EDITORIAL PREDICTIONS
Three editorial picks
MatchInsider forecasts based on verified fixtures, recent results and tactical context. These are analysis, not guarantees.
Sevilla FC vs CA Osasuna — LALIGA, 26 October
Sevilla FC draw no bet
Sevilla are the slightly stronger selection because they have home advantage, four wins from nine matches and a more productive attack than Osasuna. The hosts have scored 14 league goals, while Osasuna have scored ten and conceded 18. That does not make Sevilla a dominant favourite: their own defensive record has allowed 16 goals, and Osasuna’s three wins show that they can punish a slow start. The safest editorial angle is therefore protection against a draw rather than an aggressive home-win call. Sevilla should control more possession and create the better volume of chances, but the likely pattern is a close, low-margin game decided by one moment.
- Sevilla have conceded 16 goals in nine matches.
- Osasuna can frustrate opponents with a compact defensive shape.
- A draw remains highly plausible if Sevilla lack early penetration.
Manchester City vs Brighton & Hove Albion — EFL Cup, 28 October
Manchester City to win
Manchester City are the editorial pick at home because the EFL Cup tie gives them a chance to respond immediately after Aston Villa ended their 100% Premier League start. Brighton arrive after a demanding 2-0 defeat at Liverpool, where they created opportunities but lacked efficiency in the final third. Rotation is the central variable: both teams may change their line-ups, and that makes a narrow scoreline more likely than a comfortable City victory. Brighton’s pressing and passing can trouble City if the hosts lose control in midfield, but the Etihad setting and City’s deeper squad should eventually tilt the contest. Expect a competitive cup match rather than a rout.
- Both managers may rotate heavily.
- Brighton remain capable of creating chances against high-level opponents.
- City have just suffered their first league defeat of the season.
Liverpool vs Chelsea — EFL Cup, 28 October
Liverpool to advance
Liverpool have momentum after beating Brighton 2-0 at Anfield, a performance that combined sharper attacking movement with strong defensive commitment. Chelsea, however, should not be discounted after a cup-heavy schedule and the possibility of Xabi Alonso returning to face Liverpool adds an emotional edge. The home side’s front three of Wirtz, Isak and Barcola is beginning to look more settled, while Chelsea’s best route may be to disrupt Liverpool’s build-up and attack the spaces behind their full-backs. Liverpool are the narrow choice because of venue and current rhythm, but the competition’s knockout format and likely changes to both teams make this one of the least secure forecasts.
- Cup rotation could radically change the balance.
- Chelsea’s transition threat can punish Liverpool’s aggressive shape.
- A single set-piece or error may decide the tie.
Verified sources used for this edition
- Premier League results and fixtures · Premier League
- Premier League 2026/27 fixture list · Premier League
- EFL Cup October fixtures · Premier League
- LaLiga EA Sports calendar and results · LaLiga
- Sevilla vs Osasuna match page · LaLiga
- Manchester United crisis report · The Guardian
- Liverpool vs Brighton report · The Guardian
- Newcastle vs Crystal Palace report · The Guardian
- Hull vs Brentford report · The Guardian
- Manchester derby WSL report · The Guardian
- Celtic vs Hibernian report · The Guardian
18+ · Predictions are MatchInsider editorial opinions, not guarantees or bookmaker advice. Fixture times and reporting were verified against the linked sources during this edition run.