FIFA 23 TOTW 1 predictions, release timing, and strategic insights for Ultimate Team success
TOTW 1: Your Early Game Advantage
FIFA 23’s inaugural Team of the Week arrives during the crucial Web App period, offering savvy players their first opportunity to build competitive squads before the full game release. Our comprehensive predictions help you plan your early Ultimate Team strategy effectively.
The first Team of the Week for FIFA 23 Ultimate Team debuts during the Web App pre-release window, giving you our expert analysis of potential roster selections based on recent real-world performances.
European football leagues have already delivered several matchweeks of compelling action, creating perfect conditions for EA Sports to launch FIFA 23 with impactful player cards from the outset. The timing coincides perfectly with early team building opportunities.
This final installment bearing the FIFA branding officially launches September 27, but the Web App access beginning September 21 provides dedicated managers their first chance to assemble squads and engage with the transfer market.
When the Web App becomes available September 21, EA Sports will simultaneously release the initial Team of the Week player cards for FIFA 23. Our predictions identify the most likely candidates for these early upgraded cards based on outstanding weekend performances.
Top TOTW 1 Player Predictions & Analysis
Our TOTW 1 predictions feature several standout performers who delivered exceptional displays this past weekend. Leading candidates include Heung-Min Son, Robert Lewandowski, Ciro Immobile, William Saliba, Federico Valverde, and Cody Gakpo. This represents an exceptionally strong initial card release that could define early Ultimate Team meta.
Son virtually guarantees inclusion after scoring a spectacular hat-trick as a substitute for Tottenham against Leicester City. Lewandowski maintained his brilliant scoring form for Barcelona with two goals against Elche, while Saliba impressed for Arsenal with both a goal and clean sheet against Brentford during his breakout performance.
Additional strong contenders include Gerard Deulofeu, Teji Savanier, Marco Verratti, Jonas Hofmann, and Rafa Silva, all delivering performances worthy of upgraded cards. Strategic targeting of these players early can provide significant squad value throughout the opening weeks.
Strategic Player Analysis
Heung-Min Son’s potential TOTW card would be particularly valuable given his meta-relevant attributes. As a Premier League attacker with 5-star weak foot and high pace, his early upgraded version could dominate the first month of Ultimate Team. Similarly, Saliba represents one of the first potentially elite Premier League center-backs available, making him a priority target for defensive stability.
Robert Lewandowski’s La Liga TOTW card would provide early access to one of the game’s most clinical finishers. Given Barcelona’s strong start to the season, his card could receive multiple upgrades throughout the year, making this early investment potentially lucrative for long-term squad building.
Complete TOTW 1 Prediction List
Our comprehensive prediction list covers all positions with players who delivered standout performances across European leagues:
- GK: Jeremias Ledesma – Cadiz
- GK: Rafal Gikiewicz – FC Augsburg
- RB: Pablo Maffeo – RCD Mallorca
- RB: Alastair Johnston – Montreal Impact
- LB: Filip Mladenovic – Legia Warsaw
- CB: William Saliba – Arsenal
- CB: Armando Izzo – Monza
- CDM: Joao Palhinha – Fulham
- CM: Marco Verratti – PSG
- CM: Gaston Brugman – LA Galaxy
- CM: Conor Hourihane – Derby County
- CAM: Teji Savanier – Montpellier
- CAM: Daichi Kamada – Frankfurt
- RM: Jonas Hofmann – Borussia Monchengladbach
- LW: Heung-Min Son – Spurs
- RW: Federico Valverde – Real Madrid
- RW: Aitor – Panathinaikos
- CF: Gerard Deulofeu – Udinese
- ST: Robert Lewandowski – Barcelona
- ST: Ciro Immobile – Lazio
- ST: Borja Igelsias – Real Betis
- ST: Sheraldo Becker – Union Berlin
- ST: Mama Balde – Troyes
Positional Value Assessment
The goalkeeper selections represent budget options that could provide excellent early value. Jeremias Ledesma’s potential TOTW card might offer surprising value given Cadiz’s defensive organization. In midfield, Marco Verratti’s inclusion would provide early access to a top-tier playmaker with exceptional dribbling and passing stats.
Defensive picks like William Saliba and Joao Palhinha could become meta-defining early cards due to their league affiliations and stat distributions. These players often maintain value longer than attackers due to fewer viable alternatives in their positions during the early game phase.
TOTW 1 Release Schedule & Access Details
EA Sports hasn’t indicated any changes to the traditional Team of the Week release schedule, so expectations point toward the usual Wednesday 6 PM timeframe remaining in effect.
This confirms that TOTW 1 launches Wednesday, September 21 at 6 PM, requiring Web App access to acquire these new player items since the full game won’t be available until September 27. Plan your engagement strategy accordingly.
Web App Advantage Strategy
The Web App release timing provides dedicated players a significant one-week head start on squad building. During this period, you can complete Squad Building Challenges, list items on the transfer market, and open packs without game access. This early engagement can generate substantial coin balances before the full release.
Smart managers use this period to identify underpriced players and complete profitable SBCs. The market typically experiences unusual pricing patterns during Web App exclusivity, creating arbitrage opportunities for attentive traders.
Advanced TOTW Collection Strategies
Market Timing Mastery
TOTW cards typically reach their lowest prices approximately 2-3 hours after release when supply peaks. Set price alerts for your target players and monitor the market closely during this window. Avoid buying during the first hour when hype inflates prices artificially.
Consider targeting less-hyped players from smaller leagues who often provide better value. Cards like Teji Savanier or Jonas Hofmann might offer similar performance to premium options at fraction of the cost, allowing you to allocate coins more efficiently across your squad.
Common Rookie Mistakes
Many players overspend on attacking players while neglecting defense and midfield. A balanced squad construction approach typically delivers better results than stacking expensive attackers with mediocre supporting players. Also avoid listing your packed TOTW players immediately—wait 24-48 hours when demand often increases.
Another common error involves misjudging player retention value. Early TOTW cards from popular leagues often maintain value better than similar-rated gold cards, making them smarter investments if you plan to use them for several weeks.
Advanced Investment Techniques
Monitor real-world fixtures for players on the cusp of TOTW inclusion. If a player like Federico Valverde performs well but misses initial selection, his gold card often spikes if he’s likely to receive a future TOTW. This pre-investment strategy can generate significant returns.
Consider the league SBC factor—players from leagues with upcoming SBC requirements often see inflated demand. Talisca’s TOTW card last year demonstrated how league SBC anticipation can dramatically increase card values weeks after release.
Should schedule changes occur, we’ll provide immediate updates through our Twitter channels @FUTWatch and @DexertoFC with revised timing information.
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