One of the ‘joys’ of MLS Fantasy Soccer is that the season continues during international weeks. Gameweek 19 is one such week so check who is available – and who isn’t – for this round.

There are only 9 fixtures, with Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, CF Montreal, DC United, LA Galaxy, Minnesota United, New York Red Bulls, Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC all missing out.

Goalkeeper

Think About

Nashville SC and Philadelphia Union have home games in the opening matches of the week so either Joe Willis or Matt Freese is worth a spot on the bench.

Mason Stajduhar (Orlando City) should stand in for Pedro Gallese with the Lions managing clean sheets in each of their last two home games.

Kenneth Vermeer (FC Cincinnati) and JT Marcinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes) are also worth some thought.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

A clean sheet and an assist helped Dan Lovitz (Nashville SC) on his way to 11 points at Atlanta United last week. This week he faces NYCFC at home.

Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) has reached double figures twice in his last five starts and continues to provide defensive and attacking potential – though more of the latter this week.

Antonio Carlos (Orlando City) has scored 38 fantasy points over his past four appearances, including clean sheets in his last two games.

Think About

Other options this time include Andreu Fontas (Sporting Kansas City), Geoff Cameron (FC Cincinnati) and Nathan (San Jose Earthquakes).

Midfield

Strongly Consider

Opponents NYCFC have defensive absences and haven’t won in their last five away games, so Hany Mukhtar looks like a sensible choice. The German has 27 points from his last three games.

Ryan Gauld (Vancouver Whitecaps) has made a spectacular start to his MLS career. Despite not going beyond 75 minutes, he has managed two goals and two assists during his limited minutes. This week he faces an Austin FC side who conceded five last week.

Think About

He’s back in training but how many minutes will Carles Gil (New England Revolution) get this week? If he starts, consider him for your bench but it may be another couple of weeks before we see him back to his best.

Nani (Orlando City), Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew), Lucho Acosta (FC Cincinnati) and Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake) all look like solid choices this week.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

CJ Sapong (Nashville SC) has four goals in four games and while being very goal reliant for fantasy points, is another strong contender for the bench.

One of the few highlights of Austin FC’s hammering against FC Dallas was the form of Sebastian Driussi. His 14 points followed on from 11 points the previous week against Portland Timbers. He is also picking up significant bonus points. The only question is can he produce this type of form on the road?

Think About

Also in the mix this week are Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC), Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution), Cristian Arango (LAFC), Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City) and Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas).