With LAFC and Montreal missing out due to Champions League commitments, gameweek 3 provides the first blanks of the new season.

When selecting a team, managers should also remember that Atlanta United and NYCFC also have midweek ties but are still in MLS action at the weekend.

There may also be availability issues with any players called up to international duty for the Olympic qualifying tournament.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Quentin Westberg (Toronto) and Eloy Room (Columbus) would make ideal first parts of a keeperoo. They’re at home to Nashville and Real Salt Lakes sides who have one goal each this season.

Pair one of them with one of the New England keepers. Matt Turner missed GW2 with a knee injury so Brad Knighton may get the nod again.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Man of the moment Jakob Glesnest (Philadelphia) picked up a goal and a defending bonus in his first game of the season at LAFC. He has clean sheet potential against San Jose and hopefully he’s on free-kicks.

Ike Opara (Minnesota) has a goal already and is averaging 10 points per game after two goals and a defending bonus against San Jose. A home game against the Red Bulls provides a clean sheet opportunity.

Think About

Orlando defenders. They kept Real Salt Lake out in GW1 and may do the same again at home to Chicago.

Beware

Atlanta and Sporting KC have both made strong starts to the season. Their could well be goals when they come together.

Midfield

Must Have

Even if he doesn’t score or assist, Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto) racks up the points. He should continue that at home to Nashville.

Strongly Consider

Jan Gregus (Minnesota) is a man in form. A goal and two assists last week, he won’t stay under $10m for long if he continues at that rate.

Think About

Maxi Moralez (NYCFC) is normally a must have. But a slow start to the season and CCL mean he isn’t the automatic selection he normally is.

Avoid

Diego Valeri (Portland) has two goals in two games but his influence is on the wane. Substituted just after the hour last week, the Timbers looked less than convincing at home to Nashville. A trip to New England will be tough.

Forwards

Must Have

Luis Amarilla (Minnesota) has made a spectacular start to the season with two goals and an assist. An easy choice this week.

Strongly Consider

Gustavo Bou (New England) is yet to find the net this season but still has 13 points from two games.

Kacper Przybylko and Sergio Santos (both Philadelphia) will fancy their chances against a San Jose side who conceded five last week.

Beware

Don’t rule out Cristian Pavon and Javier Hernandez (both La Galaxy). But, after a disappointing start to the season, there are possibly better options out there.