It seems like only yesterday that we were kicking off the start of the 2016 MLS season, and now we’re down to just five rounds. Don’t let yourself get nostalgic thought, there are still plenty of fantasy points to be had. Round 29 was a great example of this with many top players earning over 100 points in a single game week, but when the final whistle blew, it was the manager of STRONG-SIDE who came out on top with 109 points. Congrats and enjoy the MLSStore.com gift card!
Round 30 is the last single-game week we have before things start to get crazy. The DGW in Round 31 and the many byes in Round 32 have the potential to cause problems if you have not made plans. Here’s my list of players who I think will help you prepare for the challenging rounds ahead.
Keeper
Rising Form: Having a solid keeper option to carry you through the upcoming DGW and bye rounds will be important when picking your keepers, and few are better than David Bingham ($6.3 SJ). Over his last four games Bingham has earned two clean sheets and helped San Jose become the second-best home defense. This could mean more bonus points for him on Saturday when the Quakes face a Sporting Kansas City offense (10:30 pm ET; MLS LIVE) that ranks last in the league at scoring on the road.
Defenders
Big Money: If you’re already interested in San Jose’s defense after reading the above, then consider dropping some cash on Victor Bernardez ($7.9 SJ). Like Bingham, he’s earned two clean sheets over his last for games and he’s also in the top 10 of point producing defenders in the league. He is a little more expensive than other options like Jordan Stewart ($6.6 SJ), but he’s also not on a yellow card warning.
Differential Pick: With few clean sheets being earned over the past two rounds, some managers may prefer more offensive options. If you fall into that category, then consider rolling the dice on Nicolai Naess ($7.8 CLB). He’s racked up two assists over his last four games and could get more when Columbus host a New England team (7 pm ET; FS1 | MLS LIVE) that still has the worst away defensive record in the league.
Midfielders
Value Pick: If you need a value player to help free up your budget, then Alex ($5.9 HOU) should be on your short list. He’s been a starter for Houston for their last six games, and he’s scored a goal in his last three. Portland (9 pm ET; MLS LIVE) will be one of the Dynamo’s harder games over the next few rounds, but with the current form Alex is on, he’ll always be a goal threat.
Short Term: While bringing in players who are available in Round 32 is important, that does not mean those with an upcoming bye should be ignored. Of all the big name options, Sacha Kljestan ($12.8 NY) is still my top pick. Kljestan has been a driving creative force for New York all season and has helped them become one of the bet home offenses in the league. He’ll have more chances to add to his assist total when the Red Bulls host a struggling Montreal (7 pm ET; MLS LIVE) this weekend.
Forwards
Breakout: If you’re looking for a value forward who still has plenty of goals left in him, then take another look at Ola Kamara ($8.9 CLB). He fell into the starting role in Round 10 and has been a consistent source or goals ever since, earning three and an assist over his last two games. He’ll face New England this weekend and even with their late season rally, the Revs are still allowed goals and that’s Kamara’s specialty.
Golden Boot: At the start of the season, many may have thought that Sebastian Giovinco would again earn the Golden Boot award, but thanks to a run of amazing form Bradley Wright-Phillips ($12.1 NY) is starting to run away with it. Over his last 11 games he’s only failed to score a goal or earn an assist in one. This clearly makes him a must have for the rest of the season and a top captain pick for Round 30.
These are the players who I think are worth considering for Round 30, who are you targeting? Post your thoughts in the comments below and if you are interested in more charts and tips, check out the latest posts over at MLS Fantasy Boss and advice from the other MLS Fantasy Experts.
