TRANSFER DEADLINE: Wednesday, 7 pm ET
- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 14: None
- DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: CHI, CLB, DC, MTL, PHI, VAN (Rd 14)
- Fantasy Doctor: Navigating the unpredictable international call-up landscape
They say nothing is certain in this world except death and taxes.
After Round 13, I think we can add one more thing to that list: Double-game-week player rotations will frustrate MLS Fantasy managers.
For those ready to call it quits on DGW players: Don’t do it. Take a look at a few dream teams from previous rounds, and you’ll find that DGW players still make up the majority of the top scorers.
As you prepare for this week’s slate of games, keep in mind that you get a FREE wildcard with unlimited transfers in Round 15. Resist the urge to take huge negative hits on transfers. Next week, you’ll get to reset your team for free.
With all of that in mind, here is a list of players I think are worth a one-round transfer before the Round 15 wildcard.
Goalkeepers
When it comes to Round 14 'keepers, I can’t’ stress enough that you should just stay with what you have. After Stefan Frei (SEA $5.9m), most of the top ‘keepers are separated by few points, and the poor recent shutout records make even DGW 'keepers like Bill Hamid (DC $6.4m) less appealing. Stick it out for one more round and save your overhauls for the coming wild card.
Defenders
Return Leg
: A couple of rounds ago, Sporting KC survived their trip to Seattle, registering a shutout in a scoreless draw at CenturyLink Field. They have a shot to repeat that feat this weekend when they host Seattle – who will be without several key players – at Sporting Park, where KC have only conceded five times this season.
Kevin Ellis
($6.1m) offers a nice balance in price and bonus-point production – he’s my top pick from the SKC back line.
Midfielders
- DGW Pick: Even with a broken toe, Ethan Finlay (CLB $8.4m) still managed to go 90 minutes last round, earning an assist in the Crew SC’s draw at Orlando. Columbus have been unlucky not to win over the past couple of weeks, but they could turn their form around this round with matches at Philadelphia and at home against Montreal. If they do get back in the win column, Finlay will likely be a key to their success.
- DGW Risk: If you want to take a risk before your Round 15 wildcard, then Ignacio Piatti (MTL $9.7m) is the ideal pick. Montreal have two tough matches – against Vancouver and at Columbus – this round, but Piatti has earned points against tough teams in the past (one assist vs. RSL, one goal and one assist vs. Dallas), so we know he is up for the challenge.
- Differential: If you really want to bring in a player that will set you apart from the crowd, pick up Cristian Maidana (PHI $8.7m). He’s averaged almost five points per game over the last six rounds, but Philly’s poor form has dropped his ownership to under one percent. That makes him a promising differential pick for his DGW against Columbus and New York City FC.
Forwards
DGW Pick
: If there is one DGW player who is worthy of must-have status for Round 14, it’s
Kei Kamara
(CLB $9.1m). The Golden Boot leader has scored five goals over his last four games and has a price that’s very easy on the budget. The only question: How far behind will you fall if you don’t have him?
What players are you thinking about bringing in for this DGW? Post your thoughts in the comments below and see who other managers are targeting! Also, 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!
