TRANSFER DEADLINE: Wednesday, 8:30 pm ET
- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 20: None
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: CHI, CLB (Rd. 20), None (Rd. 21)
- Fantasy Doctor: How to fix a broken MLS Fantasy team in Week 20
- Bonus Points: Which players have stepped up in Fantasy in recent weeks?
- MMCB: Giovinco, Villa steal the show in Week 19; looking ahead to Week 20
It’s been a while since we’ve had to consider a double game week when making our transfer choices, but don’t let this one distract you from all of the promising single game week matchups in Round 20 (Columbus vs. Chicago being the exception). Many of the top players are finally coming into form, and some are even seeing success while on the road. With that in mind, here’s my list of players who I think will do well this week.
Goalkeepers
DGW Option: If you want to bring in a DGW 'keeper this round, then Steve Clark (CLB, $5.6m) is your best option. He’s the safest from being rotated, his team is on better overall form, and Chicago have only managed to score two goals in their last four games.
Clean Sheet Magnet:Tim Melia ($5.0m) may have started the season as SKC’s backup 'keeper, but since his debut in Round 9 the spot has been his and the clean sheets just keep on coming. Over the past six weeks, Melia has racked up five shutouts and this week’s home game against Montreal could easily see him increase that number to six.
Defenders
DGW Option: Columbus may be more known for their offensive players, but don’t overlook Emanuel Pogatetz ($6.4m) this week if you’re in need of a new inexpensive defender. He’s the cheapest of the top 10 clearances, blocks, and interceptions producing defenders and when Crew SC play well, his CBI and Bonus Point numbers soar, and that’s sure to happen against Chicago this round.
Away Differential: If you believe that New York City FC can continue their road success against New England this week, then consider adding Shay Facey ($6.3m) to your team. He’s easily able to earn two bonus points per game through his CBIs and NYC’s schedule is one of the easiest for the next three rounds.
Full Package: After a slow start to the season, Kevin Ellis (SKC, $6.5m) has become one of the hottest defenders in MLS Fantasy. Over the past five rounds, he’s scored two goals, provided an assist, earned four clean sheets, and is cheap. If you need a new defender, Ellis really makes the decision easy.
Midfielders
Must Have: Last round did not end in Ethan Finlay’s (CLB, $8.8m) favor, but this round should be different. Chicago are nowhere near as strong at home as Montreal and Crew SC have been tough to beat in Columbus over their last six games. The stage is set for Finlay to have a great round and remind us of his All-Star quality.
Prime Value: If you are looking for a way to keep your midfield strong while moving money into your frontline, then Sebastian Lletget (LA, $6.5m) is the player you want. He’s only been seeing consistent playing time for the past five rounds, but in that time he’s scored four goals. There’s simply no other player in the bargain price range with a better return on investment.
Sleeper Pick: If you need to make up some points, then finding a player that most of the top managers have overlooked is the fastest way to do that. At just 2.6% ownership, Mauro Diaz (DAL, $9.9m) could be that player. Dallas have gone unbeaten in their last for games and during this time Diaz earned two goals and two assists. Their game against D.C. will be tough this round, but Diaz will be a key to any victory.
Forwards
Broken Record: Last week, I suggested adding Kei Kamara (CLB, $9.4m) and David Villa (NYC, $11.4m) to your team. This week, that advice still stands. Kamara’s DGW against Chicago will provide the league’s top scorer with plenty of opportunities to make up for the disappointing performance against Montreal and it’s hard to imagine that Villa’s scoring form will leave him as NYC take on a struggling New England.
Classic Go-To: Over the past several weeks LA have kicked it up a notch and Robbie Keane ($11.4m) has been a key to this success with four goals and three assists in his last three games. If you missed out on this sudden turn of fortune, then now is the time to jump on the Keane train so you can take advantage of LA’s promising schedule leading up to Round 24.
These are my picks for Round 20. Do you have anyone to add or are you going to roll the dice on Chicago? Post your thoughts below or stop by MLS Fantasy Boss to check out my other charts and resources and discuss your picks with other managers.
