TOTWLigue 1 TOTS Predicted Starting XI
While PSG bring the interest to this side, it’s Lens who have impressed throughout the campaign, which sees a mix of the two sides dominating the selection. This is probably the weakest of the five main leagues, but there are still a few players to get excited about.
GK: Dominik Grief (Lyon) - 78 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Despite finding themselves down in fourth position, Lyon have the second-best defence in the division. From regularly doing TOTW predictions, Greif is a player I also remember consistently competing for a spot, and while he never made EA's final side, his consistency throughout the season, alongside his eleven clean sheets this campaign, make him a prime candidate for TOTS.
LB: Nuno Mendes (PSG) - 86 OVR -> 96 OVR:
PSG have the best defence in the division, and I would expect someone from that backline to feature as a result. When a player is included in TOTY, the likelihood is that they will then also go on to be included in TOTS. Mendes has seen his minutes largely rotated within this PSG side, but with four goals and five assists alongside that defensive record, he should make his way into the side.
CB: Moussa Niakhate (Lyon) - 77 OVR -> 91 OVR:
Niakhaté has been a commanding presence at the heart of Lyon’s defence this season. Combining physicality with strong positional awareness. His consistency, leadership, and ability to dominate duels have made him a standout performer throughout the season and has been widely recognised as one of the best defenders in the division this past campaign.
CB: Malang Sarr (Lens) - 73 OVR -> 91 OVR:
It never worked out for Sarr at Chelsea, but the Frenchman has shown how capable he is this season, with his performances at the back for Lens standing out throughout. He ranks among the highest in several defensive metrics among top-half sides and is the first of several Lens players I have going from silver to TOTS in this prediction.
RB: Guela Doue (Strasbourg) - 77 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Doué has been one of the standout full-backs in Ligue 1 this season, impressing with his balance between defensive solidity and attacking returns. Operating from right-back, he has contributed consistently going forward while also holding his own defensively for Strasbourg, and with Hakimi still being regularly omitted from these sides, I would expect Doué to be the starting RB.
CM: Mamadou Sangare (Lens) - 72 OVR -> 94 OVR:
Despite only joining the club this summer from Austrian side Rapid Vienna, Sangaré has quickly settled into this Lens side and has been one of the standout stars in the division as a whole. His performances in the middle of the park have attracted interest from both Chelsea (shock) and Manchester United, and he could be on his way as early as this summer, unfortunately for Lens fans.
CM: Vitinha (PSG) - 89 OVR -> 95 OVR:
With PSG looking likely to secure yet another Ligue 1 title, I would expect numerous players to end up in EA's side. That is further the case when you realise how few cards will be grabbing FC 26 users’ attention. Vitinha controls matches from the middle of the park and needs very little explanation for making this side. After a TOTY inclusion, it is clear just how impressive the Portuguese midfielder is.
CAM: Florian Thauvin (Lens) - 76 OVR -> 94 OVR:
It’s slowly becoming clear to see the trend in this side, with both PSG and Lens players dominating proceedings. Thauvin has been one of the best players in Ligue 1 this season, and with three official POTM awards to his name, it comes as no surprise that he is included in this TOTS prediction. The Frenchman boasts ten goals and five assists from CAM this season.
LW: Bradley Barcola (PSG) - 84 OVR -> 93 OVR:
Barcola broke onto the scene last year for PSG, and while his performances have not quite been at that level again this season, I believe he has still done enough to be included in this side. With ten goals and one assist, he has consistently provided attacking output for the likely champions this season. A familiar name and one of the better PSG options.
ST: Ousmane Dembele (PSG) - 90 OVR -> 96 OVR:
Although Dembélé has only started nine matches this season, he has featured in nineteen. With ten goals and six assists, he has still recorded one of the highest total attacking returns despite those limited minutes. There is also the factor of Dembélé being the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, and it would be incomprehensible for him to then be snubbed from your domestic TOTS.
ST: Esteban Lepaul (Rennes) - 74 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Lepaul is currently the highest goalscorer in Ligue 1 this season, with seventeen to his name, and regardless of whether he secures the Golden Boot or not, his spot in this Team of the Season should be nailed on. Leading the line with consistency, he has been the focal point of his side’s attack and a key reason behind their push up the table.
