The nights are drawing in and the winter months are upon us, meaning there's more time for watching football than ever before. However, when there aren't any matches to watch, what can fans do to get their fix? Football games are the answer, and there are some great titles to pick from this winter.

EA Sports FC 27

The heavyweight of the genre remains EA Sports FC, and the latest release in the series, EA Sports FC 27, is already here. Career Mode, one of the most popular modes in the game, has been overhauled this time around, with the transfer market more realistic than ever. EA have also added The Grounds, which gives the game a better social element and an experience that can be shared with friends. As always, Ultimate Team remains the pick of the modes, with more new promotions and special player cards available than ever before.

Football Star Deluxe

If you fancy playing something with a bit more pace, Football Star Deluxe is a stadium-themed slot game that ticks a lot of boxes. Its reels sit against a backdrop of a floodlit pitch with symbols such as shirts, boots and referees setting the scene. The game uses a 5x5 grid rather than a three-row layout, which helps give it a distinctive look. Fans of match-day football will recognise the atmosphere it aims to capture. Several bonus features keep the action moving, and plenty would argue that this is the best slot game online for a football fan.

Football Manager 27

For those who prefer to be in the dugout making decisions rather than on the pitch playing, Football Manager 27, the latest release in the hit series, is for you. Football Manager 26 saw the game move to a new match engine, but there were teething problems. However, all those kinks have been ironed out in FM27, with players already impressed with what they're seeing. Football Manager continues to be a game where you can create your own story, whether that's leading the club you support to glory or guiding a club up the leagues to reach the very top of the sport.

Football: Champions Cup

Back to the reels, and the next game up is Football: Champions Cup, a slot from leading developers NetEnt, which turns a slot session into something that feels like a tournament. The five-reel, 20-payline game features overlay wilds and a penalty shootout bonus, while its free spins feature follows a knockout format that builds towards a final. Football and trophy symbols act as the game's wilds, helping to complete winning combinations. The title has been a fixture of football slot line-ups for several years, and its familiar structure makes it a great starting point.

Rematch

If you'd rather play along with friends, Rematch is the ideal pick. It's Sloclap's arcade take on the sport, built around fast three-a-side and five-a-side online matches. You control a single player from a third-person view, so passing and positioning matter more than individual glory. There are no fouls or offside rules, which means games are quick and high-scoring, and cosmetics and seasonal content give players a reason to return.

Conclusion

If you're a football fan, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to games. You can play as a team in EA Sports FC 27, manage a club in FM27, win prizes from football-themed slots, and play as part of a team in Rematch. Playing football on your terms this winter has never been easier.