TOTW 14 Predicted Starting XI
Some huge names lead the way for TOTW 14, with the likes of Raphinha, Diani, and McCabe taking the spotlight, alongside a bunch of SIFs and usable featured upgrades for both Sangaré and Orban.
GK: Dominik Greif (Lyon) - 78 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Both Ligue 1 and goalkeeper selections were difficult this week, so Greif allows two quotas to be met with a single pick. Greif is among the best goalkeeper options after the Slovakian made several key saves, including a penalty stop, during Lyon's 1-0 win over Le Havre.
RB: Malo Gusto (Chelsea) - 79 OVR -> 86 OVR:
After four matches without a win in all competitions Chelsea will be extremely happy to see their side pick up all three points at home to Everton. Gusto was heavily involved with both a goal and an assist helping to secure a 2-0 win. There is only a four week gap from the Frenchman’s first IF which is the solitary risk here.
CB: Dan Ballard (Sunderland) - 73 OVR -> 87 OVR:
Sunderland recorded yet another win this season as they continue to impress. Importantly, it came in the Tyne-Wear derby, with a Woltemade own goal deciding the fixture. Ballard was named MOTM for his defensive display, and considering the rivalry, I can see Ballard sneaking in.
LB: Katie McCabe (Arsenal) - 87 OVR -> 89 OVR:
Usually, a McCabe IF occurs during an international week, but this week it was a domestic fixture from which she stood out. Arsenal secured a 3-1 away win over Everton, with the Irish defender scoring once and assisting another to join the top three.
LM: Kadidiatou Diani (Lyonnes) - 88 OVR -> 89 OVR:
Lyonnes made it ten wins from ten with a convincing 7-0 victory over Le Havre. Several Lyonnes players stood out, but it is Diani who I expect to get the eventual nod after her two goals from LM secured her MOTM. Still without an IF to her name, that should change come Wednesday.
CAM: Raphinha (Barcelona) - 89 OVR -> 90 OVR:
It seems probable that Raphinha will be the main player in TOTW 14. Barcelona struggled to break down Osasuna for large periods of the match, but the Brazilian stood out late, scoring twice to secure a 2-0 win, which in turn maintains their four-point lead at the top of La Liga.
CDM: Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest) - 77 OVR -> 86 OVR:
Nottingham Forest have looked much more impressive since the departure of Ange, who was shocking, to say the least. Sangare and Hudson-Odoi both excelled as Forest secured a 3-0 home win over Tottenham. Sangare was named MOTM, with the Ivorian scoring once and assisting twice, likely resulting in a featured IF this week.
LM: Morgan Rodgers (Aston Villa) - 82 OVR -> 85 OVR:
At some point, Villa have to be classed as title contenders. Now, sixteen games in, they sit on thirty-three points, just three behind league leaders Arsenal. Rodgers' form has coincided with Villa's, and it was another superb display from him this weekend, scoring twice, which ultimately secured Villa a 3-2 win over West Ham.
ST: Gift Orban (Verona) - 74 OVR -> 86 OVR:
With limited strikers standing out this week, I would expect one of the featured selections to go to a silver within the top five leagues. Orban is seemingly the best fit here, with his brace securing Verona a 2-1 away win over Fiorentina. Gazzetta awarded him MOTM with a 7.5 for his display. A featured upgrade would make this card very usable.
ST: Vangelis Pavlidis (Benfica) - 82 OVR -> 86 OVR:
Pavlidis has been freescoring for Benfica this season; he’s leading the Golden Boot race with thirteen goals in fourteen matches. The Greek scored three times this weekend as Benfica secured a 4-0 win, which inevitably leads to his SIF.
ST: Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) - 83 OVR -> 86 OVR:
After Liverpool signed Isak after Ekitike it looked like it may be a frustrating season for the Frenchman but with Ekitike continuing to score he is keeping his spot for the time being. He added another two to his tally this week with Liverpool securing a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Brighton.
