ROUND 33 TRANSFER DEADLINE: Wednesday, 7 pm ET
- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 33: None
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: None
- MMCB: How to deal with a second consecutive wild card
- Why Darlington Nagbe should be part of your DraftKings lineup on Wednesday night
After 32 weeks I’m finally happy to say that we’ve made it to the last double game week of the season, and it’s shaping up to be a good one. Every DGW team has something to play for, so I don’t believe we need to worry about key players taking a break. Still, many of us have been burned by DGWs in the past, so be sure to keep Round 34 in mind when you’re finalizing your team today. Here is my list of top players to get you through the last DGW.
Also keep in mind that the Sporting Kansas City vs. Colorado Rapids game on Wednesday, Oct. 21 will count as part of Round 33, not Round 34, so those teams both have double game weeks this round!
Goalkeepers
With two rounds left, it only makes sense to se tup your team with one of the 'keepers who will play three games over this time. This narrows the field down to six players and my top two picks are at either end of the spectrum. If you are ready to spend some big money, then add Nick Rimando (RSL, $6.4m) to your team. For his top-shelf price you get a player on rising form, the two winnable home games on the schedule, and a top-notch PK stopper.
If you’d rather stick with a budget pick, then Jesse Gonzalez (DAL, $4.2m) continues to be the best option. Gonzalez has one of the best schedules over the next two rounds, and he’s fresh off a clean sheet from last week.
Defenders
On Form: Over the past several rounds, FC Dallas is the only team to have four defenders move into the top 10 based on current form and Zach Loyd ($8.1m) earns my top pick. While some might consider him too expensive, he’s almost two million cheaper than center back counterpart Matt Hedges ($9.9m) and still offers good clearance, block and interception production, plus a goal threat on set plays.
Home Value: If you are looking for a great budget center back, then consider adding Aaron Maund (RSL, $6.6m) to your team. Not only will you be able to take advantage of RSL’s two home games, but his CBI numbers are good enough to get at least one or two bonus points each game.
Card Count: With Matt Miazga suspended and Damien Perrinelle ($7.1m) one yellow away from joining him, the safest Red Bull defender to go with the round is Connor Lade ($5.4). He’s not going to rack up a lot of CBIs but he’s the cheapest way into New York’s backline and with Sebastian Giovinco potentially missing the game, the Red Bulls have an excellent chance of earning two clean sheets.
Midfielders
Top Man: If you thought my trend of picking Dallas players was going to end with their defensive unit, you’d be wrong. The absence of Fabian Castillo means that recently returned Mauro Diaz ($10.2m) will once again be the focus of their offense. Since his return, he’s racked up a goal and an assist and with two games on the docket he's likely to add to this total.
Forwards
New Kid: Real Salt Lake’s new secret weapon is out of the bag and his name is Juan Manuel Martinez ($8.7m). Not only is he filling the role as a true winger, but he has scored one goal and earned one assist over his last four games. Most of his games have also been on the road, so two home games could yield some great point totals.
SGW Pick: If you want to bring in a forward with only one game this week, then I’d go with Kei Kamara (CLB $10.0m). With the Golden Boot in sight, expect the other Columbus players to do everything they can to help him clinch the award. Their weekend opponents, Toronto, are not known for their solid defense either, so Crew SC definitely have chance to add to their road goal total.
Travel Risk: After scoring the winning goal in Sporting's last outing and bagging a brace against Greece on Sunday, Krisztian Nemeth (SKC, $8.5m) should clearly be seen as the top SKC forward option for their DGW. Some are worried that he may be rested, but the San Jose game gives him five days of rest and SKC need to do all they can to make the playoffs.
These are some of the players I like for Round 33, do you have any others to add? Share them in the comments below and don’t forget to stop by MLS Fantasy Boss for all of our latest charts, articles, and live chat. Good luck!
