FIFA 15 is finally due out this month, and with its nearing launch comes the annual speculation over the in-game ratings.
Certain teams become much more popular than others as online head-to-head options due to their stacked rosters, and here you can find our expected top three teams. You'll be seeing these teams a lot--and very likely playing as them yourself--so it's time to get acquainted.
1. Real Madrid
The reigning Champions League winners and perennial La Liga title contenders are always one of the most common (if not the most common) team choices for playing against another person in FIFA. This year, that will likely be truer than ever: the club has invested heavily, bringing in James Rodriguez (with no seeming necessity to do so) and world class central midfielder Toni Kroos. This means even more star athletes to attract FIFA players, and the ratings of Madrid's squad will be incredibly good.
These moves may have sacrificed some real-life balance (Di Maria made the side tick last season, but has been sold) and some of the defensive steel is gone, but that likely won't matter as much in FIFA. Madrid have the gigantic brand and highly-rated players to be a hugely popular pick: figure out how to play against the speed of Ronaldo and Bale, because it's inevitable that you'll face it.
2. Chelsea
One or two clubs (Bayern, Barcelona) might have slightly more highly rated rosters, but despite that, Chelsea are going to be an incredibly popular selection. The Blues have arguably been the most impressive team in football so far this season, and their array of talent makes them an attractive choice in FIFA. The hot start in the Premier League and their position as title favorites will boost the club's popularity this year, and appealing players like Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas makes this one of the most deadly teams in the game. The player ratings might slightly favor Barcelona, Bayern, or perhaps Manchester City, but Chelsea gets the edge here from us based on form and appeal.
3. Bayern Munich
The German champions have a lot going for them right now. Many of their players were part of this summer's World Cup winning squad, the team won the Bundesliga, and they were Champions League winners the year before. Always a popular team, Munich has one of the best rosters in the game--but a few weak points (combined with injuries and a slow start this year) might see their FIFA effectiveness drop.
Lewandowski adds a lot of appeal, but the individual defenders--besides Lahm--won't stand out in terms of ratings, and the midfield is a bit thin. The team shines in the attacking sense, but the club seems to have lost some of its luster. Players returning from injury may very well catapult them back towards the top, though, and the Bavarian club will always remain a common choice.
