The penultimate round of MLS Fantasy Soccer 2020 is another monster gameweek with every team facing two fixtures. For anyone chasing a higher overall rank or a mini league victory, perhaps it’s time to take a risk or two.

Goalkeeper

There are a number of decent keeper options for this week. Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas), Quentin Westberg (Toronto FC) and Steve Clark (Portland Timbers) all have two home games and deserve some consideration.

Defenders

Think About

Toronto coverage at the back may seem strange on the back of a 5-0 hammering at Philadelphia. But TFC have two home fixtures and three clean sheets in the past five games.

Reto Ziegler (FC Dallas) is averaging six points per game and has two clean sheets in his last three matches. His colleague, Bressan, is less than half the price at $5m.

Orlando City have games against Atlanta United (home) and Montreal Impact (away) and could deliver at least one shut out.

LAFC have had mixed fortunes at the back this season but have two clean sheets in their last four home games. Eddie Segura ($7.8m) is a possible option.

Midfield

Must Have

If you can’t afford Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) and Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) then make sure you have at least one of them.

Strongly Consider

Expect at least one big performance from Diego Valeri (at home to LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps) as Portland Timbers push to finish top of the Western Conference.

Think About

Pedro Santos (Columbus Crew) has been outstanding this season but has tricky fixtures at a rejuvenated DC United and at home to Philadelphia Union.

He may only start one of Philadelphia Union’s matches this week but when he’s in from the start, Anthony Fontana usually delivers. Despite being on the field for little over 400 minutes this season, Fontana has six goals.

Forwards

Must Have

He’s back and already has a goal. Carlos Vela (LAFC) made a 20 minute return against LA Galaxy and the only real gamble with Vela is leaving him out.

Strongly Consider

Despite his 8^th straight game without a goal Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) produced three assists and 14 points against Toronto FC. He has two more chances to get back on the scoresheet.

Think About

Montreal’s Romell Quioto has scored in his last three games and could be a decent option for games against Nashville and Orlando.

Alternatively, one of Portland’s two main strikers, Felipe Mora or Jeremy Ebobisse would be cheaper third striker options.

Gameweek 12 of MLS Fantasy Soccer sees four teams – FC Dallas, Nashville SC, New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union – facing a double gameweek. The rest all must make do with one match.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Joe Willis (Nashville SC) is ideal for anyone running a keeperoo. His two fixtures will have been completed before most of the SGW teams have stepped onto the pitch so put Willis on the bench to start with.

Think About

Sean Johnson (New York City) and Andrew Putna (Real Salt Lake) are possible choices for the second keeper spot should Willis not bring back a decent return.

Defenders

Must Have

Anton Tinnerholm (New York City) is the highest scoring defender in Fantasy MLS this season. A home game against Montreal Impact has the potential for attacking and defensive points.

Strongly Consider

Nashville have managed seven clean sheets this season. Walker Zimmerman ($11.1m) and Dave Romney ($7.5m) will hopefully have two chances to add to that total.

Think About

Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) is listed as a defender but often plays much further upfield. Definitely worth considering.

Midfield

Must Have

Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) faces a vital top of the table clash against old rivals, Portland Timbers. Expect fantasy points, even if he doesn’t score or assist.

Strongly Consider

Lee Nguyen will start at least one of New England’s two fixtures and can generate points, regardless of the opposition.

Lewis Morgan has delivered 45 points from his last five games and continues to be Inter Miami’s best option. He may even benefit from Gonzalo Higuain’s suspension.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

While El Trafico hasn’t always been kind to LAFC, their attackers will relish a home game against the Galaxy, given the visitors current form. The returning Diego Rossi or Bradley Wright Phillips could be in for a good week.

Think About

Lucas Cavellini (Vancouver Whitecaps) has three goals in his last three games and is worth a look for a home game against San Jose Earthquakes.

In the same match, anyone playing catch up and looking for a differential could go for Andres Rios. The San Jose striker has three goals in his last five games.

Beware

Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) has gone six games without a goal and has last four appearances have resulted in a total of just 10 fantasy points. Despite being on a DGW, there are better options.

There’s little time for MLS Fantasy Soccer managers to recover from Gameweek 9. Less than 48 hours later, Gameweek 10 kicks-off as Nashville SC host Minnesota United. The lineups this week will be impacted by some big names away on international duty.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Eloy Room (Columbus Crew) and Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union) are obvious keeper candidates this week. The Crew have conceded only one goal in their last five home games but there may be fitness concerns regarding Room, so check the starting XI. The Union, meanwhile, have favourable home games against FC Cincinnati and Montreal Impact.

