As the dust settles on Chelsea’s turbulent season, attention is already shifting to what EA FC 26 might bring for the Blues’ squad in Ultimate Team. The old guard’s influence has clearly waned, and the focus is now on a younger core. Among them, Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are widely tipped to lead the way in ratings. For anyone planning a Chelsea-themed squad right from launch, making sure you’ve got enough FC 26 Coins could be the difference between securing these stars early or watching their prices skyrocket on the market.

Palmer’s rise has been almost surreal. Starting last year with a humble silver card, he’s turned into Chelsea’s go-to match winner—often dragging the team over the line with decisive goals and assists. Watching him this season, you could feel the shift; he wasn’t just another promising youngster, he was the one dictating games. That kind of leap usually earns a serious in-game upgrade, and it’s hard to imagine EA holding back. An overall in the high 80s seems more than fair, especially with boosts to his finishing, dribbling, and vision. If you’ve played enough Ultimate Team, you know cards like that become instant meta picks.

Caicedo’s case is different but just as compelling. His early months after the record transfer fee were shaky—there were moments where you wondered if the pressure was too much. But as the season wore on, he settled into that deep midfield role with authority. His defensive positioning, relentless pressing, and knack for breaking up play aren’t flashy, yet they’re exactly the traits EA tends to reward for CDMs. He’s not just a shield; his comfort on the ball improved noticeably, which could see his passing stats climb too. I’d expect him to sit in the mid-80s, with a card that feels tailor-made for players who value control in the middle of the park.

Comparing the two, Palmer will probably edge Caicedo in overall rating—maybe 87 or 88—while Caicedo lands around 85 or 86. But in gameplay terms, they’ll complement each other perfectly. Palmer’s card will scream creativity and goals, while Caicedo’s will be all about balance and defensive reliability. It’s the kind of pairing you could build an entire Ultimate Team structure around, especially if you’re going for a Premier League-heavy lineup.

Elsewhere in the squad, there’s still plenty to watch. Enzo Fernández should keep his high rating, thanks to his passing range and ability to dictate tempo from deep. Reece James is trickier—his talent is undeniable, but repeated injuries might make EA play it safe with his numbers. Malo Gusto’s emergence as a dependable right-back could earn him a healthy boost, and Nicolas Jackson’s improvement in front of goal might see him move into a more usable bracket for Ultimate Team players.

When FC 26 drops, Palmer’s versatility—likely covering CAM, RM, and RW—will make him a nightmare for opponents and a dream for squad builders. Caicedo, meanwhile, could easily become one of the most sought-after CDMs in the game, perfect for shoring up midfield battles. Both will command serious coins on day one, which is why many players will be tempted to buy fut 26 coins and lock them in before their prices spiral out of reach. For Chelsea fans, it’s shaping up to be an exciting year in Ultimate Team terms, even if the real-life rebuild is still a work in progress.