Scotland’s number one FIFA player Marc Marley is aiming to go one better this season after narrowly missing out in last year’s ePL Grand Final.
Registration is now open for this season’s competition, and you can do so here.
Before the qualification process begins next month, Marley took the time to speak to us about the new game, his ambitions and much more.
Check it out below.
Pro FIFA Player
FIFA Pro Marc Marley has represented Bournemouth in the two previous editions of the ePL, finishing 2nd in 2019/20, as well as competing in the FUT Champs Cup in Bucharest.
On Bucharest, Marley smiles, “that was crazy. I have had so many near misses over the years. I actually lost in the last round, but a few people had to pull out, so we managed to go. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but the trip was amazing.”
When discussing what it is like to represent a Premier League football club, Marley said “before I chose Bournemouth first time around, I didn’t really think about it too much.
It was amazing to represent a Premier League club and I’ve made a lot of friends and they’ve been really good with me.”
Bournemouth were relegated from the Premier League last season, meaning Marley will need to qualify with a new team this season.
“Still do not know what team I am going to go for which is a problem, so I’m going to have to decide on that soon.”
Marley’s heart lies with his beloved Celtic though, for whom he describes representing as “the ultimate goal”.
ePL 2020/21
Looking ahead to this season’s competition, Marley insists he is just looking to “qualify this year and then see what happens after that.”
When asked who to look out for in this season’s tournament, the Scottish star spoke highly of his compatriots.
“There are a few Scottish players coming up. Obviously, you have got me, and Adam [Ryan] have played there, Michael Fisher was at Norwich last year.
I think pretty much the usual players. We have had five, six, seven players that have made it both years.”
This includes the likes of Hashtag United’s Tom Leese and Tekkz who Marley faced last season.
Registration is now available for ePL 2020/21 and you can do so here.
Online Qualification begins on Monday, 4 January and will end on Thursday, 31 January.
Cross-Console
The ePL grand final is played across two legs as the winners from the PS4 and Xbox One tournaments go head-to-head.
Marley explains that is difficult to adjust as everyone will have a preferred console.
“I play on both every weekend, but its just not the same. The levels definitely drop.
Before the event it is in the back of your head because I knew I could do well so I might need to play on this, but I’ll worry about that if it comes to it.”
In the 2019/20 Grand Final Marley faced Watford’s Tom Leese, losing 1-0 on PS4 before drawing 1-1 on Xbox One.
“For that game on the PlayStation it was trying to keep the score down rather than playing my actual game which I managed to do as well. It is really difficult, but it was a great experience.”
Tips and Tricks
Marley keeps it simple when offering aspiring players advice.
“Play as much as you can!
As for tactics and formations I would say you have got to find your own tactics that is something you have got to work on.
Formations, I think 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 are the two main ones this year, so I would go with that. Practice, play as much as you can, that’s the biggest tip I can give for anyone trying to qualify.”
Marley also suggests that skill moves are more effective this year, although the AI defenders are harder to beat.
“For the most part its fairly similar, the skills moves are better but the AI are a lot better this year so its harder to score goals sometimes.
I think for the most part it is the same, but you can play out a little quicker with skill moves.”
Register here for ePL 2020/21.