FC 26 Showdown SBCs Guide: How to Complete Timber
EA FC 26 continues to make Ultimate Team exciting with the return of SHOWDOWN SBCs, one of the most engaging live-content mechanics in the game. Unlike standard Squad Building Challenges, Showdown cards evolve based on real-world match results, creating both investment value and gameplay excitement.

This week's Showdown features Jurrien Timber and Omar Marmoush, two highly usable cards with the potential for a +2 overall upgrade depending on the outcome of next Sunday's match. With relatively accessible SBC requirements and strong base stats already, these challenges are widely considered must-complete content for competitive Ultimate Team players.
This guide explains how Showdown SBCs work, whether these cards are worth completing, how to finish the SBCs efficiently, and how to use both players effectively in gameplay.
What Are SHOWDOWN SBCs in FC26
SHOWDOWN SBCs are live-dynamic player items tied directly to a real football fixture.
Core Rules
Two players represent opposing teams.
Each player receives a special boosted card.
The winning team's player receives +2 overall upgrades.
A draw usually results in smaller boosts for both cards.
This system transforms SBCs into strategic decisions rather than simple upgrades.
Why players love Showdowns:
Real-world excitement impacts Ultimate Team.
Cards often outperform their rating after upgrades.
Excellent long-term squad investments.
Overview of the Featured Players
Omar Marmoush - 90 ST (Manchester City)
Marmoush arrives as a rapid striker option designed for aggressive attacking play.
Key Stats (Base Version):
95 Pace
91 Shooting
92 Dribbling
Strong attacking positioning
If upgraded, he projects into elite-tier striker territory comparable to premium promo cards.
Playstyle Strengths
Explosive acceleration
Agile dribbling inside the box
Excellent counterattack potential
He fits perfectly into high-tempo meta formations.
Jurrien Timber - 90 RB
Timber offers one of the most balanced defensive fullbacks currently available via SBC.
Key Stats (Base Version):
89 Pace
88 Defending
90 Physical
Strong passing for build-up play
A +2 boost would likely make him one of the best defensive right-backs in the game.
Playstyle Strengths
Defensive awareness
Physical duels
Overlapping support runs
Ideal for players who want defensive reliability without sacrificing mobility.
SBC Requirements Breakdown
Understanding the cost structure helps you decide whether to craft or buy fodder.
Timber SBC (Approx. 90K Value)
Required squads:
84-rated squad ×11 players
86-rated squad ×7 players
87-rated squad ×8 players
88-rated squad ×6 players
87-rated TOTW ×1
Difficulty Level: Medium
Timber's SBC is slightly cheaper and easier due to fewer Team of the Week requirements.
Best Strategy
Use saved high-rated duplicates.
Complete lower-rated squads first.
Insert TOTW player into highest-rated squad for chemistry flexibility.
Marmoush SBC (Approx. 97K Value)
Required squads:
84-rated squad ×11 players
86-rated squad ×7 players
87-rated squad ×7 players
88-rated squad ×6 players
87-rated TOTW ×2
Difficulty Level: Medium-High
The additional TOTW requirement slightly increases cost but reflects Marmoush's attacking value.
Cost Efficiency Tip
Buy TOTW cards during market dips (rewards hours) to save FC26 coins.
Which SBC Should You Complete
Choose Timber If You:
Need a defensive upgrade immediately
Play Weekend League regularly
Prefer stability over risk
Run Premier League or Dutch links
Fullbacks remain relevant longer in the power curve, making Timber a safe investment.
Choose Marmoush If You:
Want a meta striker
Play fast counterattacking football
Need a strong finisher for Champions matches
Enjoy agile attackers
Attackers benefit more dramatically from Showdown upgrades, meaning Marmoush has higher upside.
Gameplay Guide: Using Timber Effectively
Defensive Positioning
Timber excels when used as a stay-back fullback:
Set instructions to Stay Back While Attacking.
Use manual jockeying instead of aggressive tackling.
Let his pace recover against wingers.
Build-Up Contribution
Despite defensive strengths, Timber's passing allows:
Quick outlet passes
Controlled possession transitions
Safe overlaps when needed
He fits perfectly into possession-based tactics.
Gameplay Guide: Using Marmoush Effectively
Best Formations
Marmoush thrives in:
4-2-3-1
4-3-2-1
4-4-2 (second striker role)
Attacking Instructions
Set:
Get In Behind
Stay Central
Balanced Width
His acceleration creates separation against slower center-backs.
Scoring Tips
Use driven shots inside the box.
Exploit diagonal runs.
Combine quick one-twos near penalty areas.
He performs best when constantly moving rather than holding possession.
Chemistry Style Recommendations
Timber
Best chemistry styles:
Shadow - Maximum defensive meta boost
Anchor - Physical dominance option
Shadow turns him into an elite shutdown defender.
Marmoush
Best chemistry styles:
Hunter - Maximizes pace and finishing
Hawk - Adds physical presence
Hunter is ideal for competitive gameplay.
Investment Value: Why These SBCs Are "Must Do"
SHOWDOWN SBCs historically outperform expectations because upgrades dramatically change usability.
Reasons These SBCs Stand Out
Low Entry Cost
Both cards sit under 100K value.
Live Upgrade Potential
+2 overall can transform them into top-tier players.
Premier League Links
Easy chemistry integration.
Meta Stat Distribution
High pace remains dominant in FC26 gameplay.
Even without upgrades, both cards remain competitive.
Smart Completion Strategy
Follow this order to minimize cost:
Complete 84-rated squads using untradeables.
Insert duplicate high-rated cards immediately.
Buy fodder during Squad Battle or Rivals rewards.
Finish TOTW requirements last.
Avoid panic-buying - fodder prices fluctuate heavily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Completing Too Late
Prices often rise as match day approaches.
Ignoring Squad Fit
Do not complete both cards unless they fit your team or rotation plans.
Overspending on Chemistry
Use loyalty and manager bonuses instead of expensive links.
Should You Complete Both?
For many players, the answer is yes - if fodder allows.
Why completing both works:
Guaranteed upgrade winner.
One card always gains value.
Useful squad rotation options.
It effectively hedges your investment against match uncertainty.
Final Verdict: Are the FC26 SHOWDOWN SBCs Worth It
The Timber and Marmoush SHOWDOWN SBCs represent exactly what makes Ultimate Team engaging: live football stakes combined with meaningful gameplay rewards.
Timber offers defensive consistency and long-term usability.
Marmoush delivers explosive attacking potential with massive upgrade upside.
With reasonable completion costs, strong base stats, and the possibility of becoming elite-tier cards after Sunday's match, these SBCs rank among the most valuable challenges released so far in FC26.
Bottom Line
Competitive players: Complete at least one.
Traders and investors: Consider both.
Casual players: Excellent value upgrade options.
If your goal is to stay ahead of the power curve while enjoying real-world football drama, these SHOWDOWN SBCs are absolutely worth your attention - and possibly your fodder.
MMOexp FC 26 Team