Top Picks: Champions League & Championship Tips for January 20, 2026

As the Champions League and EFL Championship continue to heat up, football fans and bettors look forward to exciting matchups scheduled for January 20, 2026. Several key games feature prominent teams vying for crucial points, making them ideal for betting enthusiasts seeking the edge.

Champions League Highlights

Olympiacos vs Bayer Leverkusen

This clash features Olympiacos hosting Bayer Leverkusen. The two teams are separated by four points and eight positions in the standings. Olympiacos has aspirations of finishing in the top 24, while Bayer Leverkusen aims for the top eight.

Both teams have a reputation for receiving cards, with Olympiacos averaging 1.83 cards per game and Bayer Leverkusen at two. The match will be officiated by Italian referee Maurizio Mariani, known for his average of 4.5 cards per game in the Champions League. Alejandro Grimaldo, at 6/1 odds to be carded, could be a smart bet, as he has collected four cards in 19 appearances this season.

Villarreal vs Ajax

In another exciting fixture, Villarreal meets Ajax at La Ceramica. Currently, Villarreal is at the bottom of the standings, while Ajax sits just above. Both teams still have financial incentives to secure victory, worth €2.1 million.

Ajax striker Kasper Dolberg is expected to draw fouls, averaging 2.45 fouls per 90 minutes played. At odds of 11/10, bettors may find value in backing him to commit two or more fouls.

EFL Championship Matchups

Preston vs Hull

This Championship match features fifth-placed Preston against sixth-placed Hull, a heated battle anticipated due to both teams’ aggressive play style. Referee Stephen Martin, who averages 4.38 yellow cards per game, will oversee the match.

• Matt Crooks, likely to be carded, has received nine cards this season with odds of 9/4.
• Jordan Thompson also stands a chance of being booked, with odds at 10/3, having accumulated 25 cards in his recent games.

West Brom vs Norwich

West Brom faces Norwich at The Hawthorns, after a rocky start for West Brom under new manager Eric Ramsey. Norwich arrives with renewed confidence, having recently improved their performance.

The odds of 2/1 for Norwich to win (Draw No Bet) provide a compelling betting opportunity, especially given their good away record this season.

Sheffield Wednesday vs Birmingham

As the Championship season progresses, Sheffield Wednesday, currently struggling at the bottom, hosts Birmingham. With significant injuries in their squad, Sheffield Wednesday faces a tough challenge.

Birmingham has demonstrated the ability to score heavily, and odds of 2/1 for them to score three or more goals appeal to bettors, alongside 16/1 odds for five or more goals.

With matches providing valuable betting insights, January 20, 2026, promises to be an exciting day for football and betting enthusiasts alike.