Think About

If you have the budget for a keeperoo Nashville keeper, Joe Willis, is worth a punt. He’s a reasonable $7.4m and has two shut outs in his last three matches.

Defenders

Must Have

Anton Tinnerholm has scored in his last two games for NYCFC, meaning he has four goals, two assists and four clean sheets this season. He faces DC United and New England, both at home.

Strongly Consider

As discussed already, having Columbus and Philadelphia defensive cover looks like a plan this week. If you can afford more than $10m for Jonathan Mensah or Jakob Glesnes, go for it. If you’re looking for cheaper alternatives, there’s Josh Williams and/or Matthew Real.

Think About

Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) racked up a sensational 23 points at DC United, including a goal, two assists and a clean sheet. Still only $8.2m, Lennon could deliver more attacking returns at home to Orlando and NYRB.

Roman Torres or Brad Smith could prove a cheap way into the Seattle defence – if selected.

Midfield

Must Have

Last time out, Nicolas Lodeiro and Joao Paulo (both Seattle Sounders) managed 10 points each. Don’t rule out a repeat if both start against Real Salt Lake and LAFC.

Strongly Consider

Like Lodeiro, Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) is averaging more than 8.5 points per game. If you can justify the $16.5m price, then you’re almost guaranteed a decent points return.

Pedro Santos (Columbus Crew) is delivering over 7.5 points per game and is a more realistic $11.2m. He will also be vital to the Crew in the absence of Lucas Zelarayan.

Think About

The Chicago Fire pair of Fabian Herbers and Alvaro Medran have been in the points recently and could be again – particularly in an appealing second fixture at home to DC United.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Any two from Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew) or Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) should contribute to a productive gameweek.

Think About

Ayo Akinola impressed at MLS is Back and managed his second regular season goal against Philadelphia last week. He’s still only $5.4m and could be a good bench option.

Bradley Wright Phillips continues to impress. Despite only playing 65 minutes at Real Salt Lake, he came up with a goal and an assist, outscoring Diego Rossi and Brian Rodriguez.

Another veteran still doing the business is Kai Kamara. Now on his eighth MLS club, Kamara scored his first goal for Minnesota during Gameweek 9 and is another budget striking option.

MLS is going old school this week as every team involved has only one fixture, with not a double gameweek in sight. The exceptions are Portland and Colorado, who don’t have a game due to the Covid-19 situation at the Rapids.

For fantasy managers it should be easier to decide on scrubs and keeperoos than in previous weeks, and there’s no concerns about rotation.

Goalkeeper

Think About

Matt Turner (New England Revolution) has a home fixture against Nashville, who have failed to score in four of their last five road games. Alternatively, Dayne St.Clair (Minnesota United) takes on an FC Cincinnati side who have drawn a blank in three of their last five away games.

In the later matches, Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders) has a decent clean sheet opportunity at home to Vancouver who have consistently struggled away, including a 6-0 hammering at LAFC last week. If you want to save funds for elsewhere in your squad then Andrew Putna could be a bargain at just $5.7m. The Real Salt Lake stopper has 18 points from his last two games and takes on LAFC, who were beaten 3-0 in their last trip to Utah.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

If Turner is too expensive for your New England defensive cover then Brandon Bye and Andrew Farrell are more reasonably priced. Likewise, Minnesota United and Seattle defenders are solid options for this week.

Think About

With a home fixture against Philadelphia Union approaching, Toronto FC perhaps isn’t the obvious place to look for a defender. But selecting Richie Laryea would be more about attack than defence. Returns of 8 and 14 during gameweek 8 included a goal and two assists against Columbus.

Midfield

Must Have

When it comes to Seattle attacking options, the hardest decision is who to leave out. Nicolas Lodeiro ($14.7m) is the normal ‘go-to’ as he provides consistent big returns and takes penalties. But Joao Paulo ($11.7m) is a cheaper option, averaging 8 points per game over the past five games, compared to 8.8 for Lodeiro.

Strongly Consider

Kevin Molino (Minnesota United) has managed more than 70 minutes four times this season – in each of those four games he has reached double figures in fantasy points. A home game against FC Cincinnati could see that run continue.

Think About

Molino’s Minnesota team-mate, Emanuel Reynoso, Darwin Quintero (Houston Dynamo) and the Orlando pair Nani and Chris Mueller are all worth a look this week. And don’t rule Chicago Fire midfielders – the trio of Alvaro Medran, Gaston Giminez and Fabian Herbers are in form and worth considering.

