TRANSFER DEADLINE: Wednesday, 8 pm ET
- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 23: FC Dallas, New England Revolution
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: MON, NYR, TOR, ORL (Rd. 23); none (Rd. 24)
- Bonus Points: Looking at the hottest players for Round 23's Double Game Week
- MMCB: Record-breaking Saturday leads to high point totals in Round 22
What a wild Round 22!
I hope many of you were able to capitalize on the record-breaking goal total to put up some great fantasy scores. With any luck, this upcoming Double Game Week will provide similar opportunities for points. Unlike many of the past DGWs, I like the way this one looks and think it will be good to invest heavily. We all know most of the target players by now in Sebastian Giovinco, Kaká and Laurent Ciman, so I’m just going to stick with my favorites this week and include a few single game week players who could be worth a look.
Goalkeepers
On Form: As a rule, I don’t recommend swapping a ‘keeper unless you have no other choice, because the point returns are just not that great. If you must make a change in goal, consider Evan Bush (MTL $5.1). Over his last four games, Bush has earned two clean sheets, with both coming at home. This shutouts have sent Bush to the top of the form list and have given him some big bonus points.
Or Fixture: If you’re a person who values game opponents over current form, then go with Tally Hall (ORL $5.6). The Lions face a Toronto FC side who will be without Jozy Altidore on Wednesday and return home to face the floundering Philadelphia Union on the weekend. Hall has not had a clean sheet for a while, but he has a good shot at picking up at least one this round.
Defenders
DGW Options: The DGW teams offer several high scoring and value priced defenders this round. You’re likely familiar with most of them by now, but make sure you don’t forget about Orlando’s Corey Ashe ($6.1). The former Dynamo man was traded to OCSC last month, and racked up two assists last round. He’ll have more chances to rack up some attacking returns against Toronto and Philadelphia this week.
SGW Option: If you’re looking for the best shot at a clean sheet, then consider adding Jorge Villafaña (POR $6.3) to your team. This pick is more than just betting against Chicago going on the road at the stingy Timbers; during his past four games, Villafaña has earned two clean sheets and has helped Portland earn the title of second-best home defense.
Midfielders
Late Bloomer: It took a while for Sacha Kljestan (NY $9.5) to find his form at New York, but over the past five games, his four assists and two goals have turned him into quite the differential play at just 2 percent ownership. Sunday’s third New York derby match is sure to have goals on both sides, and Kljestan should have plenty more chance to tally some points against NYCFC at Red Bull Arena.
Maximum Impact: There is a lot going right for Montreal right now: a two game win streak, a pair of big new signings and Ignacio Piatti ($10.4) firing on all cylinders. Over his last six games Piatti has not scored fewer than five points. With Montreal boasting one of the top home offenses, I don’t see that trend ending this round.
SGW Punt: If you need a way to stretch your funds to make room for some big name players, then jump on board the Sebastian Lletget (LA $6.6) train. With four goals in his last six games, Lletget has proven that he’s a player who knows how to find the back of the net. He’ll likely have some more chances against reeling Seattle on Sunday.
Forwards
Younger Brother: If you’re ready to drop some serious cash on a DGW player this round, then take a look at Bradley Wright-Phillips (NY $11.3). He may not be on track for a repeat of last year’s 27-goal season, but with four goals and two assists over the past five games, he’s finding his goal scoring form just in time.
Speed Demon: If a differential pick is more what you are looking for, then Dominic Oduro (MTL $7.0) is the player for you. He’s had limited success this season, but has scored three goals in his last four games. With Didier Drogba waiting in the wings, his play time may drop, but he should be good to go for this DGW.
Rookie of the Year: Over the past two rounds, Cyle Larin (ORL $6.2) has shocked many fantasy owners and shot up the list of top goalscorers. This DGW will provide him with more opportunities, especially against Philly, who have the worst away defense in the league. Not just a worthy pickup, Larin could be a solid captain pick, too.
Do you have any other players you like for Round 23? Share your picks in the comments below and don’t forget to stop by MLS Fantasy Boss for all of our latest charts, articles, and live chats. Good Luck.
