I’ll be honest, Round 6 has been a real head scratcher. Many of the top home offenses are on the road, unproven defenses are at home, and several teams with go-to Transferoo and Autoroo options are on a bye. Basically, no game screams out to me as a fantasy point cash cow (thanks parity). In times like this, I think it’s best to not overthink your player selections and fall back on players with proven point-producing records.
Below are some of the players who I think have a chance for good score in Round 6.
Goalkeepers
Keeperoo Pick
Betting on a lower cost keeper who could come away with a clean sheet is all the rage this season, and this round I like Matt Turner ($5.7) of the New England Revolution. He’ll be facing a Montreal Impact team (7:30pm ET | TSN1/4/TVAS in Canada; MLS LIVE in the US) that is averaging a little over one goal per game on the road, but last week’s victory over the Dynamo could give him the confidence he needs to earn his first home shutout. This is a risky move, so start him on your bench and leave enough budget to upgrade your other keeper after the Friday game.
Matt Turner kicks the ball in a match against New York City FC | Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Upgrade Option
If your Keeperoo does not work out, one of the best upgrades this round is Andre Blake ($7.5) of the Philadelphia Union. At first glance, the San Jose Earthquakes (7:00pm ET | MLS LIVE) may look tough, but their only away goals have come against a struggling SKC defense. Blake and the Union should be a tougher unit to break down as they have not allowed any goals at home so far.
Defenders
The Veteran
Don’t let their mid-table standing throw you off, FC Dallas’ home defense has been pretty good, allowing only two goals over their three home games, and Matt Hedges ($6.3) is a key to this success. Some may question his clean sheet chance after seeing the Colorado Rapids (8:00pm ET | MLS LIVE) improved attack, but this makes me like Hedges more as it will put him in a position to earn the blocks, interceptions, and tackles which help boost defender scores.
Value Option
If you’re looking for a low cost starting defender with a chance at a clean sheet, then consider Philadelphia’s Matthew Real ($4). He made his first start last week against Colorado filling in for the injured Fabinho, who is out with an MCL sprain. Raymon Gaddis ($4.8) is another potential replacement at this position so keep an eye out for the lineup to see which value player gets the start.
Midfielders
Miguel Almiron controls the ball against Minnesota United FC | Jeffrey Becker-USA Today
Exploiter
Last week, we saw LAFC’s defense conceded four goals in 20 minutes. This raises serious questions about their ability to last against a tough Atlanta United FC offense (5:00pm ET | ESPN; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada) and Miguel Almiron ($11.3) is ready to put them under pressure again. His speed and vision give him the ability to exploit any cracks he finds in the LAFC back line and his high three game average makes him likely to rise in value. A definite captain contender here.
Changeup
Orlando City SC earned their first win last week and it was in large part due to a formation change. Moving to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half allowed the Lions to take better advantage of their veteran midfield and that makes Sacha Kljestan ($9.9) one of my top picks this week. This formation should help create the space Kljestan needs to generate his assists and find the cracks in the Portland Timbers’ (4:00pm ET | ESPN; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada) struggling away defense.
Forwards
One More Time
If you want to roll the dice on LAFC players again this round, then stick with Carlos Vela ($11). After a slow start in Week 1, Vella has turned on the heat, scoring three goals and earning one assist over his last two games. Vela's production could continue as Atlanta’s defense will be vulnerable while center back Leandro Gonzalez Pirez is out because of last week's red card.
Ola Kamara watches the ball in a match against LAFC | Gary S. Vasquez-USA Today Sport
Flip Flop
In addition to making his debut to thousands of excited fans, Zlatan ($10.4) also came away with a strong fantasy score. If you went with the big man last week congrats! I think he’ll be a better pick once he becomes a regular starter so I’m still recommending caution as the LA Galaxy take on Sporting Kansas City (9:00pm ET | FS1; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada). The struggling SKC defense should give LA chances, so start with Ola Kamara ($8.8) and wait to see if Zlatan is in the starting XI before going all in again.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 6?
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