handicap (odds – 1.83).

• Plymouth Argyle have won twice in their last three matches
• Plymouth Argyle score an average of 1.5 goals and concede 1.36 goals per match
• In 43% of Plymouth's matches, both teams score, while the average total goals per match is 2.86
• Swindon Town have suffered their first defeat in five matches
• Swindon Town score an average of 1.07 goals and concede 1.21 goals per match
• In 50% of Swindon Town's matches, both teams score, while the average total goals per match is 2.29

Plymouth Argyle play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Cooper — Pleguezuelo, Mitchell, Harding — Sorinola, Bakinson, White, McKenzie — Amaechi, Pepple, Evans

Swindon Town play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Ripley — Ball, Majekodunmi, Inwood — Clarke, Virtue, Thomson, Butler — Nichols, Snowdon — Drinan

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The Oxford-based club failed to establish itself in the Championship, suffering relegation in its second season there. However, they have looked solid in League One this campaign, although far too many of their matches have ended in draws, preventing them from challenging for the top spot. They did beat Reading in their latest league fixture, but subsequently lost to Stevenage in the cup.

With 52 points, the Cheltenham side finished 18th in League Two. Now, after making a notable improvement, they are challenging for top spot in the division. There was a dip in October, when they suffered three straight defeats, but they soon regained their form. They did lose to Tranmere Rovers, though they beat Halifax Town 2-0 in the cup.

The recent Championship side began its Trophy campaign with a draw against Exeter, followed by defeat in the penalty shootout. McCann and his teammates drew both matches — against Exeter and Tottenham U21 — but won the post-match shootout on each occasion.

Previous matches: Oxford United vs Cheltenham Town

The current hosts have won three of their last four meetings, suffering just one defeat during that stretch.

All the arguments point toward the home side. We are backing them to win with a -1 goal handicap (odds – 1.66).

• Oxford United have lost in regular time in just two of their last fifteen matches
• Oxford United average 1.69 goals scored and 0.85 goals conceded per match
• Both teams have scored in 62% of Oxford's matches, with an average total of 2.54 goals per game
• Cheltenham Town have won three of their last four matches
• Cheltenham Town average 1.64 goals scored and 1.79 goals conceded per match
• Both teams have scored in 79% of Cheltenham's matches, with an average total of 3.43 goals per game

Oxford United play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Cumming — Spencer, Helik, Brown, Curry — Andrews, Brannagan — Missanga, Goodrham, Dembele — O'Donkor

Cheltenham Town play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Stryjek — Tomkinson, Sweeney, Wilson, Shipley — Stevenson, Willcox — Evans, McCann, Otchere — Weimann

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The team from Sixfields endured a disastrous previous season, finishing bottom of League One with 35 points from 46 matches. Even at a lower level, they had managed just one win by mid-autumn before finally improving. However, they lost to Oldham. They also suffered a goalless defeat to York City in the cup.

The club from Kent finished only seventeenth in Kent last season, collecting 53 points. They are now looking more solid in League Two, sitting closer to the middle of the table. After a run of poor results, they managed to beat Shrewsbury. In the cup, however, they lost to Barrow, albeit by just 0-1.

The League Two newcomer have lost both of their matches in the Trophy. Hale and company began with a heavy 1-4 defeat to Cambridge United. They then bounced back by beating Brighton U21.

Previous matches: Northampton Town - Gillingham

Across the last five meetings, the current hosts have recorded three wins, along with two draws.

Neither club is in the best of form. We are backing under 3.0 total goals (odds – 1.67).

• Northampton Town have lost both of their last two matches
• Northampton Town score an average of 0.69 goals and concede 0.77 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 31% of Northampton's matches, with an average total of 1.46 goals per game
• Gillingham have won one of their last five matches
• Gillingham score an average of 1.43 goals and concede 1.36 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 57% of Gillingham's matches, with an average total of 2.7 goals per game

Northampton Town play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Gikok — Donasien, Moore, Guthrie, Maxwell — Wormleighton, Lemony-Evans, Evans, Dale — Hoskins, Wurst

Gillingham play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Wright — Smith, Beckles, Daly — Freeman, Mackenzie, Little, McManus — McCleary, Hale, Brophy

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The Mansfield-based club finished in the top 10 of the League One table last season. They made a poor start this campaign but produced a very strong run in October. However, they then suffered a defeat to Notts County and played out a goalless draw with Wigan. In the cup, they beat Macclesfield 3-0.

