There are now only six rounds left in the 2018 Fall MLS Fantasy season. That’s still plenty of time if you’re trying to make a push to get into the prize range and Week 30’s double-game week is the perfect place to start. Six teams have a DGW this week and they include some of the highest point-producing players in the league! Full DGW rosters should be the norm, but there are definitely several team-building strategies that could pay off. Below are some of the players who I like to help you succeed in Week 30.
Double-Game Teams: Portland, Columbus, San Jose, Atlanta, Seattle, Philadelphia
Teams on a Bye: D.C. United
Goalkeepers
Solid Record: A lot of managers will likely be tempted to drop big money on a Stefan Frei ($9) this week, but I think you can get a similar clean sheet chance for less money with Columbus’ Zack Steffen ($7.3). His toughest game is the round opener against Portland on Wednesday night (10:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info), but Crew SC have one of the top road defenses, so the game could turn in their favor. Steffen’s best clean sheet chance comes on Saturday when they take on Colorado on Saturday (7:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
Budget Option: If you are looking for a quality DGW keeper at a value price, then go with Atlanta’sBrad Guzan ($5.4). The Five Stripes have not had many clean sheets over the season, but Guzan has a great shot to start the round on Wednesday strong as San Jose (11 pm ET | UniMás, Twitter - Full TV & streaming info) seem to have already shifted their sights to 2019. The game on Saturday against Real Salt Lake (7 pm ET | TV & streaming info) could also end in Guzan’s favor, but that depends on which RSL team shows up.
Defenders
Chad Marshall has a double-game week | USA Today Sports Images
Goal Threat: If you passed on Frei but still want to invest in the Seattle backline, then pick up Chad Marshall ($8.8). As a center back, he’ll benefit from a higher point floor thanks to Seattle’s DGW and is always a threat on set pieces. Marshall also has the potential for a bonus point windfall as both Philadelphia on Wednesday (11 pm ET | TV & streaming info) and the LA Galaxy on Sunday (7 pm ET | FS1 - Full TV & streaming info) have offensive threats that could lead to increased clearances and blocks.
Returning Starter: Portland’s backline has seen some rotation recently, but with the return of Alvas Powell ($5.9) from the injury list, they should see things settle down. In addition to consistency, Powell also offers fantasy managers a cheap way into the Timbers’ defense and access to an active offensive threat. That could mean big points in the DGW, especially in their second game against Minnesota on Saturday evening (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
Midfielders
Value Switcheroo: Many top marquee players have a DGW this round and that could put a strain on your budget. Fortunately there are many low-cost options and one of the best is Columbus’Justin Meram ($5.5). He’s worked his way back into Crew SC’s starting lineup and scored a goal in Round 27. With Federico Higuain one yellow away from a suspension, Meram could also play a more key role late in the week.
Under Owned: It’s hard to imagine a DGW lineup without at least one defensive midfielder and if you’re in the market for one consider Philadelphia’s Haris Medunjanin ($9.2). In addition to his defensive bonus point generation, Medunjanin has also started in each of the Union’s past DGW and has been on a run of offensive form. He’ll need all his tricks as the Union have one of the tougher DGW’s, but could see a lot of bonus points especially when they host a hot Sporting Kansas City on Sunday (1 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info).
Forwards
How can you go wrong selecting Josef Martinez? | USA Today Sports Images
Play it Safe: A double game week for Atlanta and a healthy Josef Martinez ($14) makes picking a forward easy this week. So why mention him? It’s an effort to prevent overthinking. Martinez is likely going to be in every top team this round, and will likely be the captain for many. Picking him up not only gives you a shot at a multi-goal score, but also helps to prevent you from sliding back in the overall ranks.
SGW Option: If you want to break out of the DGW box and roll the dice on a single-game week player, consider Marco Urena ($5.5). He’s started each of LAFC’s last two games and came away with the team’s lone goal against New England last week. He could see more success against San Jose (3:30 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info) as the Earthquakes are not known for a solid road defense.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 30?
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