Bonus Points: Set yourself apart in final round of MLS fantasy

Sunday evening isn’t only Decision Day for MLS – this is our last chance as fantasy managers to impact our team’s standings in the MLS Fantasy overall results. One important thing to note about the MLS regular season finale is that all 10 matches are scheduled at the same time: Sunday afternoon at 4pm ET.

Fantasy managers that are able to check the lineups from 3:15 to 3:30 pm ET, and wait to make their transfers until then, will have a huge advantage, as they will know every starting XI prior to the transfer window closing for the last time. This allows for the opportunity to transfer in players that bring in good scores, but may not necessarily be worth the risk on a normal round, where most starting lineups aren’t known until after the transfers lock.

This week, I’m going to take a look at the players that will help set your fantasy team apart from the rest. These guys are owned by less than 10 percent of fantasy managers and have averaged the highest number of points scored in games played since Round 28. If you’re seeking out a player that will set your team apart from the status quo, this is where to look.

Goalkeepers:

The only reason you should be changing goalkeepers this week is if you don’t have a goalkeeper that will play. Brad Stuver and Paolo Tornaghi were surprise additions last week, and Stuver managed 11 points by bailing himself out after conceding a penalty early against the Red Bulls. If either goalkeeper starts in the final week, they will be great budget options for desperate fantasy owners.

Defenders:

As with goalkeepers, I don’t expect many defenders to be traded for this round, since the high scores are usually found in midfield and forward. The big exception to that would be if Marlon Hairston returns to full fitness on Sunday, as he would be worth adding as a defender playing out-of-position as a winger.

Midfielders:

The two midfielders I’m most excited about on this list are Lloyd Sam and Benny Feilhaber. Sam has a goal or an assist in his last four matches, and finishes the season at Orlando City SC, who have conceded the most goals in MLS. Feilhaber and Sporting Kansas City play at home against the San Jose Quakes, who have only kept a clean sheet once away from home this season.

Forwards:

The only thing that seems to be stopping Ola Kamara from scoring more this season is a knee injury, as he was lighting it up in rounds 28 through 30 before scoring only three points in Columbus Crew SC’s last four matches. If he’s healthy and starts, he would be a great add playing against the typically soft NYCFC defense. Speaking of good match-ups, it’s surprising to see Jozy Altidore clock in at under 5 perc4nt ownership – Toronto FC will be at home for their final match against the Chicago Fire, and Altidore has notched a goal or assist in 10 of his last 13 games.

Are you bringing in any “differential” players this week? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, good luck in the final week!