It’s back – GW1 of MLS Fantasy Soccer is almost here. Thankfully, the game has returned to the longer, single season format rather than the two shorter half-seasons of the past two years. So there is plenty of time to catch up if the opening few weeks don’t go to plan.

Without wasting any more time, here are some players who should be under consideration for the season opener.

Goalkeeper

Think about

The fixed budget rule means that it should fairly easy for most managers to run a keeperoo from the start. Bill Hamid (DC United) is worth a punt in a tricky first match against Colorado. Stefan Frei (Seattle) and Kenneth Verneer (LAFC) are also worth a look for their matches against Chicago and Inter Miami.

Beware

At $0.5 less than many of the top keepers, Tyler Miller (Minnesota) may prove popular but it’s hard to see the Timbers failing to score at home.

Defence

Strongly Consider

As well as clean sheet potential, Kelvin Leerdam and Joevin Jones (Seattle) could see attacking returns.

Think about

Frederic Brillant and Steve Birnbaum (DC United) form part of a usually strong defence while Eddie Segura (LAFC) and Miles Robinson (Atlanta) are up against brand new opposition.

Reto Ziegler (FC Dallas) offers a goal threat and is a potential penalty taker. And don’t rule out Orlando…for this week, not every week.

Beware: New York Red Bulls aren’t the force of old and FC Cincinatti have a goal threat. Despite Aaron Long’s popularity, give him and his fellow defenders a miss this week.

Avoid: Columbus v NYC and Portland v Minnesota. Potential goal fests.

Midfield

Must Have

Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle)…if he’s fit.

Strongly Consider

The big funds allow for the big hitters. Diego Valeri, Maxi Moralez, Eduard Atuesta, Carles Gil, Alejandro Pozuelo, Saphir Taider, and the rest…take your pick. Seriously.

Think about

Newcomers Edison Flores (DC United) and Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus) should be in your thoughts, particularly coming off the bench.

Forwards

Must Have

Carlos Vela

Strongly Consider

Josef Martinez (Atlanta) is every bit as much as a goal threat as Vela but produces less bonus points. Gyasi Zardes (Columbus) could be in for a big season, as could his team.

Think about

Zdenek Ondrasek (FC Dallas) could prove to be a useful differential against Philadelphia. In a pre-season friendly against the same opposition last week (I know) he managed a double. There’s also Ola Kamara (DC United), one of the most underrated players in the league.

Beware

Cristian Pavon and Javier Hernandez (LA Galaxy) will be huge fantasy scorers during the season but this might not be their week.