Here are a few tips to help you select your squad for Round 32 of Fantasy Soccer: Manager before Wednesday night’s action begins. The Seattle Sounders are the only club to play twice this round. No team has a bye.
Field Player to Buy: Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders, $11.3 million)
Manager Sigi Schmid won’t start forward Eddie Johnson vs. RSL on Wednesday night on account of his USMNT exertions, so Montero will be the main target up top. Among forwards, Montero is currently seventh in total points (135), tied for seventh in goals (13), seventh in crosses (15), tied for ninth in key passes (31), tied for second in big chances created (5) and 13th in points per game (4.5). As you can see, he’s a versatile player earning fantasy points in various categories. In Round 32, Montero and the Sounders will host Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field. Given all that, I don’t see a better choice to pick up this week.
Field Player to Sell: Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union, $7.0 million)
“Jack Mac” has been stellar lately for the Union, currently on a three-game scoring streak. However, in this round, he and Philadelphia will be traveling to Houston to take on a Dynamo team that has allowed just 11 home goals (a 0.69 goals-against average, good for second-best in the league) and has allowed just one goal in their last three games (0.33 GAA). Plus, the Union are tied for a second-worst-in-MLS 13 away goals (0.87 GF/g). All streaks must come to an end.
Goalkeeper to Buy: Bill Hamid (D.C. United, $6.5 million)
Hamid has only allowed one goal in his last four games. This round, he and United host a Columbus team that has scored just 14 away goals (that’s 0.88 goals per game). Due to sharing time in the net with Joe Willis earlier this year, Hamid is not very high in goalkeeper categories such as total saves, recoveries, clearances, etc. However, he is first among all players in “Value Form” (1.4 VF). Amongst goalkeepers, Hamid is first in “form” (7.5 F) and third in points per game (5.3 ppg). He is also first in save percentage (78%) among goalkeepers who’ve played at least half of his club’s games. Don’t be surprised if Hamid gets his ninth shutout of the season this round.
Goalkeeper to Sell: Donovan Ricketts (Portland Timbers, $5.2 million)
Among goalkeepers, Ricketts ranks near the bottom of the league in shutouts (4) and in points per game (3.4 ppg). In Round 32, he and Timbers travel to BC Place to take on the Whitecaps, who’ve scored six goals in their last three home games, including a 4-0 win over Chivas USA last round. Furthermore, Ricketts and the Timbers backline have allowed the most away goals this season (35, 2.19 per game on average) and the second-most goals in the league overall (55, 1.72). Need any more reasons to sell Ricketts this round? I didn’t think so.
Surprise Player This Round: Andrew Wiedeman (Toronto FC, $6.8 million)
With offensive targets Ryan Johnson (suspension), Eric Hassli (ankle sprain), and Danny Koevermans (season-ending ACL tear) all out, midfielder Luis Silva can’t be the only TFC player to step up for the Reds. Wiedeman has scored only one goal this season and tallied 27 fantasy points. I say this round, he’ll get his chance starting up top and take advantage of it against an Impact team that has allowed the third-most away goals in the league (31, good for a 1.94 per-game average).
Surprise Player Last Round: Sherjill MacDonald (Chicago Fire, $7.0 million)
MacDonald scored two goals in his first 11 games with the Fire. However, last round, he stepped up for Chicago, tallying two goals against the New York Red Bulls. In addition to his brace, he played in all of Chicago’s 180 minutes and registered an attacking and defending bonus for a grand total of 16 fantasy points.
Jimmy Bowers is a former MLS Fantasy champion.
