If you’re playing this year's fantasy game based off last year’s numbers, you'd better rethink your strategy.
With the positive output from many newcomers (Will Bruin, Charlie Davies, Diego Chaves, Kenny Cooper) and the declining output of some (Jeff Cunningham, Sebastien Le Toux, Dwayne De Rosario, Alvaro Saborío) along with the long-term injuries of others (Brian Ching, David Ferreira, Steve Zakuani, Conor Casey), you really need to stay on top of the league.
If you’re not watching the games on Direct Kick, MatchDay Live or the national broadcasts, you should be. It is one of the best ways to find out who is ready to breakout next.
Another way stay on top of things, of course, is with us.
Players to keep an eye on:
Khalif Alhassan (POR) – Some awesome passing has led to many assists, with more likely to come.
Fredy Montero (SEA) – Only one goal this season, but he is ready to explode for a bunch.
Fabian Castillo (FCD) – With Ferreira out, Castillo should become more involved.
Here are the MLS links for injuries and discipline, usually updated Tuesdays and Fridays:
www.mlssoccer.com/content/mls-injury-report
www.mlssoccer.com/mls-disciplinary-summary
Tip(s) of the week: D.C. United, the Colorado Rapids, the Houston Dynamo and the Seattle Sounders play two games this week. DC play at home twice, while Houston play once at home. Colorado and Seattle play both their games away. The San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting KC are idle. The following week, Toronto FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps, FC Dallas, the Philadelphia Union, the LA Galaxy, and the Earthquakes all play twice.
TOP XI for points:
GK- Tally Hall (HOU) – The San Diego State product has shown that he has the goods to replace Pat Onstad. With two games this week, one at home against Colorado and the other away vs. Toronto, look for him to get at least one shutout and points for two appearances.
D- Marc Burch (DC) – The converted forward out of the University of Maryland has been taking some of the free kicks for DC and contributed a goal last week. He has two chances this week to contribute again, with both games at RFK stadium against Seattle and Dallas.
D- Bobby Boswell (HOU) - The 2010 Dynamo Defender of the Year has started out with an offensive explosion (for a defender) this season, with two goals and an assist so far. Look for him to add to those totals with two games this week.
D- Jamison Olave (RSL) –The 30-year-old Colombian is a beast in the air and should have a chance to add a goal this week at Rio Tinto Stadium against Chivas USA.
M- Brad Davis (HOU) – The 3rd overall pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft has been spot-on with his free kicks this year. Look for him to add to all those assists with two games this week.
M- Shalrie Joseph (NE) – Being relied on more for offense this season, the Grenadian international should be able to take advantage of a Colorado Rapids team that could be tired from having to play in two away games this week.
M- Andy Najar (DC) – The 2010 MLS Rookie of the Year is set to be in DC’s revamped lineup this week. Look for him to be motivated and to win you points this week with two games at home — the first against the Seattle Sounders and the second against Dallas.
M- Marco Pappa (CHI) – Following up on his past 2 seasons of 12 goals combined, Pappa is on track to beat that total with 3 goals already this season. He has the chance to add to that total with a home game against a Vancouver team that is not known for their defense.
F- Charlie Davies (DC) – The Boston College product has been outstanding this season and isn’t even at full strength after battling back from injury. With two home games, look for him to score a goal or two this week.
F- Will Bruin (HOU) - After shredding the DC back line for three goals this past week, look for the Indiana University product to add another goal this week. He has two opportunities to do just that with a home game vs. Colorado and then away against Toronto.
F- Fredy Montero (SEA) – The 23-year-old Colombian has been dangerous all season but has only managed one goal so far. He should be able to add to that total with two games this week, one away against an unorganized DC defense and the other away against Columbus.
Here are our official teams for Week 8 in the basic game:
FantasyGuruDave’s choices:
GK- Tally Hall (HOU), D- Sean Franklin (LA), UTL- Charlie Davies (DC), M- Jamie Smith (COL), M- Brad Davis (HOU), F- Will Bruin (HOU), F- Diego Chaves(CHI).
FantasyGuruJimmy’s choices:
GK- Tally Hall (HOU),D- Olukorede Aiyegbusi (KC), UTL- Will Bruin (HOU), M-Jeff Larentowicz (COL), M- Brad Davis (HOU), F- Charlie Davies (DC), F- Fredy Montero(SEA).
Questions? Comments? Contact us at mlsfantasygurus@comcast.net. Join us on Twitter @mlsfantasygurus.
