MLS Fantasy Boss: Top transfer targets for Round 5 as 2015's first double-game week looms

Reid Connelly

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MLS Injury Report
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BYES IN ROUND 5: NYC, NY, MTL, CLB
UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: CLB, VAN (Rd 6) | NYC, PHI (Rd 7)
Bonus Points: Reaping rewards heading into first DGW of 2015
Fantasy Doctor: Plan ahead or don't be surprised when byes and int'l duty bite you

Now that players are starting to return from their international call-ups, we can finally scratch one item off our list of MLS Fantasy Soccer stressors.

That just leaves byes, injuries, and double game weeks to deal with. I can’t do much about the first two, but I can help you prepare for the upcoming DGW without crippling your team for Round 5.

On to my picks!

Goalkeepers

If you don’t already have a DGW keeper, I’d recommend against getting one this round because
Steve Clark
is on a bye and
David Ousted
has a tough game against LA. If you want to make a long-term change, then here are two great options.

MLS Fantasy Boss: Top transfer targets for Round 5 as 2015's first double-game week looms -

Crème de la Dallas: Three clean sheets in four game, sub-$5.5 price tag, and an excellent schedule over the next five rounds easily make Chris Seitz ($5.1) the go-to ‘keeper replacement.
Beast matchup: If you want a netminder with the best chance of a clean sheet in Round 5, pick up Bobby Shuttleworth (NE $5.4). Colorado hasn't scored yet – three straight 0-0 draws to start the season, in fact – and I don’t see that changing this round.

Defenders

DGW Top Prospects: There are two viable options if you want to add a Vancouver defender ahead of the DGW: Kendall Waston ($8.6) and Steven Beitashour ($7.6). If you’re worried there won’t be clean-sheet bonuses to bank on, Waston’s defensive bonus point numbers should bridge that gap. If you can’t afford Waston’s price tag, Beitashour offers the best mix of playing time and bonus-point potential.

Value Option:
If you’re like me, then you’re always on the lookout for a cheap starting center back. With
Steve Birnbaum
out 4-6 weeks after hobbling off against LA with an ankle injury,
Kofi Opare
(DC $5.1) looks set to start in his place for the next few rounds. If he continues to produce CBI numbers like he did last week, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent return on investment.

Best Bang for Buck: I’m sure many of you expected to see Ike Opara here, but I’m much more impressed by Zach Loyd (DAL $7.8). Unlike Opara, his points do not include goals but come from pure defensive prowess and clean sheets, which make him more reliable in my book. Based on form and future fixtures, there’s no reason not to continue to expect three defensive bonus points from him each game.

Midfielders

DGW Must-Have: Pedro Morales (VAN $11.2) started the season slow, but thanks to some late-game heroics, he’s found a vein of form. This should excite managers as the DGW approaches, so it’s surprising his ownership is still less than 10 percent. Now is the time to add him to your team before a potential price rise eats into your budget.

Mr. Differential
: It’s easy for players who aren’t scoring goals or getting assists to fly under a manager’s radar. Most of them are just a waste of money. Then there’s
Matias Perez Garcia
(SJ $8.0). If you want an affordable player with consistent bonus-point numbers and scoring potential, then this is your guy.

The Shoe Filler: Two years ago Graham Zusi was Captain Fantasy. This year, he’s just Mr. Letdown. The Sporting player getting things done in 2015, on both sides of the field, is Benny Feilhaber (SKC $9.2), who has assisted on two of the three goals the team has scored so far. If you need a replacement for an injured player or if you just need a one-round starter before bringing in Justin Meram (CLB $7.6) for the DGW, Feilhaber is your guy.

Forwards

DGW Must-Have: Even though he was unable to extend his scoring streak to four in four games, Octavio Rivero’s (VAN $8.7) constant goal threat continues to make him one of the most desirable forwards in the game.

Road Warrior
: After a short, confidence-building stint with the USMNT,
Jozy Altidore
(TOR $9.6) rejoins Toronto just in time for a promising match against Chicago, whose defense has not been impressive. With the excellent connection he’s built with Giovinco, I wouldn’t be surprised by a second brace of the season.

Horns of the Bull: You have to respect the form of FC Dallas and the skill of Blas Perez ($9.3). You’ll also want to take the long road with Perez, because I wouldn’t be surprised to see his price get close to $10m by round 10. That’s an investment you can respect, too.

Are you already set up for the DGW or will you be forced to take some -4 hits? Share your Round 5 team, thoughts and advice in the comments below or stop by MLS Fantasy Boss to chat with other managers and check out other fantasy resources before you finalize your trades.

Reid Connelly -

@MLSFantasyBoss

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