MARQUEE MATCHUPS

Team of the season is finally here, and while people may not realise this, it directly affects our Marquee Matchup Investments. Firstly, we will see a lot of packs opened and hence there will be an abundance of gold cards available on the market. At the same time, we will see an increased demand for players required, as people will want to complete any and all challenges available in order to gain packs for this promotion. What we want to be looking at, are the cards that can gain the highest demand and hence the most profit.
 

Domestic Matches

Barcelona vs Real Madrid

First up this week, we have one of the biggest matches in modern day football, Barcelona vs Real Madrid, in a fixture known only as El Clasico. The bonus we have with this selection is that Real Madrid also have a chance at appearing due to their Champions League fixture, a double investment is always one of my favourites.
 

Chelsea vs Liverpool

Over to England next and once again we see the double sided investment that we love o so much. Two huge teams from the Premier League, European spots still up for grabs and the fact that Liverpool feature in the Champions League make this fixture more appealing than ever.

Marseille vs Nice

It looks like we’ve done it again! Another team that has a big league match alongside a European cup game! Fourth place Marseille play hosts to fifth place Nice, and with things so tight towards the top of Ligue 1, taking all the points here is a must for both sides. When we also consider the historical rivalry between the two sides, with the fixture known as “Derby de la Côte d’Azur”, we get yet another reason to look very closely at this match.

Salzburg vs Sturm Graz

It’s happened, the unimaginable is taking place! Four picks so far, and four teams that feature within the European semi-finals. Salzburg play hosts to Sturm Graz in the O Bundesliga, and while Salzburg have an 11 point lead atop the table, Sturm Graz are their closest competition in second place. We all know EA likes these 1st vs 2nd Matches, but will we see this one included?

Sporting vs Benfica

Over to Portugal next where third place Sporting play hosts to second place Benfica. The derby goes by the name of “Derby de Lisboa” and while a Benfica win would see the gap widen, a win here from Sporting would see the two clubs go level on points. Just like the other matches so far, we have plenty of gold cards available and most should be at or around discard price too.

Kobenhavn vs Brondby

Next up we see a match that has featured in these predictions a couple of times already. Kobenhavn play host to Brøndby in a derby known as the “Copenhagen Derby” or “New Firm”. Again, investments are plentiful and we shouldn’t be paying a penny above discard here.

NY Red Bulls vs NYCFC

We saw the MLS feature in the current marquee matchups, and this alone is enough to put me off investing here. However we need to remember that hype sells, bronze and silver players won’t be packed as much during TOTS and that with EA, we need to prepare for the unexpected.

Kawasaki vs FC Tokyo

Japan is our penultimate stop for these domestic matches, where we see third place Kawasaki playing host to second place FC Tokyo. A win for either side would see them secure that second spot in the league and once again, these teams with limited or no gold players, can often yield the largest return on investment.

Ulsan Hyundai vs Pohang Steelers

The final match we are looking at his week, takes place in Korea, where we see Ulsan Hyundai and Pohang Steelers going head to head in a match known as the “Donghaean Derby”. Once again, we are looking at bronze and silver players and hence the potential for a big payout becomes possible, all we need is a little luck.

European Matches

Now while we didn’t see these included during the first leg, don’t be too quick in ruling them out for the second. Although it is most likely we see domestic games once more, these have every chance of popping up once again.

Roma vs Liverpool

After Liverpool’s incredible first 80 minutes, in true Liverpool fashion the fitness and energy levels began to dwindle  as they conceded twice to give Roma a glimmer of hope. The match ended 5-2, and although Liverpool are in a fantastic position, we have already seen how quickly Roma can turn around a 3 goal deficit.

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich took a 1-0 lead, early into the first leg and with them playing at home, it looked like we could have a tough semi-final on our hands. Madrid however once again showed their strength, the match finished 2–1 in their favour and with them at home for the second leg, I would be surprised to not see them progress.

Atletico Madrid vs Arsenal

An early red card for Atlético gave Arsenal the exact boost they needed, surely against 10 men at home, they could come out on top and give themselves the advantage they needed. A goal from Lacazette gave them this boost, however a late equaliser from Griezmann evened things up on the night, and surely give Atlético the advantage moving into the second leg.

Salzburg vs Marseille

Marseille has the home advantage for their first leg against Salzburg and after a fantastic team performance, 2 assists from Payet and goals from both Njie and Thauvin, they have given themselves a fantastic chance of reaching the finals. The only question that remains, is whether they can show this form once more in the away leg.