The Derbyshire side, having finished sixth in League Two, entered the playoffs in the spring but were immediately beaten by Notts County. They are now producing roughly the same level of results. They did suffer a heavy defeat to Newport, but later bounced back with a cup victory over Yeovil.

Nigel Clough's men have so far struggled in the Trophy. They lost both of their previous matches in the competition. The visitors began with an entertaining 5-3 win over Manchester City U21. They then drew with Port Vale, before beating their opponents on penalties.

Previous matches: Mansfield Town vs Chesterfield

The current hosts are unbeaten against this opponent in four meetings and have won the last two in a row.

They are also the favourites this time, although not overwhelming ones. We are backing a home win with a "0" handicap (odds – 1.60).

• Mansfield Town have won just one of their last three matches
• Mansfield Town score an average of 1.54 goals and concede 1.38 goals per match
• In 54% of Mansfield Town's matches, both teams score, while the average total is 2.92 goals per game
• Chesterfield have won two of their last three matches
• Chesterfield score an average of 1.71 goals and concede 1.5 goals per match
• In 71% of Chesterfield's matches, both teams score, while the average total is 3.21 goals per game

Mansfield Town play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Roberts — Hewitt, Oshilaja, Sweeney, McLaughlin — Reed, Moriah-Welsh — Abbott, Thompson, Russell — Smith

Chesterfield play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Hemming — Hutton, Pond, Simpson, Pearce — Naylor, McEachran — Mandeville, Marsh, Koroma — Braydain

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The club from King Power Stadium sensationally became champions of the country ten years ago. However, after dropping into the Championship in 2025, they were relegated from there as well. They have failed to impress even in League One, losing almost as often as they win. That said, in their most recent matches they beat Wigan and drew with Stevenage. In the cup, they defeated Oxford City 4-2.

The team from Bescot were a mid-table League Two side, finishing 13th with 65 points. They have suffered very few defeats this season — their first setback, against Salford, came at the end of October — and they still have a chance to challenge for a playoff place. However, they lost 1-3 to Newport in the cup.

Both teams began the tournament in identical fashion. Each lost to the group leaders, Stevenage. At the same time, both managed to beat Fulham U21.

Previous matches: Leicester vs Walsall

The sides have met six times in official matches. Leicester have won four of those encounters, with the other two ending in draws. And after a 0-0 cup draw in 2024, they comfortably prevailed in the penalty shootout.

The hosts are regarded as clear favorites. However, their opponents have weapons of their own. Our pick is for the final total to be "over 3.0 goals" (odds – 1.67).

• Leicester have won four of their last six matches
• Leicester City score an average of 1.69 goals and concede 1.46 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 62% of Leicester's matches, while the average total goals per game is 3.15
• Walsall have lost just three times this season
• Walsall score an average of 1.62 goals and concede 0.92 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 54% of Walsall's matches, while the average total goals per game is 2.54

Leicester play in a 1-4-1-4-1 formation (possible lineup): McCarthy — Okoli, Souttar, O'Hora, Thomas — Lundstram — Page, Doyle, Braybrooke, Alves — Rea

Walsall play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Ward — Hancock, Connolly, Leak, Scarr — Moore, Sprangler — Smith, Sodje, Clarke — Pressley

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With 67 points, the club from Crewe finished 11th in the last League Two campaign. They made an unbeaten start this season, but at the end of October they lost to Exeter and Chesterfield. At least they managed a draw against Barnet. In the cup, however, they beat Wimbledon.

The team from the outskirts of Manchester recently returned to the Championship but failed to establish themselves there, and in the spring they finished 16th in League One. Now they are struggling badly, winning only a couple of times amid a string of defeats. That said, they recently beat Bromley and then Boreham Wood in the cup.

The home side thrashed Aston Villa U21 4-1 in September. However, the match against Blackpool ended 2-2, followed by a 2-4 defeat in the penalty shootout. Their opponents, meanwhile, have a perfect record so far: two 3-2 victories against both opponents.