Ligue 1 TOTS Predicted Subs & Honorable Mentions
GK: Herve Koffi (Angers) - 73 OVR -> 90 OVR:
Koffi has arguably been the standout goalkeeper in Ligue 1 this season, producing elite numbers despite playing for a side fighting towards the bottom end of the table. With a league-leading save percentage and the highest saves per ninety, he has consistently kept Angers competitive in matches they had no right to be in. His ability to outperform expected goals conceded by such a large margin further highlights just how impactful he has been
LB: Matthieu Udol (Lens) - 74 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Ligue 1 often seems to produce defenders with high assist tallies, and this season has been no different, with Udol being one of them. With a goal and seven assists to his name in this impressive Lens squad, he seems to be an easy selection for this side despite having Mendes for competition.
RB: Jonathan Clauss (Nice) - 80 OVR -> 91 OVR:
Clauss has once again proven to be one of the most productive wing-backs in Ligue 1, consistently offering attacking output from wide areas. His delivery and ability to create chances make him a constant threat going forward, with a goal and six assists to his name. He has also made himself a familiar face within the community in recent years which I feel also help his cause.
CM: Adrien Thomasson (Lens) - 77 OVR -> 90 OVR:
Thomasson has been the creative engine in this Lens side, consistently driving them forward from midfield. Leading the division in chances created, he has been central to much of their attacking play, linking the midfield and attack with intelligence and precision. With three goals and eight assists from a deeper role, his output is impressive, but it is his overall influence on matches that truly stands out.
LW: Wesley Said (Lens) - 74 OVR -> 92 OVR:
It’s a strange one with positioning here, as EA have consistently included Thauvin as a CAM, but when it comes to Saïd, they have classified him as a LW despite them playing the same role on opposite sides. I will continue to follow EA’s trend with this, though, and include Saïd as a LW as a result. With ten goals and two assists to his name, I would expect his inclusion, despite numerous other Lens options also making the side.
CAM: Pavel Sulc (Lyon) - 77 OVR -> 91 OVR:
Šulc has been one of the more versatile attacking options in Ligue 1 this season, splitting his time between CAM and ST while still delivering consistent output. His ability to arrive in the box and contribute goals from midfield has made him a valuable asset, particularly for a Lyon side pushing towards the top end of the table. With eleven goals to his name, he sits among the league’s top scorers
ST: Folarin Balogun (Monaco) - 77 OVR -> 92 OVR:
There were a lot of strikers outside of the main trio in contention for a spot in this side but we have to somehow differentiate between them. I think the connections Balogun has to American and also the premier League with Arsenal significantly help his case. Alongside the fact hes also a decent enough card. The American has twelve goals and three assists this season
ST: Joaquin Panichelli (Strasbourg) - 74 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Panichelli has been one of the breakout attacking names in Ligue 1 this season, stepping up with consistent goal contributions for Strasbourg. His ability to find space in the box and finish chances clinically has made him a reliable focal point in attack, while his work rate off the ball adds another layer to his game. With sixteen goals to his name hes currently the second highest goalscorer in the division.
RM: Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC) - 75 OVR -> 90 OVR:
Kebbal has been one of the standout creative players outside of the top sides in Ligue 1 this season, consistently producing for Paris FC despite their mid-table position. Operating as an attacking midfielder or out on the right, he has combined flair with end product, contributing nine goals and four assists across the campaign. His ability to carry the ball, create chances, and influence games in the final third has made him a key figure for his side
LW: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG) - 87 OVR -> 94 OVR:
With just seven goals and two assists to his name this season, it is perhaps a bit of a push to include the Georgian, but with EA wanting players who will sell packs, and not a lot of options within that category, I feel that he can be forced into the side. I have seen worse inclusions after all.
ST: Ludovic Ajorque (Brest) - 77 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Ajorque has offered a different profile to most forwards in Ligue 1 this season, combining physical presence with strong creative output. While his goal tally may not match some of the other candidates, his ability to bring others into play and contribute assists has been a major asset. Leading the division in assists for a striker, he has shown just how effective he can be beyond just scoring. With sixteen goal contributions in total, his all-round impact makes him a very strong contender for inclusion in this TOTS.
