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- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 24: CLB, MTL
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: None (Rd. 24), CLB, NYC, SJ, SKC (Rd. 22)
- MMCB: Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco delights Fantasy owners once again
Last week may not have been record breaking, but there were still some fantastic results that sent many managers – especially those who captained Sebastian Giovinco – skyrocketing up the standings. This round, there are several tough matches, with only a few contests boasting potential for huge fantasy returns. My favored strategy for Round 24? Play it safe and make your trades with an eye on the Double Game Weeks in Rounds 25 and 26.
Goalkeepers
Home Run: Over the next six weeks, there are few ‘keepers with a schedule that comes close to being a promising as David Bingham’s ($5.5). His San Jose Earthquakes have two DGWs and five home games in that span, with several good shutout chances on the docket for the fourth-highest scoring ‘keeper in the league.
Differential: Donovan Ricketts went from backup on a scuffling expansion side to starter on the most star-studded team in the league when he was traded from Orlando to LA, instantly upping his fantasy value in the process. He’s only owned by 3.8 percent of owners, making him a solid differential play for a Galaxy side that should be racking up the results – and clean sheets – down the stretch.
Defenders
Offensive Threat: I usually prefer my defenders to be CBI magnet center backs, but New York City FC outside back Angelino ($5.0) has recently caught my eye. Over his last three games, he’s earned two assists and with an upcoming DGW bookended between two home games, he could rack up a few more before NYCFC’s Round 27 bye.
Road Warrior: The other on form and affordable fullback who’s recently grabbed my attention is Orlando’s Luke Boden ($5.3). The Englishman has a goal, two assists, and a clean sheet over his last three games, but unlike NYCFC, the Lions have a future schedule full of away games. Don’t shy away too quickly though, Orlando have the third-most road goals in the league, and I like Boden’s chances to add to that tally.
DGW Prep: If you’re looking for an ideal defender to bring in before the Round 25 DGW, then grab Kevin Ellis (SKC $6.5). He’s a value center back who is quite capable of racking up serious CBI points. SKC is also one of the best home teams in the league right now. That could spell trouble for Vancouver, who are coming off a tough Amway Canadian Championship game at Montreal.
Midfielders
Assist Machine: Philadelphia may have hit a bit of a slump, but Cristian Maidana ($9.3) has found his stride. The Argentine midfielder has racked up six assists in his last six league games and looked dangerous on Wednesday night in the Union’s Open Cup win against Chicago. He’ll face the same – likely demoralized – Fire team on Sunday night, again going up against the Eastern Conference stragglers at PPL Park.
Star Differential: If you are looking for a star player with low ownership, then consider Pedro Morales (VAN $11.4). A rough run of form for the Whitecaps and an injury caused his ownership to plummet, but he’s tallied one goal in his last two games and should be set to start this weekend.
Forwards
Back in Action: If you want to load up on SKC players before their upcoming DGW, then I suggest nabbing Dom Dwyer ($10.5) as your forward. His numbers are comparable to Krisztian Nemeth’s, but the Englishman looked very good on Wednesday night in Open Cup action against RSL. Look for him to continue his fine form on Sunday vs. Vancouver.
New Life: A change of scenery has done Quincy Amarikwa (SJ $7.0) well. The former Fire forward has excelled since being traded to the Quakes, scoring four goals in his last four games and starting San Jose’s last five contests.
Differential: CJ Sapong (PHI $7.0) could be a good differential play this week. He doesn’t have a goal in his last two league appearances, but the Union forward had plenty of good chances against Chicago in USOC action on Wednesday. If he’s a little more clinical on Sunday against the same Fire team – who have one of the worst away defenses in the league – he’ll be in for plenty of points.
Have any solid fantasy plays you’re considering? Share them in the comments section below and don’t forget to stop by MLS Fantasy Boss for all of our latest charts, articles and live chats. Good Luck!
