After the triumph/trauma (delete as appropriate) of the first double gameweek of the season, we’re back to a more regular schedule for the latest round of MLS Fantasy Soccer. This time, it’s Minnesota United with the bye week.

Goalkeepers

Strongly Consider

For a total of just $8.9m, a keeperoo with Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders) and Logan Ketterer (Portland Timbers), looks like great value.

For anyone not convinced by that approach, look at Phelipe Megiolaro (FC Dallas), Joe Willis (Nashville SC) or whoever starts for CF Montreal.

Defenders

Must Have

Brad Smith (Seattle Sounders) – goal threat, clean sheet chance. Buy him.

Strongly Consider

Doubling up on Seattle defenders wouldn’t be a bad idea. Consider Alex Roldan who has two assists in addition to four clean sheets this season.

A home match against Columbus Crew wouldn’t normally be seen as a great clean sheet opportunity. But the Crew’s poor recent attacking numbers mean that, if fit, Anton Tinnerholm (New York City FC) could provide a shut out in addition to his regular attacking production.

Think About

This looks (on paper anyway) to be one of the better weeks for clean sheet hunting. Other teams to consider include FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution and Nashville SC, who are returning to last season’s level of reliability.

Midfield

Must Have

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is the standout premium midfielder this week. Assuming he plays centrally, a double figure return isn’t out of the question. He’s also a potential captain.

Think About

Deciding on which three Seattle players to go with is one of this week’s big decisions. Joao Paulo and Cristian Roldan should be in the mix.

Jesus Medina (New York City FC) has made an excellent start to the season but, unlike many of the top midfielders, he is goal dependent and doesn’t generate as many bonus points.

Nashville SC pair, Randall Leal and Hany Mukhtar play in the last fixture, at home to Austin FC. Put one in your lineup and wait and see how your bench works out.

Possible midfield bench options include Yimmi Chara (Portland Timbers) and Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal). 

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) has four goals and an assist in three home games. He’s an obvious choice this week as the Sounders welcome Atlanta United.

Think About

Chicharito (LA Galaxy) is always a goal threat and will like his chances of managing at least one at Portland Timbers.

At just $5.2m, Bjorn Johnsen (CF Montreal) could be the bargain of the weekend. After two goals in Miami last week, he’s an ideal candidate for the bench in the first match of the gameweek v FC Cincinnati.

Other strikers who should be in your thoughts are Romell Quioto (CF Montreal), Valentin Castellanos (New York City FC) and Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City).

Beware

Carlos Vela (LAFC) is on the way back to fitness, making an appearance from the bench against Seattle last time. Be ready to change your lineup if you want to accommodate him should he start against Colorado Rapids.