TOTW 5 Predicted Starting XI
International breaks can often bring some of the best TOTWs of the year. This one is no exception, with the likes of Kimmich, Messi, Salah, and Haaland all featuring in this week’s prediction.
GK: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Stars) - 82 OVR -> 84 OVR:
With EA insisting on including an NWSL player each week, I looked to continue the trend this week. Options were limited, but with goalkeepers generally in lower contention during the international week, one option is Naeher. She was named MOTM after making eight saves in a 1-1 draw.
RB: Stefan Posch (Como) - 79 OVR -> 82 OVR:
San Marino frequently find themselves on the receiving end of heavy defeats, and Austria were the latest, registering a 10-0 win. Arnautović scored four goals, but with him not involved in this game, attention turns to other candidates. Despite San Marino offering limited resistance, a defender registering three attacking returns remains notable, which is what Posch achieved.
CB: Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace) - 82 OVR -> 84 OVR:
Guehi stood out as England dominated Wales in a 3-0 victory, providing two assists from the back. The English centre-back has been in exceptional form all season, and his performance carried over seamlessly to the international stage. With England’s second fixture scheduled for Tuesday, it is likely too late for TOTW 5 consideration, though an IF for the team remains expected.
RB: Joshua Kimmich (Munich) - 89 OVR -> 90 OVR:
Germany secured a comfortable win over Luxembourg, producing a clear IF candidate in Kimmich. Playing at right-back, he scored twice and contributed to a clean sheet. Depending on whether EA lists his secondary position as either CM or CDM, this IF has the potential to be a good one.
LM: Klara Buhl (Munich) - 86 OVR -> 87 OVR:
Munich made a significant statement in the Frauen-Bundesliga with a 3-1 away win over Wolfsburg, with these fixtures having a huge say on the title race. Bühl was influential in the victory, contributing both a goal and an assist.
CDM: Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal) - 84 OVR -> 86 OVR:
Rúben Neves proved decisive as Portugal extended their perfect start to the World Cup qualifiers with a 1-0 win this weekend. The midfielder scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner and was named MOTM
RW: Caroline Weir (Real Madrid) - 85 OVR -> 86 OVR:
With EA seemingly limiting this division to one IF per week, it was a difficult decision between Weir or a Barcelona option. In terms of individual performance, I felt I had to opt for Weir, though. She scored twice during Real Madrid's 4-1 win.
LM: Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) - 79 OVR -> 84 OVR:
Heading into week five, a SIF seems inevitable, especially with players already featuring in two promotions as a whole. One potential SIF is Yıldız. Turkiye recorded a 6-1 win over Bulgaria this weekend, with Yıldız scoring two of those six. Güler was MOTM, but with his recent inclusion, I can’t see EA opting for him.
CAM: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) - 86 OVR -> 87 OVR:
Messi has been consistently impressing for several weeks, delivering strong performances week in, week out for Inter Miami. While other MLS players have outshone him prior to this week he stands out as the top option in the division now, having contributed two goals and one assist.
RM: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 91 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Salah was once again the standout performer for Egypt, leading the team to a comfortable 3-0 away win. Despite facing weaker opposition, the Egyptian star demonstrated his quality by scoring two of the three goals, helping Egypt maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifying campaign.
ST: Erling Haaland (Man City) - 90 OVR -> 92 OVR:
Haaland already has an IF and a POTM, but despite this being only week five of the game, the Norwegian’s form is simply ridiculous. He scored another hat-trick this weekend, putting him firmly in contention for a SIF. While EA could decide it is too early to other option would then be Nusa, who provided two assists.
TOTW 5 Predicted Subs & Reserves
CB: Emmanuel Agbadou (Wolves) - 79 OVR -> 82 OVR:
Agbadou was recently a popular evolution option, but those who completed him may be regretting their decision on Wednesday, with the Ivory Coast international set for a potential IF. With a goal and an assist to his name, he excelled during a 7-0 win over Seychelles.
RM: Estevao (Chelsea) - 78 OVR -> 84 OVR:
This week’s featured player could be heading the way of Estêvão, as the Brazilian scored twice in Brazil’s 5-0 win over South Korea. Rodrygo also scored twice in the match, but with so many high-rated options already, I could see EA taking a different route here.
CM: Ruslan Malinovskyi (Genoa) - 76 OVR -> 81 OVR:
One of the most exciting matches this week saw Ukraine secure a 5-3 win over Iceland. Despite the eight goals in the match, IF options were limited. I have opted for Malinovskyi, who scored twice, but with an average match rating, it is not as straightforward a choice as it might seem.
LW: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool) - 84 OVR -> 86 OVR:
The Netherlands had several standout performers as they recorded a couple of comfortable wins this week. Gakpo consistently impressed across both matches, but his IF comes from the first game, in which he scored twice and provided an assist during a 4-0 victory.
LW: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg) - 80 OVR -> 83 OVR:
Algeria secured a straightforward 3-0 win over Somalia this weekend, producing a couple of potential IF candidates. Mahrez scored once and provided two assists, but with so many high-rated options already, I opted for his teammate Amoura. Playing at LW, he scored two of Algeria’s three goals.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund (Napoli) - 76 OVR -> 81 OVR:
Højlund has continued his excellent form from Napoli into the international stage, playing a key role as Denmark secured a 6-0 away win. The former Manchester United striker scored twice and assisted another, extending the growing trend of players returning to form after leaving the club.
ST: Jess Park (Manchester United) - 81 OVR -> 84 OVR:
Another division likely to produce an IF this week is the WSL. Jessica Park appears to be the best option after coming off the bench to score twice in Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Everton.
CB: Jawad El Yamiq (Al-Najma) - 74 OVR -> 80 OVR:
El Yamiq is currently one of the most in-demand silver cards in the game, boasting impressive in-game playstyles alongside his 85 pace. The card could become even more valuable after the Moroccan centre-back scored the only goal in Morocco’s 1-0 victory over Bahrain.
LW: Raphael Merkies (Shandong) - 50 OVR -> 80 OVR:
A thirty-point rating increase could be on the way on Wednesday, one of the biggest we will see all year if it happens. Merkies scored a hat-trick for Hong Kong, and with China already receiving an IF this year, it’s definitely possible for them to receive IFs now.
CM: Elias Saad (Augsburg) - 72 OVR -> 80 OVR:
Saad scored twice for Tunisia in a 6-0 away win. Several players scored two goals, but with Saad playing domestically in the Bundesliga, I feel he has the most appeal.
ST: Firas Al Birekan (Al-Ahli) - 75 OVR -> 81 OVR:
With EA’s recent sale to a Saudi group, I would be surprised if Birekan doesn’t feature this week. The Saudi striker scored twice as his team secured a 3-2 away win over Indonesia.
ST: Bjorn Kristensen (KFUM) - 63 OVR -> 80 OVR:
Ending the prediction with a rogue card in Kristensen, the Philippines striker scored four times in their 4-1 win over East Timor, making him an easy inclusion this week.
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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