TRANSFER DEADLINE: Tuesday, 8:30 PM ET
“Double game week, you have burned me for the last time.”
That’s what I’m hearing from most managers after Round 9, and I can’t say I blame them. It was one of the poorest showings from DGW players that I’ve seen for quite some time.
- Bonus Points: Why going your own way pays off in MLS Fantasy
Still, I don’t believe this trend will continue as we have several more promising DGWs coming up, but Round 10 is not one of them. Most of the DGW teams this week are playing two away games, face off against tough opponents, see their key players injured or are suffering from poor form.
Translation? This is an ideal round to start shedding those underperforming DGW players or even use your wildcard to help prepare for Rounds 13 and 14. Here are my picks for the best players to help lead you to the land of green arrows in Round 10.
Goalkeepers
Plan Ahead
: If you want a break from DGW ‘keepers, then consider adding
Bill Hamid
(DC $6.5) to your team. DC has been hot lately and Hamid has earned four clean sheets in six games. Pick him up now and take advantage of his three upcoming DGWs.
SGW Pick: After a rough start and some defensive retooling, New England’s Bobby Shuttleworth ($5.6) has been able to earn three clean sheets in his last five games. He goes up against a struggling Orlando City side this week so his chances of getting another shutout are good.
Defenders
Replacement: An injury suffered by Zach Loyd last week has forced FC Dallas to once again turn to Walker Zimmerman ($5.4) at center back. His CBI numbers have been a little low, but Dallas’ form and his $5.4m price make him a very appealing choice.
Best Bargain
: If you are looking for the most bang for your buck, then you have to go with
Axel Sjoberg
(COL $4.7). An early season injury prevented him from getting more playing time, but he seems to have secured a starting spot over the past three games. If this remains true, can you really pass on a $4.7m starter?
DGW Pick: While many managers have become hesitant to bring in too many DGW players, Omar Gonzalez (LA $9.5) in one I think is worth the risk this round. He is a bit expensive, but his CBI numbers are excellent, he’s a frequent target on corner and free kicks, and has a good chance to play 180 minutes.
Midfielders
Size Matters Not: He may be one of the shortest players in MLS, but that has not stopped Sebastian Giovinco (TOR $11.6) from becoming one of the highest-scoring players this season. He’s earned a goal or an assist in each of his last four games, yet is owned by fewer than eight percent of fantasy managers. Can you say elite differential pick? Bad news for the struggling Houston defense means good news for owners.
DGW Pick
: Most DGW players aren’t worth the transfer without 180-minute potential, but
Stefan Ishizaki
(LA $8.0) is one of the rare exceptions. Even when not starting, his attacking ability allowed him to earn consistent points over the past three weeks. I expect 10-plus points this round.
Total Attack: If you’re looking for a midfielder with the most attacking potential, then stop when you get to Fabian Castillo (DAL $10.2), who’s scored three goals and added three assists is his last three. Dallas does not have a DGW any time soon, but recent form and a promising schedule should give Castillo plenty of opportunities for more.
Forwards
Rivalry: The New York Red Bulls didn’t produce as many points last week as many owners had hoped, but don’t rush to drop all of their players from your team. They host NYCFC this week and we’ve clearly seen that the new boy’s defense is not solid. If the Red Bulls roll out their full “A” team this round, Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.1) has a great shot at a goal.
Differential:
Fabian Espindola
(DC $10.2) has only been back for two games, but you can already see the effect he has on D.C.’s form. He’s a hard-working forward who also scores goals and provides his teammates with service. That’s exactly what you should be looking for in a fantasy forward. Consider snagging Espindola now before the DGWs cause his price to jump.
DGW: There aren’t many DGW forwards that stand out this round, but if you like to gamble, then consider Chris Wondolowski (SJ $10.8). I don’t usually count on goals over multiple away games, but Wondo’s goal scoring tends to come in spurts, so a DGW could get you at least one goal from the San Jose striker.
Are you planning on investing heavily in this double game week? Who are your targets? Share your thoughts in the comments below or stop by MLS Fantasy Boss to chat with other managers and check out the other fantasy resources and tips before you finalize your trades. Good Luck!
