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- MLS Injury Report
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- BYES IN ROUND 16: CLB, NY
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: None (Rd 15); CLB, COL, DC, LA, MTL, NE, NY, PHI, POR, RSL, SEA, TOR (Rd 17)
- Bonus Points: Too many dud weeks? Here's how to seek out most consistent players?
- Fantasy Doctor: Are NYCFC players worth taking a flyer on in Round 16?
I hope everyone got a nice, relaxing rest in last week, because things are about to heat up.
Round 16 will feature nine games, and ZERO Double Game Weeks. Sound too easy? Don’t worry, you’ve got the MEGA Round 17 DGW and US Open Cup fallout to deal with!
Starting to sweat yet? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. See below for a list of several players who can carry you through the next two rounds:
Goalkeepers
- The Replacement: If you want to stick with a known quantity, then Sounders ‘keeper Stefan Frei ($5.9) is your man. If you’re willing to take a little risk, then bring in Toronto’s Chris Konopka (TOR $5.2). He took the starting job when Joe Bendik was sidelined due to injury and has helped Toronto win four of their last 6 games. We may see Bendik rotate in during the DGW, but until that happens, Konopka should be a solid differential play.
- Differential: Of all the goalkeeping rotations this season, none have been more active than Philly’s revolving door. Brian Sylvestre ($4.5) has been the man for the Union over the last five rounds, and it looks like the job will be his for a while after posting three clean sheets during that span. Philadelphia have a tough game against LA this week followed by two home games in Round 17, but at $4.5m, Sylvestre will easily let you run two starting ‘keepers.
Defenders
The Machine
: It’s not every day that I pick a defender who just allowed three goals, but it’s not every defender who can earn eight points while conceding three times. Montreal’s
Laurent Ciman
($7.7) is that kind of player, but he’s still owned by fewer than 8 percent of managers! He’s got great CBI numbers, and could see him post high numbers again this round against streaking Orlando.
Midfielders
Band Wagon
: With the availability of
Clint Dempsey
still up in the air, now is the ideal time to bring in
Sebastian Giovinco
(TOR $12.1). With three goals and three assists over his last four games, Giovinco has become the poster child for on-form players yet is only owned by 12.5 percent of managers. Perhaps his price is scaring people away, but when you look at his upcoming games, he’s worth every million.
Forwards
High Hopes
: Even though he hasn’t been finding the back of the net,
Fabian Espindola’s
(DC $10.4) assists have helped D.C. stay atop the East. He’ll look to continue his solid distribution and try to hit for a goal this weekend against New England’s poor road defense.
Which players are you planning to bring in this round? Share your thoughts below and don’t forget to stop by MLS Fantasy Boss to chat with other managers and check out the other fantasy resources and tips I’ve gathered before you finalize your trades. Good luck!