PLAYSTATION Football Manager 24 – PS5

So you reckon you can outwit Pep? FM24 brings more fluid positional play and adds roles like inverted full back to the game, so you can think outside the box to secure the 3 points. To keep up with the tactical innovations, the match engine gets a fresh lick of paint too. It doesn’t just look way better – it also adds Motion Matching, a new ball physics system and dynamic weather. Now you’ll see players take the ball on the half-turn, and torrential rain can make the ball slip and slide. So keep an eye on the forecast. Even if you can’t outpass City, sometimes all it takes is a well-worked corner. The new Set Piece Creator and specialist Set Piece Coaches let you build routines that’ll flummox the opposition.

Good to know

– Took Crawley to the Prem last year? Pick up where you left off and continue your FM23 save in FM24 with all the latest features
– You can finally dip your toes into Japanese football with every team and player from J-Leagues 1, 2 and 3
– Rival directors are way smarter – they can now recognise tactical imbalances in their squads and recruit accordingly
– Opposition managers will pick their starting XI based on form, reputation and even look to develop young talent
– There’s an overhauled financial system, which means you’ve got all the latest financial fair play regulations to consider
– If you’re a stickler for realism, real-world mode actions transfers on their future dates whereas original has them done and dusted from the off
– Negative transfer budgets mean you might get more money in January for that Champions League push
– Light a fire under your players with new man-management interactions and motivational targets