FC 26 TOTW 13 Predictions

With yet another title heading Messi’s way, he headlines our TOTW 13 prediction, while Caldentey’s contribution in Spain’s Nations League victory also sees her feature. Outside of titles, we have yet another Kane treble, a SIF for Harder, and numerous cup inclusions.

Kamil Grabara - GK - 79 > 85 OVR

Five saves and penalty save / Wolfsburg 3 - Union Berlin 1 / 1.5 Kicker Rating

While Grabara failed to keep a clean sheet, his performance during Wolfsburg’s 3-1 win was pivotal in securing the three points. Making several key saves alongside a late penalty stop, the Austrian received Kicker MOTM as a result. EA opted for two keepers last week, and that could easily occur again this week.

Nico Schlotterbeck - CB - 85 > 86 OVR

Goal and clean sheet / Dortmund 2 - Hoffenheim 0 / 2 Kicker Rating

There have been numerous cases of Bundesliga defenders scoring but failing to be awarded either MOTM or even a good match rating in recent weeks, which has ruled numerous options out. That can’t be said for Schlotterbeck, however, who claimed MOTM for his goal and clean sheet during Dortmund’s 2-0 win.

Ingrid Engen - CB - 84 > 86 OVR

Goal and clean sheet / Dijon 0 - Lyonnes 3 / 10 Sofascore Rating

There were numerous defenders with a goal and a clean sheet this week but with Engen being awarded a perfect 10 from Sofascore she really stands out over other candidates. Lyonnais secured a 3-0 away win to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Marc Guehi - CB - 82 > 86 OVR

One goal / Fulham 1 - Palace 2 / 8 Sky Rating

Guehi showed great character after being denied a move to Liverpool in the summer and continued putting in superb displays week after week. He has probably been the key part of Palace’s season so far, who now sit in the top four after yet another three points. Guehi provided a late winner and received MOTM with an 8/10 for doing so.

Mariona Caldentey - RW - 89 > 90 OVR

One assist / Spain 3 - Germany 0 / 7.8 Sofascore Rating

Pina was the obvious choice here, but with her POTM card already “confirmed”, it means her IF is unlikely. Spain lifted the Nations League title this week though, and I can’t see them missing out on an IF as a result. The decision is not an easy one to make, with either Lopez, who scored, or Caldentey, who provided an assist, being the probable selections. I have opted for the latter, who claimed a higher match rating.

Vivianne Miedema - CAM - 85 > 86 OVR

Four goals / Netherlands 5 - South Korea 0 / 10 Sofascore Rating

We saw last week several names from the female friendlies forced into the side. I expect the same to occur this week, but one player who walks into the prediction is Miedema. She scored four of the Netherlands’ five as they cruised to a 5-0 win over South Korea. There is a slight risk with Miedema featuring as a flashback a few weeks ago, but with how different this card will likely be, I can see that being ignored.

Pernille Harder - CAM - 86 > 88 OVR

One goal, two assists / Frankfurt 0 - Munich 5 / 9.7 Sofascore Rating

Both Harder and Buhl stood out during their 5-0 away win over Frankfurt, but with Buhl already having two IFs to her name and the most recent being within a suitable range, I would expect Harder to be the player included by EA. As per usual, Munich look set to be the addition from the Frauen-Bundesliga.

Riquelme Reche - LM - 77 > 86 OVR

Hat trick / Torrent 1 - Real Betis 4 - 10 Sofascore Rating

After Benzema’s snub last week we still remain uncertain of cup inclusions and how EA are going to use them. There were numerous options this week and although I have largely ignored them a couple simply had to be acknowledged. Riquelme was one of those after he scored three times for Betis as they beat Torrent 4-1 to progress.

