MARQUEE MATCHUPS

With so many possible matches to pick from last week, investing with confidence was always going to be a challenge. Sadly, this week we are also faced with this dilemma, as once again we have the possibility of both Champions League and Europa League matches being included within the line-up.

Spreading the risk by preparing for both routes will reduce any potential loses, while maximising your chances of success with this week’s marquee matchups.

European Cup Matches

Liverpool vs Roma

As a Liverpool fan, simply reaching the semi-finals is a fantastic achievement, but when we then consider the real possibility of making the final, my excitement is taken to another level. The first semi-final consists of Liverpool and Roma, the two underdogs remaining in the competition and if the quarter-finals represent the quality we could see here, then we are in for one hell of a treat. Investments are simple, aim for gold players of a stronger rating, however aim to keep them as close to discard as possible.

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid

The second leg of the Champions League sees the current holders, Real Madrid, travel to the German champions Bayern Munich. As you would expect, the quality both teams have on offer is simply incredible and this will undoubtably be a masterclass in football. With the Champions League featuring so recently in marquee matchups, I remain a little pessimistic that we see these feature, although if we do, payday could be huge this week.

Arsenal vs Atlético Madrid

Over to the Europa League now and while Arsenal’s season has been far from perfect, the fact that they could still clinch Champions League football next year is a massive positive for their fans. Atlético Madrid on the other hand are having an incredible season in La Liga, and while they would have probably preferred to avoid Arsenal in the semi-finals, they still have to be considered favourites in my opinion. 

Marseille vs Salzburg

The second Europa League Match follows the trend created with the Champions League, both teams that would be considered underdogs facing off for a place in the final. Both Marseille and Salzburg have done incredibly well to get this far, and with the final in touching distance we can assume that neither side will be giving anything under 110%. Investments here follow the same trend as above, aim for gold, discard and the highest possible rating.

Guadalajara vs Toronto FC

The final game that falls into this category, is one that we mentioned last week. Guadalajara and Toronto FC face off in the CONCAF Champions League final and while the names may not be quite as large as those mentioned above, we can still safely expect one hell of a football match. If gold prices begin to rise, don’t be afraid to pick up silver, and if needed, even bronze players for discard here.

Domestic Games and Cup Matches

Galatasaray vs Besiktas

First up this week we have current league leaders Galatasaray playing host to second placed Besiktas. Now with just a single point separating the top three, anything but a win would massively hinder their chances of a league title, so with everything on the line, this game carries enough heat to possibly make the line-up. Investments are simple, gold and strong ratings, for discard prices.

Southampton vs Bournemouth

Next up we head over to England and the Premier League, where a relegation battling Southampton play hosts to Bournemouth in a clash towards the South coast of England. As far as I recall we haven’t seen any of these southern derbies feature this year, possibly this means it’s more likely to happen, or is it simply not exciting enough for EA to include?

Juventus vs Inter Milan

Over to Italy now where league leaders Juventus play hosts to Inter Milan. Now with Juventus being included a couple of ones recently, I find it hard to imagine them cropping up again here. This is EA though, so as usual, expect the unexpected and don’t rule this one out quite yet.

Ajax vs AZ Alkmaar

Second place Ajax play hosts to third place AZ Alkmaar this week, and while PSV have already won the league, back to back loses could still see Ajax slip down to third. Alkmaar will ensure they do everything in their power to provide the first loss and hence this game carries real significance. Investments on this game are once again simple, plenty of discard gold cards available for both teams here.
 

Celtic vs Rangers

Next up is a game that always provides plenty of hype and usually rises prices regardless of whether we actually expect it to feature or not. Within two weeks of their Scottish Cup Mach, Celtic and Rangers meet again for the “Old Firm” Derby. Investments here should be bought at discard and to reduce risk, sold into the hype.
 

Tigres vs Monterrey

Mexico is our next stop, where we find Tigres playing hosts to Monterrey in the “Clasico Regiomontano”. The rivalry is brought about due to the clubs being closely located and is sure to be full of fire. Investments here should carry enough discard golds to meet earlier demand with ease.

Djurgarden vs Hammarby

Our final selection for our domestic matches this week features the two Swedish clubs, Djurgarden and Hammarby. The rivalry carries its significance due to both sides being located in Stockholm and with only bronze and silver cards available, this is another game that could generate some serious hype.