Football and gaming fans just received their biggest insight yet into the new and improved features of EA Sports FC 27. The developers’ Gameplay Deep Dive and accompanying Gameplay Pitch Notes covered the changes in every area of the pitch, with emphasis on giving autonomy back to the gamers.
The EA gaming community has criticised the overreliance on AI assistance in recent editions and EA have listened to the fans with their latest installment. The result is greater control across every mode within the game.
EA Sports have been building anticipation for the game with a steady stream of key information, as well as cover star Kylian Mbappé. But the deep dive into the new gameplay features is the biggest indicator as to what EA Sports FC 27 will look like.
Here’s a closer look at the biggest changes this year ahead of the game’s imminent release.
Manual Defending Gets the Biggest Makeover
EA Sports
Starting from the back and working their way forward, EA Sports FC 27 has taken a lot of power away from the AI defenders. Rather than mindlessly chasing the ball, they will instead wait for the gamer to take control and decide how they want to approach the attacker.
Positively, there are still scenarios where the AI defender will try to win the ball, for example, if an attacker runs into them. The developers have also reduced the interception range of AI defenders. This has helped to hand the defensive decision-making back to the gamer.
Improvements to Teammate Contain and jockeying speed are the biggest changes to Manual Defending and will help AI teammates to spot attacking danger earlier in the sequence of play.
Corner Kicks and Crossing Overhauled
EA Sports
The offensive side of EA Sports FC has also improved considerably, with the changes reflecting the chaos of modern set pieces.
After choosing where to deliver the corner, the camera now shifts to the penalty box, allowing the gamer to control the actions of attacking players. This allows greater control over runs, shielding, and switching.
The new Avoidance mechanic helps with this, allowing for smoother movement through crowded areas. Players contesting for the ball during corner kicks will also no longer automatically move into the best position to connect with the ball, providing a greater command over set piece strategy.
The changes to crossing also provide more freedom for the user. Rather than targeting a specific player with a cross, there is now more emphasis on delivering into space and dangerous areas. This has been introduced alongside greater precision for headers from corners and free kicks.
Passing and Through Balls Become More Manual
EA Sports
The emphasis on greater user control continues with the tweaks to passing. Through balls, ground passes, and lobbed passes now require more directional input from the gamer. This not only benefits attacking gameplay, but complements the defensive overhaul too.
Gamers are rewarded for the accurate aiming of passes, whilst giving defensive players the chance to intercept passes if they read the play correctly.
Unlike crossing, through passes are no longer geared towards hitting open spaces. The emphasis is on the skill of the gamer, all the while maintaining the vast range of creative passing options available to them.
More Intelligent Attacking AI
EA Sports
One of the most exciting updates is to the attacking AI’s improved off-the-ball movement. EA have introduced a new system, Attacking Spatial Awareness, that helps AI attackers to make smarter runs that avoid defenders.
Interestingly, the type of run made by the attacker is affected by the context of the attack. The developers have introduced new curved runs triggered by the gamer that also works in tandem with an improved awareness of the offside trap.
The updated spatial awareness system also helps AI attackers to identify open passing lanes to run into. And rather than running continuously into these spaces, AI attackers will stop after a certain distance before returning to their position, helping to maintain formational shape.
Much like the game’s exciting new social hub, AI attackers are being given more freedom to roam.
Major Boosts to Dribbling, PlayStyles, and Attributes
EA Sports
EA’s new Off-Balance Dribbling helps the game’s very best dribblers to shine during physical duels with defenders. Dribblers with the required balance, dribbling, and agility attributes will hold onto possession when under pressure from defenders. If a defender engages the skilled dribbler with shoulder charges or any form of contact, the dribbler will be more likely to stay in control of the ball and ride the challenge.
The most popular PlayStyles, such as the Finesse Shot and the Incisive Pass, have been adjusted to reduce the gap between these unique traits and core player attributes. This has resulted in player ratings that are more accurate and meaningful, regardless of whether they have a PlayStyle applied or not.
Chelsea have been punished following an investigation into 74 alleged breaches of the English Football Association’s regulations.
The Stamford Bridge outfit were initially charged in September after being accused of breaking rules regarding agent regulations, regulations on working with intermediaries, and third-party investment in players.
Those breaches are reported to have taken place between 2009 and 2022, while Roman Abramovich was still in control of the west London club.
FA Announce Chelsea’s Punishment
REUTERS/Hollie Adams via Action Images
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been handed a £10 million fine and a two-window transfer ban, which has been suspended until 30 June 2027.
They were also given a six-point deduction, but that has since been withdrawn after appeal. A statement from the English FA confirmed:
“Chelsea FC admitted to the 74 breaches of FA Rule E1.2 prior to a hearing and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed a six-point deduction, which was to be suspended until 30 June 2027, and a £10 million fine.
“The club appealed against the suspended points deduction and an independent Appeal Board allowed the appeal and set aside this sanction following a further hearing. In its place, the Appeal Board imposed a registration ban for two complete and consecutive transfer windows which is suspended until 30 June 2027.”
Celtic and Rangers are reportedly embroiled in a transfer battle to sign Fares Ghedjemis and could both make bids for the Algerian winger.
The Scottish Premiership giants often wage war on the pitch, but they are both chasing the attacking gem from Serie B outfit Frosinone. A report from Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph claims the two clubs are considering a move for the 23-year-old.
Celtic and Rangers are both looking to strengthen their squads ahead of a new Scottish Premiership campaign. They have been busy making additions to their squads but could now be rivalling one another for a new winger.
Celtic and Rangers Weigh Up Ghedjemis Bid
via Reuters
Joseph claims that the Scottish sides aren’t the only clubs interested in the Algeria international. There is also interest shown from England, Italy and the USA and that could prove problematic for the Bhoys and the Gers.
Ollie Watkins Calls Arne Slot’s Liverpool ‘Disjointed’ After Aston Villa Win
According to a top Tottenham insider on X, one of the forwards on Tottenham’s list this summer is Aston Villa sensation Ollie Watkins.
Watkins, who has been described as ‘elite’, has enjoyed a brilliant six years at Villa Park, netting 108 goals in 278 appearances for the club, making him the all-time top scorer for Villa in Premier League history.
Unai Emery is a huge fan of the England international, but the Midlands club are dealing with financial problems and after already losing Lucas Digne, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers this summer, they are also open to moving on Watkins for the right price due to his contract situation.
Tottenham are understood to be looking for a new striker in the market, with Richarlison’s future up in the air as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
It’s unclear how much a deal would cost, or how much the north London club would be willing to pay, but he is a name on their shortlist as they look to bolster their squad for the coming season.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Watkins a Short-Term Solution
Ollie Watkins scored against Liverpool
Tottenham are looking to build a team that is ready to compete quickly, and bringing in 30-year-old Watkins would undoubtedly help them to achieve that.
But considering the top target was Eli Junior Kroupi, it would be a big change in profile, which may raise some question marks. But with Kroupi’s foot injury ruling him out of contention for a move until 2027 at least, it’s possible that Spurs are looking at Watkins as a short-term option, before trying to bring in Kroupi in the future.
Ultimately, Watkins would be an improvement on the current striker options and would help them solve their issues, so it’s one to keep an eye on.
