MARQUEE MATCHUPS

Before we jump into this week’s predictions, it seems like the perfect time to discuss just how we can aim to make our investments that little bit more profitable across the board. EA seem to have made Marquee Matchups much more affordable to the wider public, by creating requirements that ensure prices don’t spike. They do however seem to enjoy using the “max X players from Y league” formula, which in itself provides us investment options. Think outside the box slightly, and consider the likely requirements, while ensuring you aim to be buying any/all cards for discard.

Borussia Dortmund vs Bayern Munich

We kick start this week's predictions with a match that ticks almost too many boxes when it comes to considering both viability and investment potential. Dortmund play hosts to Bayern over in the Bundesliga this week, and with the two clubs holding down first and second position respectively, this match automatically gains the spotlight. On top of this, there is a rivalry between the two clubs, known as “Der Klassiker”, the German Clasico. If this wasn’t enough when considering investments, both sides also feature within the Champions League this year, but have sadly both already featured in the dedicated challenges released. As usual, if you decide to invest in this match, aim for gold players at discard value.

Manchester City vs Manchester United

This game features within the predictions, however I remain very sceptical around its ability to feature this week. There is currently a Premier League game featuring in this week’s Marquee Matchups, and usually EA avoid using the same league two weeks running. With this being said, it cannot hurt to mention this monumental Manchester derby, as we also have the possibility of the cards finding a use within any Champions League SBC that may drop. Keep in mind that Manchester United have already featured within these challenges, leaving Manchester City players as a potentially more viable investment route here.

AC Milan vs Juventus

We keep the Champions League theme alive with this next pick, as we head across to Italy for another match between two giant clubs. AC Milan seem to be slowly finding their feet again after a slow rebuilding period, however this fixture against league leaders Juventus will be anything but straightforward. Sadly Juventus have already featured within the Champions League challenges, but the fact that their discard priced golds are more limited than other clubs, could make these investments viable once again.

AS Monaco vs PSG

Over to France next, where we find one of my favourite bigger matches amongst these predictions. AS Monaco are having an absolute nightmare season so far, sitting in 19th place with just 7 points. PSG however are flying as usual, sitting comfortably atop the table and looking stronger than ever. The reason this game really stands out, is down to multiple factors. Firstly, we haven’t seen Ligue 1 feature within Marquee Matchups for a few weeks now, instantly making a selection like this more likely. Secondly, both teams feature within the Champions League, and both have yet to feature in the dedicated SBC’s attached. Finally, there are a whole heap of viable gold cards available for discard prices, making any investments practically risk free too.

Olympiakos vs Panathinaikos

Greece is our next destination amongst this weeks predictions, where we find a heated derby between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, known as “The Derby Of Eternal Enemies”. This is probably the largest derby and match across Greek football, and with both clubs originating from Athens, the local rivalry only adds to the occasion. Again with investments, consider which cards are available at discard, but also consider which positions are likely to rise more, as well as any possible league or nationality requirements EA may throw into the mix.

FC Porto vs SC Braga

Portugal is our penultimate location this week, where we find a heated match between the two clubs sitting atop the table. Both clubs are currently equal on points, however FC Porto’s goal difference puts them just ahead. Investments here are nice and simple, there should be plenty of discard gold cards available, just consider the nationality and position before jumping onto the market.

Sheffield United vs Sheffield Wednesday

We end this week's predictions with a bang, a fixture that usually generates plenty of hype and excitement, causing prices to rise prior to the event, allowing investments to be sold without any sort of risk. Sheffield United currently sit atop the table, with local rivals Sheffield Wednesday all the way down the table in 15th. The rivalry originates from the two clubs geographical locations, both are from Sheffield, and is known as the “Steel City Derby”. Investments here should be picked up at discard, but if you arrive a little late to the party, consider which other cheap Championship players are available to make up the rest of the challenge.