With the FIFA international window coming to a close, MLS is back in full swing with nine games on tap this weekend. DraftKings is awarding over $10,000 for the best MLS lineups this weekend, so let’s get right to the top picks for Saturday. If you’re new to the DraftKings one-day fantasy game – Andrew Winner has you covered with this two-partDraftKings 101 series. Also, be sure to follow @MLSFantasy on Twitter for updates on starting lineups, strategy and tips throughout the weekend.
Goalkeepers
Obvious Pick:Jesse Gonzalez ($5,400) has put in a pair of standout performances in posting consecutive clean sheet wins for FC Dallas. The Homegrown goalkeeper now faces a New York City FC squad that is winless in four straight on the road.
Budget Pick: While he’s allowed three goals in each of his last two games, Bill Hamid ($4,400) is worth considering if you’re looking to save some cash in net. He recently turned in an eye-popping 26 point performance against Montreal and faces an underwhelming Colorado Rapids attack that was held scoreless in midweek action.
Sleeper Pick: Prior to departing for international duty with Jamaica, Andre Blake ($4,800) posted double digit fantasy points in back-to-back outings. Blake looks set to return to the Union lineup on Saturday.
Defenders
Obvious & Budget Pick: The DraftKings scoring system really favors cross-heavy defenders such as Harrison Afful ($4,000). The Ghanaian has six crosses in three straight games, collecting a point for each cross along the way.
Sleeper Pick:Sheanon Williams ($4,600) contributed an assist in Houston’s 2-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. He now has three or more crosses in three straight and should continue to play a role in the Dynamo attack.
Midfielders
Obvious Pick:Javier Morales ($9,000) averaged 14 PPG on DraftKings in the month of August. He contributes to all statistical categories across the board and is a double-digit threat regardless of if he scores or adds an assist.
Budget Pick: Filling in for the suspended Cristian Maidana, Tranquillo Barnetta ($5,500) assisted on Conor Casey’s game-winning goal at San Jose last Saturday. With Maidana out for one more game, look for Barnetta to pull the strings against a porous Columbus defence.
Sleeper Pick:Michael Barrios ($5,600) has quietly put up 11+ DraftKings points in three of his last four outings. The creative midfielder has a good chance to keep his run of form going with a shoddy New York City defense coming to town.
Forwards
Obvious Pick: Reigning MLS MVP Robbie Keane ($11,300) has averaged 23 PPG, on the strength of six goals, over his last five games. You’ll have to pay up for him, but there are plenty of budget options on the board to make room for Keano.
Budget Pick: Quincy Amarikwa ($7,300) hasn’t scored in five games but continues to deliver consistent fantasy performances in the DraftKings scoring format - averaging 10 FPPG. Amarikwa has drawn 16 fouls over those five, picking up +0.75 PTs for each foul drawn.
Sleeper Pick:Erick “Cubo” Torres ($5,000) logged 66 minutes in his first start for Houston, contributing the match-winning assist en-route to an eight point outing. Cubo’s nose for the goal makes him a high-upside play, at just $5,000, if he continues to start.
Who are you banking on this weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
