Expert football betting tips for Saturday, January 17th 2026

The FA Cup third Round takes the main focus this weekend as the domestic football schedule continues into the New Year. There is plenty to get stuck into with a range of fascinating fixtures coming our way.

We've lit the beacons to grab the attention of the Odds Now Punters Panel. Expert football tipsters with the knowledge and experience to provide the best football betting tips for the upcoming weekend's action.

Before we start this week's panel, let's take a look and see who is giving their thoughts this week.

Introducing the Odds Now Punters Panel

Matt Hill - As well as being Odds Now’s Head of Content, Matt is a vastly experienced tipster specialising in football and darts. His betting on the beautiful game has a strong lean towards the lower leagues.

Steve Day - Experienced punter and football tipster. Steve has 15 years of experience writing football betting previews covering competitions both domestically and abroad.

Now, let's get into the good stuff!

What is your best bet for the football weekend?

MH: As mentioned on the EFL Betting Show this week, I'll be backing Preston double chance against Derby combined with under 2.5 match goals at even money. North End continue to show their fourth place ranking is no fluke and I expect them to play this game on their terms. This bet gives you the 1-0 and 2-0 Preston correct score on side (how they usually win their games), as well as the 0-0 and 1-1 draw. Preston have had six 1-1s and two 0-0s this term, while Derby have had seven 1-1s.

SD: As much as it pains me to say this, I think Bradford to beat Cardiff at 9/5 with Bet365 is a reasonable price. The Bantams absolutely tore us apart at our place earlier in the season with a 3-1 win. Graham Alexander's side boast an impressive home league record, only suffering one loss at home so far, and have won their last 4 home league games. Throw in the fact, the Bluebirds also have injury worries right now with Rubin Colwill, Omari Kellyman, Ronan Kpakio, and Calum Chambers all either ruled out or severely doubtful.

Is there a favourite you would warn punters against adding to their accumulators?

MH: I'd swerve Tottenham at home to West Ham at 4/5. Yes, the Hammers have been pretty dire this term but I think anyone backing this Spurs side at a decent chunk of odds on is asking for trouble. Thomas Frank feels like he's on borrowed time in North London and I wouldn't say their home atmosphere currently is particularly advantageous – perhaps the opposite, actually.

SD: I'll stick with my previous answer and say Cardiff. I would back us to win most games this season, but after seeing how Brian Barry-Murphy's playing philosophy struggled against Bradford when they visited us earlier in the season, I think it's crazy that we're favourites heading into that game.

Give us a game that screams goals, please!

MH: Barnsley vs Blackpool. I've actually put up Barnsley over 1.5 match goals at EVS on the EFL Betting Show this week but any kind of pro-goals angle makes sense to me. Ian Evatt is trying to embed his possession-based philosophy but to my eye, doesn't currently have the centre backs at his disposal to be doing so. The Tangerines are leaking goals at the moment and Barnsley have some great forward options who can exploit that weakness.

SD: Southampton versus Hull stands out for me. The Saints have seen over 2.5 goals scored in 65% of their league games this season, and the Tigers have witnessed over 2.5 goals scored in 75% of their away league matches this campaign. To add weight to that, both teams have scored in 77% of Southampton's league games and 75% of Hull's away league matches.

Any goalscorer or prop bets taking your eye from this weekend's slate?

MH: Yes, Danilo Orsi anytime goalscorer at 11/4 when Crawley host Notts County. Orsi has had a tough couple of seasons for a variety of reasons but now he returns to a club and a manager he loves. When last playing regularly at this level, he was an absolute goalscoring machine to help Crawley earn a surprise promotion. I could see him settling straight in and getting seven or eight goals before the season's out back in his happy place.

SD: It feels like Antoine Semenyo has hit the ground running at Manchester City by scoring in both of his appearances so far. If he plays in the Manchester derby, then you'd fancy him to score in that. He's a player who goes through purple patches of form, and it feels like he's just entered one now. You can find him at 9/4 to score anytime with Bet365.

Michael Carrick starts life as Manchester United boss with a home derby against Manchester City. How would you play that game if you were having a bet?

MH: City at even money is one of those prices which looks too good to be true. But such things usually are, so perhaps United deserve the respect being paid to them by the market. You'd have to say goals look likely but it's priced that way too, so all in all its a boring no bet from me. Should be entertaining, though!

SD: I wouldn't be surprised if we see a rejuvenated Manchester United for this game. I'm not sure Michael Carrick is the best appointment they could have made, but he was far from a disaster at Middlesbrough. The Red Devils have been underperforming so far, and Pep Guardiola's record at Old Trafford is patchy. I still think City should have too much for United. Manchester City to win and both teams to score for me.