Forwards

Seriously Consider

Again, Seattle players are high on the list. Jordan Morris and Raul Ruidiaz are always a threat and have a favourable match.

Then, of course, there’s Gonzalo Higuain. His debut against Philadelphia didn’t go to plan with the penalty miss, but don’t let that put you off. A fit and firing Higuain could bring big returns and is good value at $9.5m.

Think About

There are also some decent budget striking options. Kei Kamara (Minnesota United), Bradley Wright-Phillips (LAFC) and Tom Barlow (New York Red Bulls) could all prove useful bench options if you’ve spent most of your budget on other areas of the team.

The ultimate double gameweek is here. Every MLS team faces two fixtures in the days ahead, meaning a huge array of options for fantasy managers.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Since the resumption of the MLS season, New England Revolution have managed two cleans sheets (v Philadelphia Union and NYC FC) in four home games. Matches at home to Montreal and away to DC United mean Matt Turner has a reasonable chance of more shut outs.

Think About

Luis Robles (Inter Miami) is a cheaper option and faces his former side, New York Red Bulls.

Pablo Sisniega (LAFC) is a cheap keeperoo option at just $4.3m and plays in the last match of the first round of fixtures.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Alexander Buttner (New England Revolution) has clean sheet and assist potential. Team mate Andrew Farrell has a lower average but is a less expensive route into the Revolution defence.

Think About

Nashville have two home contests, against DC United and Houston. Dave Romney is worth considering at $6.4m.

Beware

Columbus Crew defenders are normally solid fantasy options. However, games against Minnesota (home) and Toronto (away) mean there might be better value elsewhere.

Midfield

Must Have

With Sebastian Blanco injured, Diego Valeri is once more the main man when it comes to the Portland Timbers midfield – as show by his 19 points last week against San Jose. He may not reach those heights against Seattle, but double figures isn’t unrealistic. Don’t let potential rotation v Vancouver put you off.

Strongly Consider

If your budget allows it, take one or both of Alejandro Pozuelo and Nicolas Lodeiro. Opposition proof, and both take penalties.

Think About

Over his part four fixtures, Kevin Molino (Minnesota) has managed returns of 13, 15 and 10. The only downside is that his better fixture of the gameweek (at home to Real Salt Lake) comes second and he isn’t always guaranteed to start.

At $4.0m, Anthony Fontana is a great bench option. He has three goals in two games…from a grand total of 70 minutes.

Forwards

Must Have

LAFC may have their troubles but Diego Rossi will relish home games against Vancouver and San Jose. Captain material.

Strongly Consider

Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) has found the net six times in six, including a double against Montreal last time out.

Six teams have double fixtures during Gameweek 7 of MLS Fantasy Soccer. However, while it will be tempting to select players who have two chances to run up big scores, many of the best opportunities lie with single gameweek players and teams.

Goalkeeper

Must Have

With Jimmy Maurer injured, Kyle Zobeck (FC Dallas) is a bargain $4.5m and plays against Houston Dynamo in the opening fixture. Get him on your bench.

Think About

Eloy Room (Columbus Crew) and Ryan Meara (New York Red Bulls) are great options to pair with Zobeck for the keeperoo. Or, if you want the benefit of the double gameweek, Montreal’s Clement Diop is worth some thought.

Defenders

Must Have

Columbus have registered clean sheets in their last three home games and four out of their last six in total. They face a Nashville side who have failed to find the net in three of their last four road games.

Harrison Afful, John Mensah and Milton Valenzuela are all around $10.0m but have big clean sheet potential this week.

Strongly Consider

Joevin Jones (Seattle Sounders) failed to keep a clean sheet against San Jose but managed a monster 21 points mostly through attacking returns – and this week he faces LAFC.

Think About

Orlando City and New York Red Bulls defenders should also be considered as they face poor travellers, FC Cincinnati and Chicago Fire.

Avoid

LAFC have conceded three in each of their last three away matches. They return to Seattle, the scene of one of those defensive disasters – avoid.

Midfield

Think About

It’s natural to immediately think about premium midfielders like Lodeiro and Pozuelo. But this week there are a number of viable mid-range options which will free up funds to be spent elsewhere.

Gadi Kinda, Johnny Russell, Michael Barrios, Albert Rusnak, Damir Kreilach, Pedro Santos, Chris Muller and Hany Mukhtar are all available for under $10.0m.

Forwards

Must Have

The only issue this week with Seattle forwards is deciding which one to select. Jordan Morris scored 20 points last week against San Jose and Raul Ruidiaz…also scored 20 points. Toss a coin or pick both.

