The loss of Josef Martinez through injury won’t only be felt by Atlanta United fans. The Venezuelan striker has been a mainstay of many MLS Fantasy Soccer teams over recent years.

Looking to GW2, this week should be high scoring, given the number of strong teams with decent home fixtures.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

At only $5.3m, Matt Turner (New England) is an obvious choice to take the bench as part of a keeperoo. If he doesn’t produce against Chicago, then Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas), Clint Irwin (Colorado), David Bingham (LA Galaxy) and Kenneth Vermeer (LAFC) all have clean sheet potential in later fixtures.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

After a strong performance last week, double FC Dallas coverage at the back isn’t out of the question. Reto Zeigler (8 points last week) may be on penalty duties while Matt Hedges (10), Ryan Hollingshead (9) and Reggie Cannon (9) all made a great start to the season.

Elsewhere, Lalas Abubakar and Keegan Rosenberry (both Colorado) are great options against an Orlando team who failed to find the net at home last week. LAFC, meanwhile, have another home game (v Philadelphia) and Eddie Segura is a solid choice.

Think About

Luis Martins (Sporting KC) came away with 7 points (including an assist) last time despite failing to keep a clean sheet and has a home game against Houston.

Beware

Toronto defenders. They are up against a NYCFC team who lost a player in the opening minutes in GW1. Assuming they keep 11 players on the pitch, Heber, Maxi Moralez and the rest should be more threatening than they were at Columbus.

Midfielders

Strongly Consider

Alejandro Pozeulo (Toronto) is the stand out choice in the middle of the park. Capable of goals, assists, bonus points and scored a penalty last week. His chances of a big week will be strengthened if NYC rotate ahead of CCL fixtures.

Think About

Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas) and Gadi Kinda (Sporting KC) are both under $8.5m, both scored last week and both have home fixtures.

Latif Blessing (LAFC) managed a respectable 7 points last week despite not scoring or providing an assist and Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake) is a long-time favourite of fantasy managers. He could be worth a place on the bench.

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

Forwards

Must Have

Carlos Vela (LAFC) is joined by Cristian Pavon (LA Galaxy) in the top category this week. They’ll take a significant chunk of your budget but it should be worth it.

Seriously Consider

If you can afford $11.5m for Gustavo Bou (New England), throw him in with Vela and Pavon for a powerful front three. Alternatively, Zdenek Ondrasek (FC Dallas) is another great (and cheaper) option. Tipped here last week, he was amongst the goals and could be again.

Avoid

Despite the pre-season hype, Gyasi Zardes (Columbus) had a poor opening day. Seattle away probably isn’t the place to test whether his disappointing performance was a one off.