MARQUEE MATCHUPS

After a massively successful set of predictions last week (we managed to predict 3 of the 4 games while also mentioning the likelihood of an MLS match featuring), we move into this week and options are extremely thin. This is where we need to start thinking outside the box, investing in matches that carry a dual purpose (for example potential league SBC picks) and ultimately covering as many bases as possible.  

Last year we also saw a separate batch of European games included in their own marquee matchup challenge, so this is also a factor we should take into account and potentially prepare for as well. 

Manchester United vs Liverpool

First up this week we head over to England and the Premier League. Manchester United play host to Liverpool in a heated derby that would usually get my attention when it comes to marquee matchups. The only concern I have this time around is that Liverpool featured very recently and while we have seen EA repeat teams within a matter of weeks, it is still extremely rare. The bonus we have however is that the Premier League SBC is yet to drop and hence our investments have a dual-purpose here. 

Sevilla vs Valencia

Over to La Liga next and while this may not be a derby, the fact that both teams feature fairly high up in the league, coupled with the fact that La Liga didn't feature in the current challenge, we find ourselves with an outside chance of this game coming in. Whether EA decide to choose a random game from La Liga or not, we still have the potential of the league SBC dropping and once again our riskier investment carries a double use. 

Hellas Verona vs Chievo Verona

Next up we head over to Italy where we find a couple of teams a little further down the league going head to head in a heated derby. Hellas Verona play hosts to Chievo Verona in a match known only as the "Derby della Scala" or "Verona Derby". Investments here fit the mold of what marquee matchups should entail and hence getting in early and ensuring those discard prices is ideal. 

Rangers vs Celtic

We move onto the first selection of two from the Scottish Premier League and while we are including these within the predictions, we should be investing to sell into hype and not holding until the event is released. Rangers vs Celtic has already featured once this year and while seeing it pop up a second time isn't impossible (because its EA), it is extremely unlikely at best. Invest only at discard and sell into the hype. 

Hibernian FC vs Hearts

Our second game from the Scottish league now and again we immediately see a complication, Hearts recently(ish) featured within the SBC. As we mentioned before, this doesn't mean that we will not see this game feature, it just makes it that little bit less likely. The Edinburgh derby is a huge game in Scotland and hence demands respect. Investments are mainly made up of bronze and silver players, so if you can grab these guys for discard and sell into any hype, then you are laughing.

Heracles vs Twente

Over to Holland now where we find Heracles playing Twente in a derby known as the "Twentse Derby". Both sides sit comfortably in mid table and hence this match has little relevance on the remainder of the season. This being said, it carries the exact qualities that marquee matchups demand and this is the reason we are considering it today. Investing in covers yet another one of those matches that can turn a rather large profit if included, so follow the simple rules, get in early and aim for discard!

Huracan vs San Lorenzo

Our next stop sees us travelling to Argentina where we find sixth place Huracan playing hosts to third place San Lorenzo. With the lack of larger fixtures this week, all of these smaller matches stand a great chance of making the cut, the key is to diversify investments and not put all your eggs into one basket.

Swindon vs Cheltenham

Our final selection this week takes us back to where we started, back to England, however this time we are looking at League Two. This time we are looking at a fairly local derby, one from where I grew up, Swindon against Cheltenham in a West County derby. Investments here are nice and simple once more, aim for bronze and silver players at discard prices. These are cards you will likely have to hold and roll the dice with, the lack of exposure makes it a lesser known match and hence hype will be limited. 

Champions League Fixtures

As mentioned above, this is purely speculation and completely based on the challenges EA decided to release last year. We may see a mixture of both Champions League and Europa League games going forward, however focusing on these makes things a lot easier for now. Even if these fail to crop up over the next couple of weeks, at least we have planted the seed and will be prepared for when the competition hits the semi-finals! 

PSG vs Real Madrid

Liverpool vs Porto

Tottenham vs Juventus

Manchester City vs FC Basel

Roma vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Manchester United vs Sevilla

Besiktas vs Bayern Munich

Barcelona vs Chelsea