It’s the smallest of double gameweeks for the latest instalment of MLS Fantasy Soccer 2022. FC Cincinnati and Toronto FC are the only teams doubling up as they face each other in the opening game of the week.

Goalkeeper

Essential: None

Recommended: Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls) Sean Johnson (NYCFC)

Coronel and the Red Bulls have three clean sheets in their last five games and are up against the Timbers who have blanked in their last two away games.

NYCFC have clean sheets in two of their last three and will be strong favourites against Sporting KC.

Possible: Roman Celetano (FC Cincinnati) Alex Bono (Toronto FC) Joe Willis (Nashville SC) Andrew Tarbell (Austin FC)

Defenders

Essential: None

Recommended: Rudy Camacho (CF Montreal) Brandon Bye (New England Revolution) DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) Julio Cascante (Austin FC)

Montreal have a total xGA of 2.2 from their three home games but be careful with Camacho as midfield regulars, Kone and Wanyama, are suspended.

Jones returned 13 points last week while Bye has the higher average for the season. Both have solid attacking potential although a home game against Columbus won’t be easy.

One goal, three assists, three clean sheets and nine defensive bonus points have helped Cascante to be the highest scoring defender so far this season.

Possible: Christian Fuchs (Charlotte FC) Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) Alexander Callens (NYCFC) Kemar Lawrence (Minnesota United) Diego Palacios (LAFC) Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Midfield

Essential: Lucho Acosta (FC Cincinnati) Carles Gil (New England Revolution)

Acosta can be a frustrating player but with two matches and scores of 7, 6, 9, 9 and 8 in his last five, his inclusion is a must.

Another week, another 13 points. Gil is also a must.

Recommended: Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC) Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) Santi Rodriguez (NYCFC) Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United)

Whether it’s in the starting lineup or from the bench, Osorio and Pozuelo are obvious picks this week. Osorio is scoring slightly more but both are capable of double figures this week. Just be aware that Osorio reportedly left training this week.

Santi has 27 points from his past three games and comes up against SKC who have lost all five road games.

If there were no double gameweek options, then Reynoso would be heading towards essential territory. He scored 13 and 14 in his last two home games and this week plays against FC Cincinnati who will be on their second game of the round.

Possible: Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal) Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls) Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC)

Forwards

Essential: Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC)

Taty was a disappointment last week but is still the best striking option in the game.

Recommended: Jesus Jimenez (Toronto FC)

With five goals in five games, Jimenez is a solid, dependable source of goals – and he has two chances this week.

Possible: Brenner (FC Cincinnati) Brandon Vazquez (FC Cincinnati) Karol Swiderski (Charlotte FC) Rommell Quioto (CF Montreal) Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas) CJ Sapong (Nashville SC) Max Urruti (Austin FC)