While Sporting Kansas City and Austin FC kicked off gameweek 8 of MLS Fantasy Soccer with a draw last Saturday, the remaining fixtures take place this weekend.

With Covid-19, injuries and other players on the way back to fitness or from international duty, this week could be a tricky one to negotiate – so, where possible, keep an eye on the line ups.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

While many managers will already have committed one half of their keeperoo to Tim Melia or Brad Struver, Evan Bush (Columbus Crew) looks set to cover for Eloy Room, for quarantine reasons.

Think About

Other keepers worth a look are David Ochoa (Real Salt Lake), Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas) and Bill Hamid (DC United).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Real Salt Lake have one of the better fixtures of the week as they take on a Vancouver Whitecaps side amongst the lowest in the league for shots at goal and shots on target. Andrew Brody and Aaron Herrera are both $6.0m or less.

Think About

If you have the budget, Anton Tinnerholm (New York City) is usually an attacking threat in a solid defence, though New England Revolution won’t be easy opponents.

Likewise, Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) is expensive and with good reason – he has four clean sheets and three assists in his last five games and is averaging more than 8 points per game. But is he worth it for a trip to Atlanta United?

Columbus Crew haven’t had the start to the season that many expected but have a reasonable clean sheet chance against Chicago Fire, who have failed to score in their last two away games.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

If you have a bench spot left, Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls) or Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake) could be the answer. Both have goalscoring possibilities in early home games.

Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders) consistently brings fantasy returns, managing 9 points last time (v Austin FC) despite no goal or assist. This week he’s up against a poor LA Galaxy defence.

Think About

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is still a sensible choice, though travelling to NYCFC means that he’s perhaps not the best selection for captain this time.

In his last home game, Eduard Atuesta (LAFC) managed only two points against NYCFC. But in the three previous games at the Banc of California Stadium, he ended up with scores of 8, 10 and 8 so don’t be put off by one poor game.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) may head to the Galaxy game with a point to prove after being left out of Peru’s Copa America squad and scored twice when he last faced the same opposition.

Consider Rubio Rubin (Real Salt Lake), assuming he’s available after training with Guatemala. Rubin has four goals in six games, just don’t count on him providing bonus points.

Think About

Ola Kamara (DC United) ended up with two goals and an assist last time out at Inter Miami. This week he is at home against the same side.

Other striking options this week include Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) and Diego Rossi or Carlos Vela from LAFC.