MLS Fantasy Doctor: Which of the league's top scorers is the best Fantasy option for Round 27?

Four teams will play a pair of matches this week, with the Chicago Fire hosting the New York Red Bulls (8:30 pm ET; MLS LIVE) and the Colorado Rapids facing off with the Houston Dynamo (9 pm ET; MLS LIVE) on Wednesday. Of course, only one of those four teams – the Red Bulls – are currently in playoff position. They’re the most attractive option for transfers and captains, and, lucky for us, they have some great players to choose from.

Last time out, a full-strength Red Bulls put three past Toronto FC on seven shots on goal. Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.2) carries the price tag of New York’s top scorer, and against struggling Chicago one has to bet on him finding his way onto the scoresheet. Sacha Kljestan ($9.7) has turned in two straight eight point performances and Luis Robles ($5.7) is a great pickup at ‘keeper.

What about Colorado and Houston? It’s hard enough picking a winner in that matchup, and neither gets an easy match on the weekend hosting the second and third best teams in the West. I’m steering clear.

• Bonus Points: How high-scoring stadiums can boost your score

Want a recommendation for a hot but overlooked player? Philadelphia midfielder Cristian Maidana ($9.5) hasn’t been the most consistent this year, but he has turned in the occasional masterpiece on the road to crack triple digits in overall points. He’s also been absolutely on fire recently, notching nine assists in his last eight games to take the league lead with 14 helpers on the season. Philadelphia hosts New England this weekend, so maybe he’s got another double digit performance in him.

I ran some numbers to try and see if I could put some separation between four of MLS Fantasy’s best goal scorers as we head into the final two months of the regular season. If we’re playing one of these things is not like the others, then holy cow, Robbie Keane ($12.1)! He has as many goals as David Villa with about half as many attempts. If you’re looking for one big budget player to build around during the stretch run, he certainly has my vote.

The great thing about MLS Fantasy is that anyone can play. That doesn’t mean that it’s so easy that anyone can do it, but that greatness can come from anywhere. This week’s patient embodies that ethos, as it’s everyone’s favorite blue alien, LA Galaxy mascot Cozmo.

Let’s see if we can help him out.

Dear MLS Fantasy Doc,
Please save my season. I was on a three-game winning streak until I captained Feilhaber. How do I get back on top?

Fret not my extraterrestrial friend, I think you’re pretty well set for this round, with just a couple of tweaks necessary. You’ve got the three Red Bulls on a Double Game Week, and all three have been in good form. My first recommendation is on your back line. Tyrone Mears has struggled as the Sounders have struggled, so let’s look for a cheap replacement that will give you some cash to make an attacking transfer.

I mentioned Maidana before, but Philadelphia also have Richie Marquez ($4.6) to offer. That’s a $2.4 saving, and you’re getting a player with two seven-point performances in his last three times out. I’m not going to be so bold as to guarantee a Union clean sheet against the Revs, but certainly they’ve shown themselves capable of that in recent weeks.

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You’re allowed four players from one MLS club, so my second recommendation is going to be someone quite familiar to you. Go ahead and transfer out Dom Dwyer ($10.4) for Keane. He’s really good at soccer, and that’s translating to Fantasy success with a 21-point performance his last time out. Before that, it was only two weeks of 12s for the Irishman.

There are unlimited transfers in Round 27, so I’d recommend changing up your formation and stashing Keane on the bench next week. Sometimes the answer is as plain as the nose on your face. Not that you have a nose.

Hope this helps!

-MLS Fantasy Doctor