Think About

LA Galaxy are becoming more reliable in general and Cristian Pavon has delivered 41 points in his last five matches.

Ariel Lassiter (Houston Dynamo) is a newcomer to MLS but in a 35 minute cameo against Minnesota United on his debut he managed 11 points. He hasn’t reached those heights again but, at $7.0m, he could be useful from the bench if funds are limited.

Gameweek 6 of MLS Fantasy Soccer is an interesting one. Ten teams face double fixtures but many of the best options lie with the single gameweek players.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Luis Robles (Inter Miami) has two games, plays in one of the week’s opening matches and has clean sheet potential at home to Atlanta.

It’s not clear who will start for Minnesota United between Greg Ranjitsingh and Dayne St Clair – they may play one game each. Like Robles, one of the Minnesota pair could form part of a keeperoo with a keeper playing later in the week.

Defenders

Must Have

Anton Tinnerholm (New York City) has one goal, one assist and three clean sheets from his past four games. A home match against FC Cincinnati represents a great opportunity to improve on that already impressive record.

Think About

Dave Romney is a cheaper Nashville option than Walker Zimmerman and has returns of 9,9,3 and 8 since the return of the regular season. He faces Atlanta who needed a late equaliser at Orlando last time out.

Beware Of

Seattle Sounders defenders may look appealing with a home fixture, but San Jose Earthquakes seem to manage a goal, even when conceding several at the other end.

Midfield

Must Have

Darwin Quintero is in sensational form, reaching double figures in each of his last three games. He has two chances (at Colorado and FC Dallas) to bring in more big numbers.

Sebastian Lletget is also impossible to ignore. 42 points in four games since the return of the regular season and still excellent value at $9.4m.

Strongly Consider

Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto) is an almost permanent fixture in this blog. When he’s not trying to pass penalty kicks he’s one of the top fantasy options. The only concern is that after playing against him so often recently, Montreal might work out a way of stopping him.

Forwards

Must Have

Despite a rise of $1m in his price, Diego Rossi (LAFC) continues to be an essential part of any line up. Expect him to provide at least one big performance against Real Salt Lake or Portland Timbers.

Strongly Consider Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) may fly under the radar but he is a consistent scorer with four in four and is worth considering for the home game against New England.

It’s another quick turnaround as we head into Gameweek 5 of MLS Fantasy Soccer. As was the case in Gameweek 3, it’s a huge card with 22 teams facing double fixtures. Only FC Dallas, Colorado, Montreal and Vancouver have one match.

Goalkeeper

Must Have

Quentin Westberg (Toronto FC) is a must on the bench for anyone playing a keeperoo. Toronto are at home to a Montreal side they defeated 1-0 last week. If the home game is as comfortable as the win in Quebec last time, double Toronto defensive cover is essential.

Think About

Ryan Meara (New York Red Bulls) has a promising game against DC United but should find it tougher against Philadelphia at the weekend.

Columbus also face the Union as well as a ‘Hell is Real’ derby against FC Cincinnati, so Eloy Room ($8.5m) is worth considering as back up to Westberg.

Matt Turner (New England) faces New York City at home before a visit to Chicago and is another contender for the second goalkeeper spot.

Defenders

Must Have

As mentioned above, doubling up on TFC defence could bring big returns. Richie Laryea ($7.0m) sat out against Montreal but if he returns, he will be looking for his third goal of the regular season as well as a clean sheet.

Beware of

Atlanta and LAFC both conceded three times in Gameweek 4 and don’t look as reliable at the back as in previous years.

Midfield

Must Have

Again, it’s hard to look past Toronto. Alejandro Pozuelo is essential and a solid captaincy choice.

Strongly Consider

Sebastian Blanco (Portland Timbers) scored another spectacular goal against Real Salt Lake and is a good option for this week.

Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) had a quiet game against FC Cincinnati but has the return fixture this week along with a tricky contest against Philadelphia.

Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) has scored seven and eight points in his last two games. Don’t be surprised if he hits a similar level against RSL and/or Portland.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Diego Rossi (LAFC) seems to step up in the absence of Carlos Vela and is a very reasonable $9.6m.

Likewise, Gustavo Bou (New England) seems to have found a way to continue being productive without Carles Gil, scoring in each of his last two games.

Think About

Bradley Wright Phillips ($5.5m) is a cheaper way into the LAFC attack and Daryl Dike (Orlando City) has made an excellent start to his MLS career, including fantasy scores of 10 and 13 in the past three games.