Lionel Messi - ST - 86 > 88 OVR

Two assists / Inter Miami 3 - Vancouver 1 / 8.5 Sofascore Rating

Inter Miami lifted the title this weekend, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the play off final. The IF seems inevitable but actually a difficult prediction to make. De Paul was featured in the showdown pick while Messi’s previous IF came just four weeks ago. That being said it would only be Messi’s second IF and with the MLS now on a break he will not be included for a while now, so I think the Argentine is the sensible option here after he provided two assists to secure yet another title.

Harry Kane - ST - 89 > 91 OVR

Hat trick / Stuttgart 0 - Bayern 5 / 1 Kicker Rating

Kane already has three promotional items this season and although the Englishman started the match on the bench, his impact off it should result in his fourth. Munich continued their unbeaten start to the campaign with a dominant 5-0 away win over Stuttgart. Kane scored three of those five goals, making his spot in TOTW 13 seem probable.

Ollie Watkins - ST - 84 > 86 OVR

Two goals / Brighton 3 - Aston Villa 4 / 8 Sky Rating

Aston Villa have emerged as title contenders after their shocking start to the campaign, with wins over both Brighton and Arsenal this week they now sit just three points off the top of the table. Although it’s the Arsenal victory that stands out, it’s the brace from Watkins which I still expect to feature in TOTW, with the win over Arsenal being difficult to select anyone from.

Substitutes

Mvogo - GK - 76 > 83 OVR

Five saves and clean sheet / Lorient 1 - Lyon 0 / 8 L’equipe Rating

Ligue 1 was few and far between when it came to options this week, with their TOTW full of players without attacking contributions or who were unable to receive an IF. For that reason, Mvogo stands out over other goalkeeping options, with Ligue 1 likely set to receive at least two IFs. The Swiss keeper made several saves as Lorient upset Lyon to take all three points.

Cristian Romero - CB - 82 > 85 OVR

Two goals / Newcastle 2 - Spurs 2 / 8 Sky Rating

While there were options from both Spurs matches this week I find it difficult to overlook Romero despite the likes of Xavi during their weekend fixture. Romero scored twice for Tottenham on Tuesday, the second of which was an overhead kick late on, helping to secure them a vital away draw against Newcastle.

Senny Mayulu - CM - 75 > 83 OVR

One goal, one assist / PSG 5 - Rennes 0 / 7 L’equipe Rating

While it was Kvaratskhelia who stood out during PSG’s comfortable 5-0 win with two goals to his name, seeing as he is included in EA’s latest promotion it means we have to look elsewhere. Mayulu is seemingly the next best option after the youngster scored once and assisted another during the victory.

Yan Diomande - RW - 66 > 84 OVR

Hat trick / Leipzig 6 - Frankfurt 0 / 1 Kicker Rating

Diomande has been one of the breakthrough stars in the Bundesliga this season, with the Ivorian playing a key role for Leipzig throughout. It was another superb display from the winger this week, with Diomande scoring three times during a convincing 6-0 home win over Frankfurt on Saturday.

Ernest Muci - CAM - 75 > 83 OVR

Two goals / Goztepe 1 - Trabzonspor 2 / 8.7 Sofascore Rating

The Turkish league continues to be heavily included by EA and with a couple of realistic options this week I fully expect another to appear in TOTW 13. I have opted for Muci after he provided both Trabzonspor’s goals during their 2-1 away win over Goztepe.

Rasmus Hojlund - ST - 76 > 83 OVR

Two goals / Napoli 2 - Juventus 1 / 8 Gazzetta Rating

This week’s player of the week in Italy was Hojlund. The Danish striker has not looked back since leaving United, a trend which continues to occur. His two goals helped Napoli secure the 2-1 win over Juventus in what was a crucial game for both sides at the top end of the table.

Ayase Ueda - ST - 74 > 84 OVR

Four goals / Feyenoord 6 - Zwolle 1 / 10 Sofascore Rating

There were a few performances with four or more goals this week, showcasing how hard it was to be included, especially for attackers. Ueda was another of those players, with the Japanese striker scoring four times during Feyenoord’s 6-1 win, likely resulting in his SIF.