Team of the Week (TOTW) 46 predictions

Europe's top leagues took a break this weekend as the UEFA Nations League commenced for the first time, however there was no rest in League One, League Two and the MLS. Five teams remain unbeaten at the top of League One, whilst Shrewsbury and Plymouth Argyle continue their winless starts. Lincoln and Newport are the early leaders in League Two, with Notts County losing again and new boss Harry Kewell sent to the stands to add more misery on the Magpies.

Across the pond, the MLS regular season is drawing to an end, where New York Red Bulls lead the Eastern Conference followed by relative newcomers Atlanta United and New York City. In the Western Conference it is much closer at the top with the top five teams separated by just five points with seven games left to play. Top scorer Josef Martinez's Atlanta United were not in action this weekend, however he will look to add to his 28 goals against the struggling Colorado Rapids next week.

On Wednesday, September 12, a squad of 23 players will be chosen for the FIFA 18 Team of the Week (TOTW) based on performances over the last weekend. Each player chosen will receive an in-form card with boosted ratings on FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). The TOTW is available to challenge to earn coins in single player mode. The TOTW players will be available to be bought-and-sold in the transfer market and can be found in packs over the next week from the FUT store.

RealSport looks at which players are in the running this week.

Luke McCormick (OVR 67 - IF 75)

Luke McCormick was the hero for Swindon as they held off Morecambe to take all three points. The veteran goalkeeper was called in to action numerous times as Swindon played 60 minutes with only ten men after Kyle Knoyle's red card. Swindon are now unbeaten in their last five games and lie seventh in League Two.

McCormick should see a big boost to his basic 67 OVR  to around 75. His base card  is available for 350 coins on PS4 and 400 coins on Xbox One. If he makes the Team of the Week, we could see a first card for new club Swindon follwoing his switch from Plymouth Argyle.

Pierce Sweeney (OVR 58 - IF 65)

Exeter City right back Pierce Sweeney starred for the Grecians with a brace in their 5-1 hammering of Notts County. Struggling Notts County were no match for Exeter who bounced back following two defeats and now find themselves third in League Two.

Sweeney's goal scoring exploits from right back should see him receive a boost to 65 OVR. His basic 58 card is available for 200 coins on both PS4 and Xbox One. 

Steve Birnbaum (OVR 70 - IF 76)

Steve Birnbaum was an unexpected scorer in DC United's draw with high flying New York City FC. An assist from Wayne Rooney allowed Birnbaum to register his second goal of the regular season and aid DC's late push for a playoff spot come the end of October.

Birnbaum's opening goal against NYCFC should be enough to see him rewarded with an in-form rating of 76. His basic 70 card is available for 450 coins on PS4 and 1,500 coins on Xbox One.

Curtis Tilt (OVR 51 - IF 60)

Central defender Curtis Tilt scored a last-minute winner in Blackpool's thrilling 3-2 win over Bradford this week. Despite conceding the penalty for Bradford's opening goal, Tilt was on hand to stab home the winner and round off a remarkable late comeback from the Tangerines who are now unbeaten in five games.

Tilt should see his 51 OVR increase to 60, with his base card available for 200 coins on PS4 and Xbox One.

Will Aimson (OVR 60 - IF 66)

Central defender Will Aimson capped off a solid performance with a goal as Bury cruised to victory over Grimsby. The 24-year-old helped Bury to a clean sheet as part of a back three and grabbed a goal of his own as the Shakers disposed of struggling Grimsby at Gigg Lane.

Aimson's performance at the weekend should see him receive an in form 66 rating, with his basic 60 OVR available for 200 coins on PS4 and Xbox One.

Sebastian Blanco (OVR 75 - IF 82)

Argentine Sebastian Blanco starred for Portland Timbers as they saw off Colorado Rapids 2-0 in an all Western Conference affair. The tricky winger created both goals for the Timbers as they look set to claim a playoff spot. The front three look to be in fine form, with Blanco assisting the other two forwards as they all contributed to the win.

The 30-year-old can expect an 82 rated in form, with his basic 75 OVR available for 450 coins on both PS4 and Xbox One.

Oliver Rathbone (OVR 59 - IF 66)

21-year-old midfielder Oliver Rathbone bagged a brace for Rochdale as they came from behind to salvage a draw away at Scunthorpe. Both teams would have been desperate for a win having endured difficult starts to the season but Rathbone's strikes ensured the spoils were shared this week.

Rathbone should see a boost from 59 to a 66 in-form rating, whilst his base card is available for 200 coins on PS4 and Xbox One.

Danny Mayor (OVR 67 - IF 73)

Bury winger Danny Mayor was the standout performer at Gigg Lane on Saturday, finishing with two well-taken goals as Bury made it two wins in a row. Mayor caused Grimsby problems throughout from a more central position until he was replaced by Neil Danns in the closing minutes.

Mayor's excellent performance as the most advanced in a midfield three should see his position change to CAM and an in form boost to 73. His basic LM 67 card is available for 250 coins on PS4 and 400 on Xbox One.

David Villa (OVR 82 - SIF 85)

New York City FC are enduring a rough patch and are without a win in five matches, however veteran striker David Villa rescued them from what would have been a third consecutive defeat with his 86th minute equaliser against DC United. Former Barcelona forward Villa has 11 goals in the regular season and will hope his sides form improves as the playoffs approach.

Villa will see a second in form rated at 85, with his previous 84 card available for around 30,000 coins on both consoles and his basic 82 card available for 750 coins on PS4 and 1,100 coins on Xbox One.

Brett Pitman (OVR 69 - SIF 79)

Veteran Portsmouth striker Brett Pitman came off the bench to salvage a draw as high flying Pompey had to settle for a point against struggling Shrewsbury. The Shrews remain winless following Pitman's rescue act as he stayed calm to convert a penalty late on and register his first goal of the season.

Pitman's second in form of the season should see him rated at 79, whilst his base card is available for 200 coins on PS4 and 250 coins on Xbox One whilst his previous 77 rated TOTW card is available for around 44,000 coins on both consoles.

Matt Godden (OVR 63 - IF 68)

Matt Godden's brace looked to have been in vain as Southend clawed their way back to 2-2, however Ivan Toney's 87th minute winner ensured Godden's excellent display did not go to waste. Peterborough are enjoying their best start to a season and have Godden to thank this week as he added to his four goals so far.

Godden's fine form should see an in form rating of 68, whilst his base card is available for 200 coins on both PS4 and Xbox One.