I really don't understand why FIFA is so popular, but alot of what I have heard is that it is becuase Pro Evo doesn't have all the teams/players/stadiums.
But in the end who really cares?
Surely gameplay wins overall.
I admit I am a Pro Evo player from way back. Pro Evo 4 and 5 were in my opinion the best. Then they lost track for a few years, but last years version was very good gameplay wise. I have played FIFA through the years as every other man and his dog has it. However,
gameplay wise it still doesn't feel right. Maybe I'm biased but at least I've tried playing both, whereas the majority of FIFA players write off Pro Evo because of the reasons mentioned without even playing it. Anyway options files fix most of these things easily.
I only ever play any of these games against my housemates. Playing against the AI is pointless, and playing online is the same as everyone simply picks the better teams. It makes it increasingly boring. When I play against my housemates, we have a rule - you have three chances to pick a random team by holding the square button down. Then you pick the best out of your three options. Keeps it interesting and means you have games where people don't just rely on a star studded line up to win, that is, unless you happen to be lucky and pick City.