Previous matches: Crewe Alexandra vs Wigan Athletic

Wigan have won five of their last eight encounters, including the two most recent, while suffering two defeats.

The visitors look solid. They should avoid defeat here in regular time (odds – 1.60).

• Crewe Alexandra have avoided defeat in two consecutive matches
• Crewe Alexandra score an average of 1.21 goals and concede 1.21 goals per match
• In 64% of Crewe Alexandra matches, both teams score, while the average total is 2.43 goals per match
• Wigan Athletic are unbeaten in their last three matches
• Wigan Athletic score an average of 0.79 goals and concede 1.57 goals per match
• In 36% of Wigan matches, both teams score, while the average total is 2.36 goals per match

Crewe Alexandra play in a 1-5-4-1 formation (possible lineup): Booth — Billington, Offord, Stevenson, Hutchinson, Agius — Tabiner, Holicek, Thomas, Gibson — March

Wigan Athletic play in a 1-5-3-2 formation (possible lineup): Whitworth — Barrett, Burns, Carragher, Fox, Mellish — Costello, Weir, Walsh — Perkins, Barrow

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The Bristol club finished the spring season in 14th place in League Two with 62 points. They are currently languishing near the bottom, with relegation a real threat, especially given the number of defeats suffered in the autumn. They also lost 1-3 to Fleetwood Town. However, they managed to beat Cambridge in the cup.

The team from the Madejski Stadium collected one point more, 63, but in League One — enough to finish the 2025/2026 season in 12th place. They have improved since then and are now among the contenders for promotion to the Championship. However, they drew with Plymouth and lost to Oxford. In the cup, they demolished Peterborough 5-0!

Steve Evans's men began their Trophy campaign with a draw against Chelsea U21, before losing the subsequent penalty shootout. They were then thrashed 4-1 by Wycombe. Lisbie and company drew with the Wanderers in the opening round and prevailed in the penalty shootout. They then lost 0-2 to Chelsea's youth team.

Previous matches: Bristol Rovers vs Reading

Reading won six of their last eight competitive encounters, with the other two ending in draws.

The visitors look stronger at the moment as well. We are backing them to win (odds – 1.82).

• Bristol Rovers have lost seven of their last ten matches
• Bristol Rovers score an average of 1.21 goals and concede 1.64 goals per match
• Both teams score in 43% of Bristol Rovers matches, while the average total is 2.86 goals per match
• Reading have won three of their last five matches
• Reading score an average of 1.79 goals and concede 1.07 goals per match
• Both teams score in 50% of Reading matches, while the average total is 2.86 goals per match

Bristol Rovers play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Young — Balmer, Kilgour, Kelly, James — Mola, Smallwood — Sparks, Forde, Cavegn — Quigley

Reading play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Pereira — Godwin-Malife, O'Connor, Dorsett, Roberts — Lisbie, Rinomhota, Wing, Lane — Reid, Stokes

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The club from Burton upon Trent finished 17th in the final League One table in 2025/2026 with 54 points. They have improved slightly since then, but overall remain a mid-table side in that division. They also lost to Wycombe in their previous league outing. In the cup, however, they defeated Rushden & Diamonds 4-0.

The team from Nottingham finished only fifth in League Two but subsequently won the playoffs. After moving up to the country's third tier, they are understandably battling to avoid relegation, losing noticeably more often than they win. They picked up an important victory over Mansfield in their most recent match. In the cup, they beat Altrincham only on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

Dennis and his teammates drew both of their previous matches. They then lost a penalty shootout to Nottingham Forest U21 but won the shootout against Grimsby. Their opponents, meanwhile, won both of their tournament matches.

Previous matches: Burton Albion vs Notts County

The first encounter ended in a draw. However, the next four meetings were all won by the Nottingham side.

The home team is considered the favorite here. But the visitors do not look inferior, so we are backing “both teams to score” (odds – 1.66).

