After an exciting week filled with two MLS Fantasy rounds, many managers may be looking for a break, and that’s exactly what Round 27 offers.
Eight teams are on a bye this week, which means it's slim pickings when you’re making your trades for this round. If you’ve planned well, and gotten lucky, you’re in a position where you should have a full team.
If not, you may be considering taking four-point deductions or maybe even playing your wild card, but I think that is a mistake and here's why: Many players are suffering from the same issues, so it’s not likely that Round 27 will offer a good opportunity for climbing up the overall points ladder.
So unless you think you can craft a wild card team that is only two or three transfers away from the perfect Round 28 team, then my advice is to avoid panicking. There are greener pastures just around the corner, so save your wild card for the upcoming Double Game Weeks.
In the meantime, here’s my list of players who I think have a chance at a good score in Round 27:
Goalkeeper
Back in Action: If you’ve found yourself in need of a new 'keeper due to injuries and call-ups, then consider the LA Galaxy's Brian Rowe ($5.2). While LA’s offense may be dealing with some unlucky injuries, their defense has remained relatively intact (outside the loss of Jelle Van Damme) and with Rowe’s return, they are in a good position to grab an important clean sheet against a Columbus team that will be missing several key players (Saturday, 10:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Defenders
Differential Pick: With Zac MacMath likely to be back in goal for Colorado, the Rapids' defense, which has allowed a league-low 22 goals, should have little to worry about in this FIFA World Cup qualifying weekend, and fullback Eric Miller ($4.9) is your cheapest option. He’s been playing a full 90 minutes for the last four games and has even earned an assist. If New England’s scoring woes continue on Saturday (7:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE), the Rapids have an excellent shot at a clean sheet and Miller should return a nice score.
Offensive Threat: If you would rather pick up a defender who has a shot at offensive points, then consider Philadelphia left back Fabinho ($6.7). He may be a bit on the pricey side, but he’s earned two assists over his last four games and has a shot at more when the Union travel to Chicago this weekend (Saturday at 8:30 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Midfielders
Rising Form: If you’re looking for a reliable midfielder with a good schedule, then Diego Valeri ($11.3) is your man. After returning to his usual central position, Valeri earned two assists in Round 26 and he should prove to be a handful for an FC Dallas defense that will be missing some of its first-choice players on Saturday (9 pm ET on MLS LIVE).
Road Warrior: We all know that the stats say that teams play better at home, but if you’re willing to take gamble on a player in action on the road, then New York’s Felipe ($8.9) is one to consider. With Sacha Kljestan out for international duty, Martins should be much more involved in the Red Bulls’ attack on Saturday night in Vancouver (7 pm ET on TSN1 in Canada and MLS LIVE in USA) as he is the likely candidate to fill in at the No. 10 spot.
Forwards
Homecoming: If you want to take advantage of one of the hottest value forwards, then D.C. United's Patrick Mullins ($6.6) is the player for you. Over his last four games, he’s scored four goals and earned one assist and now he faces his former teammates at NYCFC on Thursday (7 pm ET on MLS LIVE). Some may say this is chasing points, but with NYC having the worst home defensive record in the league, there are definitely points to be had during this match.
Golden Boot Contender: With Toronto FC's Giovinco out for the next several rounds, many will be looking for a replacement and NYCFC's David Villa ($12.3) is an excellent long-term choice. Over the next four rounds, NYCFC have three home games and a very winnable away game. Getting Villa now could set you up for a flood of points as he continues to challenge for the Golden Boot award.
These are the players who I think are worth looking at for Round 27 – who are you considering? Post your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share your reasons for using your wild card if you decide to pull the trigger.
Also, if you are interested in more charts and tips, check out the latest posts over at MLS Fantasy Boss and advice from the other MLS Fantasy Experts.