TOTW 14 Predicted Subs & Reserves
LB: Janou Levels (Wolfsburg) - 76 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Both Wolfsburg sides had strong contenders for TOTW 14, but for some reason it’s rare that both male and female sides feature in the same week. Levels, for me, is the best option, with three assists from LB during a 6-1 win. I simply cannot exclude a defender with three attacking returns.
CAM: Yann Gboho (Toulouse) - 75 OVR -> 83 OVR:
As previously mentioned, Ligue 1 offered very little in terms of options. There were a few 8s awarded by L'Équipe, but many couldn't compete with the competition. Gboho was probably the best option from the division, with his two goals helping secure Toulouse a 3-0 away win over Paris.
RM: Harry Wilson (Fulham) - 76 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Wilson is one of the most in-form players in the Prem right now, with the Welshman going through strong spells over the past couple of seasons. He was involved in all three Fulham goals this weekend, with a goal and two assists helping secure a 3-2 win over newly promoted Burnley.
LM: Jamie Leweling (Stuttgart) - 75 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Stuttgart ended their four game winless streak with a convincing 4-0 away win over Werder Bremen. Leweling was heavily involved with a goal and two assists securing him MOTM with a 1.5 from Kicker. The German could be classified as either LB or LM but regardless I would expect his inclusion on Wednesday.
RM: Viktor Tsygankov (Girona) - 79 OVR -> 83 OVR:
It's been quite the fall-off for Girona, who have really struggled this remarkable season. They are now battling against relegation, with just fifteen points from their opening sixteen matches. A 2-1 away win over Sociedad will help them, with a Tsygankov brace being the deciding factor.
LM: Christos Tzolis (Club Brugge) - 80 OVR -> 84 OVR:
Tzolis is a player I expect to be heavily in demand in the summer. He has developed into a star player for Brugge in recent times, and his two goals and one assist this weekend took him up to seven and six for the season. Brugge comfortably beat Dender 5-1 away from home.
ST: Martijn Kaars (St.Pauli) - 71 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Another silver striker with a strong chance of featuring is Kaars. The striker scored his first and second goals for St. Pauli at a crucial time, securing a 2-1 win over rivals Heidenheim. Kicker awarded the performance a 1.5 match rating, which stands out among other options.
RB: Laurin Curda (Paderborn) - 66 OVR -> 83 OVR:
There were numerous defenders with multiple goals this weekend, making the decision for this spot extremely difficult. Curda is one of those players, with his brace playing a large role in Paderborn's 4-0 away win over Karlsruher.
CDM: Max Sanders (Crewe) - 62 OVR -> 83 OVR:
It's usually the case that at least one player from the English lower leagues gets included. There are minimal options for that to occur this week, but Sanders is the one player standing out. With two goals and an assist from CDM, Sanders claimed a perfect 10 match rating.
RW: Andrei Cordea (CFR Cluj) - 69 OVR -> 83 OVR:
For the third consecutive week we are set to see an IF from the Romanian division. It's clearly a division which EA like to include but the options are making it easy for them. This week saw a Cordea hat trick secure a 3-1 home win for CFR Cluj.
LM: Ante Rebic (Hajduk) - 72 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Rebic is a familiar name, having played for sides like AC Milan, Frankfurt, and Leipzig. He now plays his trade in his home country with Hajduk Split. With two goals and an assist, he was the star man during their 3-1 away win over Lokomotiva Zagreb.
ST: Nastassja Lein (Nurnberg) - 73 OVR -> 83 OVR:
The Frauen Bundesliga selection has been rather straightforward on numerous weeks this year, with the division seemingly free-scoring at times. This week sees no different, with Lein scoring three and also providing an assist as Nürnberg secured an entertaining 5-3 win over Frankfurt.
That concludes this week's Team of the Week predictions! What do you make of these predictions? Is there anyone else who should have made the TOTW? Let us know below!
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