I think only quality of the players determines this. The best way to avoid this building an average team before the next season, keeping the strong key players and get rid of others (higher than 5*) and next season buying new ones. It still needs too many resources. But as Gizzmo has emphasized other scenario is worse since when you play against +1 and +2 or even +3 (in cup) their 3-4-5 star players are equal to your scouts, world classes or superstars.