Who Does FM24 Think Is Going to Be Good in 25/26?

By William Reid

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This is the first (and probably last) time I’ve ever paid for a data update. But I’ve done it. I’ve sacrificed my hard-earned cash for the greater good of the community (it was only £5, so I’ll survive).

What was this premium database update?

It was by Sortitoutsi and is their ‘premium enhanced database.’ This is the one with fully updated current ability changes, so yes, Cole Palmer is now actually recognised as a world-class player in this database. It’s been so long since Football Manager 2024 launched that this update feels essential if you want an accurate reflection of each squad’s strength (at least until Football Manager 2026 arrives).

I paid for the database and loaded a new save file. The sheer time it took to load convinced me that loads of changes had been made.I then went digging through the season previews for all the English leagues to see which squads are looking strongest heading into the new season. So, let’s get into how each team is shaping up before kick-off.

 

Premier League

• There’s a lot to unpack here. Firstly, the game reckons Manchester City’s squad is in better shape than anyone else going into the season. This is before the very likely signing of Isak, so things could shift before a ball is kicked.
• The first big shock? Manchester United are apparently ranked above Chelsea in the season preview. Either Ruben Amorim is a terrible manager, Chelsea’s summer signings have been questionable, or both. Chelsea fans will understandably wonder how they’ve been left out of the top four. After that, the middle of the table is very tight, with a lot of clubs on similar odds.
• Who’s predicted to be in a relegation scrap? Naturally, the three promoted teams, especially given that all promoted sides have gone straight back down in the last two seasons. It also thinks it could be a tense season for Everton, and maybe even Fulham or Nottingham Forest. Oh, and after Grant Xhaka’s signing today, you’d expect Sunderland’s odds to shorten dramatically.

 

Championship

• The game is clear… Leicester have the strongest team. That may be true, but with their real-life points deduction, I wouldn’t be rushing to bet on them finishing top.
• The smart money? Probably Ipswich, who the database rates as having a stronger squad than Southampton. The one big surprise at the top is Middlesbrough. In real life, their squad is paper-thin and they’d happily take 5th place if you offered it right now.
• The dark horses to watch? Birmingham. Newly promoted, but expected to do an Ipswich and compete at the sharp end of the table. There’s barely anything separating the mid-table clubs, anyone from 12th to 19th could finish anywhere within that range.
• Who’s in trouble? Wrexham’s Hollywood fairytale might not have a happy ending this season. Sheffield Wednesday are also widely tipped for relegation in real life, and Football Manager agrees. Portsmouth and Charlton fans might not have much to cheer about either.

 

League One

• League One is straightforward… Luton are clear favourites for the title. No surprises there, given they were in the Premier League just a couple of seasons ago.
• At the top of the predicted table, there are no real curveballs. It’s the usual suspects, Blackpool, Huddersfield, Bolton, Plymouth, just as you’d expect.
• At the bottom, though, it looks like a tough fight for Northampton and newly promoted Wimbledon. The odds are a lot tighter in League One compared to the Premier League, which suggests this league is far more competitive. It wouldn’t be a shock to see a team finish way above or below their predicted spot.

 

League Two

• MK Dons and Chesterfield are the two favourites for the title, and it’s pretty much a coin flip as to which one comes out on top.
• Dark horses? Keep an eye on Bromley and Barnet, both were non-league not long ago but apparently have squads strong enough to compete at the top.
• For newly promoted Oldham, the jump might be more of a challenge. Accrington Stanley are tipped as the favourites for relegation, but they’re used to being the underdog, so don’t rule out a surprise survival at someone else’s expense.

 

Non-League

• I’ll be honest, I don’t know enough about non-league to comment. But hey, here are the predicted finishes if you’re interested!

 

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! A look at where Football Manager’s premium data update thinks everyone will finish. Any surprises? Any places where you think this paid-for database has completely lost the plot?

Let me know in the comments!

 

 

 

Last updated: 23/07

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