There's no question that the competitive aspect of EA SPORTS' FIFA has been ramped up tenfold by the addition of FUT Champions, but despite what it would seem from the opponents you will face for the Weekend League, you don't have to spend a tonne to get a team to compete against the best.
When it comes to qualifying for the Weekend League, you should be qualifying with a relatively average squad, but once you get there, over 40 games you are going to have to have players that won't let you down.
If you are someone who doesn't play the game that much, but still fancy yourself as good enough to do well in FUT Champs, then you're going to need answers to the Vieiras, Gullits, Ronaldos, and Messis that stare you in the face ahead of every game.
We've compiled an XI that as of this stage in the game's lifespan will not cost you an arm and a leg. While they can't work miracles against the players you know you'll never afford, they will do a job if you play smart FIFA.
Formation: 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow)
This is flexible, if you would rather play with a 4-3-3 most of the players still work although you'll need to have to bring in wingers.
Starting XI:
GK: Jack Butland - ~3000 coins
Butland is, well, a freakshow in FIFA 17 and may very well be the best goalkeeper in the game. Over 40 games you may see one or two dodgy moments, but the vast majority of his goalkeeping will frustrate your opponents to no end.
RB: Antonio Valencia - ~3000 coins
Kyle Walker is the idea choice in the position for his pace, but Valencia offers more elsewhere and is a tank when things get physical.
CB: Eric Bailly - ~4000 coins
Bailly is a beast and will push even the strongest strikers off the ball. Good pace too, a very popular choice that you'll see countless times in Weekend League.
CB: Chris Smalling - ~6000 coins
For some reason EA Sports decided to make Chris Smalling the best centre-back in the game this year. Smalldini. He has no weaknesses. Buy him and use him, regardless of whether or not you dislike Man Utd, you're only selling yourself short otherwise.
LB: Gael Clichy - ~1500 coins
Clichy is cheap and well rounded, he won't let you down so you don't have to spend a year's worth of coins on in-form Marcos Alonso, who is easily the best option in a 'Dream Team'.
CDM: N'Golo Kante - ~7000 coins
Despite an 81 rating, Kante's abilities to destroy everything are well represented in FIFA 17. A must-have.
CM: Moussa Dembele - ~5000 coins
Dembele is a monster on the physical side of things and has really well rounded stats for when he pops up in the box. Can do it all in the middle of the park.
CM: Fernandinho - ~2000 coins
Man City's Brazilian midfielder is another one who can do a bit of everything, but you'll be surprised with how regularly he pops up with goals.
CAM: Christian Eriksen - ~6000 coins
Sensational passing, beautiful long-shots, and perfect set-pieces, if you can't shell out for Coutinho you want the Spurs man operating just off the strikers.
ST: Anthony Martial - ~6000 coins
You'll need two position change cards to take him from LM to LW and then to LF if you're going to play him as a striker and want decent chemistry, but he's worth it.
As a cover-star, Martial is a killer in the game this year and is another massively popular option.
ST: Romelu Lukaku - ~7000
A perfect partner with Martial, Lukaku is a nightmare in the air from set pieces and will win you a lot of ball from goal kicks too. He can also finish anything on his left, and will out muscle any defender that isn't Chris Smalling.
Total Price: ~40,000-50,000 coins.
Suggested Alternatives:
GK: Asmir Begovic - ~3000 coins
RB: Nathaniel Clyne - ~2000 coins
CB: Joel Matip - ~2500 coins
LB: Danny Rose - ~2000 coins
CDM: Cheikou Kouyate - ~1000 coins
CAM: Roberto Firmino - ~2500 coins
ST: Gabriel Jesus - ~1500 coins
[Prices via FUTBIN.com accurate as of April 2017 but can be subject to fluctuation]
