TRANSFER DEADLINE: Wednesday, 8:30 pm ET
- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 26: None
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: CHI, COL, HOU, NY (Rd. 26); None (Rd. 27)
- MMCB: San Jose Earthquakes shake up this week's Fantasy Dream Team
- Bonus Points: Where are the most goals scored? How high-scoring stadiums can boost fantasy scores
- Fantasy Doctor: Which of the league's top scorers is the best Fantasy option for Round 27?
There was a lot of emotion packed into Round 25, especially for fantasy managers. We had the Benny Feilhaber ($10.4m) red card, the San Jose Earthquakes shocker, and multiple five-goal games. If you found yourself on the wrong end of these outcomes, good news: You’re not alone. Fortunately, the Double Game Week this week looks like it will have far fewer surprises, and with a free wild card in Round 27, there is no reason not to load up on all the best players.
Goalkeepers
DGW Pick
: If you want to go with a DGW 'keeper this round, then
Luis Robles
($5.7m) is the player to get. The New York Red Bulls open the round against the Chicago Fire, who have one of the worst home offenses in the league, and then wrap things up hosting D.C. United, who are the worst at scoring on the road. It’s dream DGW combination if you’re into clean-sheet hunting.
The Long Shot: Over the past five rounds, San Jose have surprised many managers by coming away with four clean sheets. This not only makes the Quakes one of the best home defenses in the league, but David Bingham ($5.7m) a contender as a single game week 'keeper this round. This record will be put to the test against the LA Galaxy, but a favorable result could result in big point swings.
Defenders
Productive Bargain: As mentioned above, the Red Bulls have a very promising set of games, so this is an ideal round to double up if you want to pair a 'keeper with a defender. Matt Miazga ($6.0m) is still the best choice from their back line thanks to his reliable ability to generate clearances, blocks and interceptions, his low price, and two recent clean sheets.
Home Advantage
: If you want a good shot at a clean sheet, then consider adding
Kellyn Acosta
(DAL $6.1m) to your team. FC Dallas were unfortunate to lose to LA in their last home game, but Real Salt Lake should be an easier opponent, especially since they are winless in their last six away games.
Differential Pick: If you’re up for taking a risk this round, then take a look at Orlando City SC’s Luke Boden ($5.1m). With Chicago on a DGW, the Fire may not be at 100 percent when they come to Orlando on the weekend. This gives the Lions a chance to end their clean-sheet drought, and Boden is your cheapest way into their backline.
Midfielders
DGW Pick: There are several tempting options if you have decided to bring in a Red Bulls midfielder for this round, but I believe Sacha Kljestan ($9.7m) is still the best pick. He’s only failed to earn a goal or an assist in two of his past eight games, and with New York having one of the best offenses in the league (5th at home and 1st on the road) he could easily explode during this DGW.
Rising Differential
: At the start of the season, many thought
Brad Davis
(HOU $10.2m) was set for another great year. Unfortunately, things did not work out and he was quickly dropped. But now things have started to turn around. Davis has earned a goal and two assists in his last five games and I think that has set him up as a promising differential during Houston’s DGW.
SGW Option: If you’re looking for a good SGW midfielder, then consider Cristian Maidana (PHI $9.5m). He’s reasonably priced, has a good record of earning assists recently, and his Philadelphia Union are hosting the New England Revolution, who have allowed 27 goals over 12 away games. That’s not good news if you’re a Revs fan, but raises the chance of Maidana adding more assists to his total.
Forwards
Must Have: If there is one player that you need to have on your team this round, it’s Bradley-Wright Phillips (NY $11.2m) and there are three reasons why. First, BWP scored in three of his last four games. Second, the Red Bulls have the best DGW schedule when you look at game times and matchups. And third, most of the top managers will get him this round, so even a poor score should not hurt your overall rank much.
Old Reliable: There is really little to be said about why Robbie Keane (LA $12.1m) needs to be in your lineup. The Galaxy are a beast right now and in their last four home games, Keane has scored at least two goals in three of them. Even with all the new talent, Keane is still the main target for the ball, so don’t expect his scoring streak to end soon, even against San Jose.
Band Wagon
: After witnessing the stunning performance San Jose put up last week, it’s hard not to want a piece of that action and
Quincy Amarikwa
($7.0m) is the guy with the most bang for your buck. Since coming to the Quakes, he’s been a key part of their offense and has earned a goal or an assist in almost every game he has played.
These are the players I like for this round 26 double game week. Who do you like who’s not on the list? Post your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to stop by MLS Fantasy Boss for all of our latest charts, articles, and live chat. Good Luck!
