Reid, Mike and Blayne sit down to break down all the unexpected results from last week’s big double-game week and touch on two of the biggest recent announcements in MLS: Gambling and Rooney. After that they break down the best DGW players to load up on, tip which SGW teams are worth investing in and list their current target players.
Big scores and unexpected results are what double-game weeks are all about, and that’s exactly what we got last week.
Almost 50 goals scored, multiple red cards, player rotations and several away upsets made triple-digit scores the norm. If you still have DGW fever, you may want to throw a wet cloth on your head to cool down as we head into Round 12.
Two teams play multiple games this week, but they have not always been the most consistent. A mixed roster should yield the best results and below are some of the players I think you should consider.
Teams on a Bye: Seattle Sounders
Double-game week teams: San Jose Earthquakes and Vancouver Whitecaps
Goalkeepers
Andrew Tarbell | USA Today Sports Images
DGW Keeperoo: With both DGW teams playing on Wednesday and Saturday, Fantasy managers have the opportunity to see both results before having to go to a backup option. If you want a shot at double ‘keeper points, then go with San Jose’s Andrew Tarbell ($6). He’s had several games with good bonus point production and the game against D.C. United on Saturday (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) offers a good shot at a clean sheet.
SGW Option: If the DGW ‘keeper options just don’t excite you, then consider New York City FC’s Sean Johnson ($6.2). He started the year with a great clean-sheet record, but some defensive injuries took a toll on recent results. Everyone is expected to be healthy this week and that gives the Cityzens a shot at another clean sheet against a Colorado Rapids (Saturday, 1 pm ET | TV & streaming info) team that has only scored two goals on the road.
Defenders
Away Warrior: So far, 2018 is shaping up to be one of the best for away teams and if you’re looking for an away defender to challenge a DGW player for a spot, then Graham Zusi ($10.5) is your man. His ability to generate goals, assists and bonus points justifies his high price and has helped him become the highest scoring defender in the game. It’s possible that Minnesota United (2 pm ET | TV & streaming info) get a goal past Sporting KC on Sunday, but the attack-minded Zusi has a great shot at breaking down their defense as well.
Value Pick: If you’re looking for a value SGW defender, then consider Philadelphia Union’s Auston Trusty ($5.5). He’s been a starter for the Union since Round 1 and currently ranks as their second-highest-scoring defender. While Philly only have three clean sheets on the year, Trusty could see his fourth on Saturday when they take on a Real Salt Lake (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) team that has struggled to score points on the road.
Midfielders
Consistent Production: One trait that all Fantasy managers value is consistency, and that’s not been a word often used to describe San Jose this year. However, Magnus Eriksson ($9.6) has been an exception, scoring a goal or an assist in six of the Earthquakes’ nine games. With an attractive DGW schedule, he has a good shot at big points in both games, especially on Wednesday, with Vancouver’s (10:30 pm ET | TSN 1/5 — Full TV & streaming info) starting ‘keeper Stefan Marinovic injured.
Sebastian Blanco | USA Today Sports Images
Differential: For many Fantasy managers, the lingering memories of successful past season’s can cloud current judgement. So if you’re interested in adding some diversity to your team, consider skipping Diego Valeri ($11.0) and take a look at his Portland Timbers teammate Sebastian Blanco ($9.5). He’s currently the Timbers’ top goalscorer and leads several other key offensive bonus point-producing categories. If LAFC (Saturday, 3 pm ET | FOX — Full TV & streaming info) make the mistake of focusing on other players like Valeri and Fanendo Adi ($7.7), Blanco could see more points this weekend.
Forwards
Back in Action: After several weeks sidelined by injury, Vancouver’s Kei Kamara ($9.1) has made his return to the starting lineup, and the score sheet. Last week it was just an assist, but Kamara is hungry for goals and should easily earn a spot in your team – and be part of your captain conversation, as the DGW makes him the top offensive option of the round.
Ole Reliable: There are several SGW forwards that standout this week, but my favorite is NYCFC’s David Villa ($10.3). Since returning from injury, Villa has scored four goals and earned one assist over his last five games. He has a great chance for more goals, as Colorado have allowed at least two in four of their last five games.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 12?
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