• Burton Albion have won two matches in a row
• Burton Albion score an average of 1.29 goals and concede 1.5 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 64% of Burton's matches, with an average total of 2.79 goals per game
• Notts County have lost four of their last eight matches
• Notts County score an average of 1.08 goals and concede 1.17 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 58% of Notts County's matches, with an average total of 2.25 goals per game

Burton Albion play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible lineup): Addai — Sibbick, Tilt, Sraha — Borges Rodrigues, Collar, Chukwu, Webster — O'Mahony, Dennis, Araujo

Notts County play in a 1-3-4-3 formation (possible lineup): Belshaw — Bedeau, MacDonald, Ness — Tsaroulla, Finneran, Robertson, Samuels-Smith — Grant, Kanu, Smyth

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The club from Oakwell finished as a mid-table side in League One. With 59 points, they ended the season in 15th place. However, they have now plunged into the relegation zone, losing the vast majority of their matches. They at least managed a draw against Oxford United. In the cup, they even thrashed Aldershot 7-2.

The team from the outskirts of Manchester finished 10th in the final League Two table. They are also battling for survival now, losing half of their matches. That made the victory over Northampton all the more important. In the cup, they had to face Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday—and it is clear that the game took a lot out of them.

Stendel's side are also struggling in the Trophy. First, they lost 2-1 to Leeds' U21 team. They then failed to take even a point against Fleetwood, going down 4-1. Their next opponent beat Town by a single goal in August. They then secured a 4-2 win over Leeds U21.

Previous meetings: Barnsley vs Oldham Athletic

Barnsley have won seven of their last eight head-to-head encounters, but there was a draw in the Trophy in 2014—with Oldham winning the subsequent penalty shootout.

The hosts have plenty of problems, but they are still playing at a higher level. We are backing a "home" win with a handicap of "0" (odds – 1.66).

• Barnsley have not lost two matches in a row
• Barnsley score an average of 1 goal and concede 1.83 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 75% of Barnsley's matches, with an average total of 2.83 goals per game
• Oldham Athletic have won one of their last four matches
• Oldham Athletic score an average of 1.07 goals and concede 1.36 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 43% of Oldham's matches, with an average total of 2.43 goals per game

Barnsley play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible line-up): Slicker — Kay, Gale, Shepherd, Larkeshe — McGeehan, Connell — Yoganathan, Kelly, Cleary — Adebayo

Oldham Athletic play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible line-up): Hudson — Sutton, Daniels, Monte, Robson — Norburn, Appiah-Forson — Fawunmi, Payne, Kavanagh — Fondop-Talum

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The club from a London suburb finished eighth in England's League Two. They have improved since then and are now challenging for promotion to a higher level — even for outright top spot. However, they could only draw with Crewe. In the cup, they made up for it by thrashing Tranmere Rovers 3-0.

The team from Leyton, another London outlying district, were battling relegation in League One — and successfully avoided it, finishing 20th with 52 points, just above the danger zone. Their results are slightly better now, but half of their matches still end in defeat. They did, however, beat Cambridge convincingly, 3-0. They also secured a cup victory over Harborough Town.

The hosts began the tournament with a 5-1 demolition of Arsenal U21. They then drew with AFC Wimbledon and went on to win an extended penalty shootout 8-7. The visitors started with a shootout win after drawing with Wimbledon in the Trophy. They then lost 1-2 to Arsenal U21.

Previous meetings: Barnet vs Leyton Orient

Across the six most recent competitive meetings, both sides have recorded two wins — but they have not faced each other since 2019.

The hosts are in fairly good form overall. We are backing them to win with a "0" handicap (odds — 1.75).

• Barnet are unbeaten in four consecutive matches
• Barnet score an average of 2.15 goals and concede 1.38 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 100% of Barnet's matches, with an average total of 3.54 goals per game
• Leyton Orient have won both of their last two matches
• Leyton Orient score an average of 1.46 goals and concede 1.08 goals per match
• Both teams have scored in 38% of Leyton Orient's matches, with an average total of 2.54 goals per game

Barnet play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible line-up): Cox — Crichlow, Colling, Senior, Williams — Reeves, Ajayi, Gallagher, Lakin — Kanu, Tshimanga

Leyton Orient play in a 1-3-4-2-1 formation (possible line-up): Baxter — Stevens, Forrester, Gilchrist — Hayden, Gilbert, El Mizouni, Morris — Wellens, Kabia — Scarlett

Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the English Football League Trophy standings