It’s another quick turnaround and another double gameweek for the 17^th round of MLS Fantasy Soccer. Nashville SC and LAFC have one game, everyone else plays twice.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Take Jonathan Bond (LA Galaxy) or JT Marchinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes) for one game on the bench. If it doesn’t work, then move onto a keeper with two games still to play.

From those later fixtures Matt Turner (New England Revolution) has two home games against DC United and FC Cincinnati.

Think About

Kenneth Vermeer (FC Cincinnati), Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls) and Brad Stuver (Austin FC) all have clean sheet chances this week.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) managed 8 points at Toronto FC last week and has two home games. His team-mate, Brandon Bye, is also a good option.

Aaron Herrera (Real Salt Lake) has two clean sheets and 20 points in his last three home games.

Think About

Other defenders for this week include Kyle Duncan (New York Red Bulls), Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy) and some Philadelphia Union or Sporting Kansas City cover.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

Tajon Buchanan is another strong New England option this week.

Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake) has 16 points from his last two games and the home game with Houston Dynamo looks like a chance for more points.

Think About

Despite only five points against LAFC, Marcelino Moreno (Atlanta United) is worth considering and Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) is a promising SGW option after 12 points against DC United.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa (both New England Revolution) are amongst the best striker choices this week.

Likewise, the Sporting Kansas City due, Daniel Salloi and Alan Pulido, should be in your thoughts.

And if you need someone to save your gameweek, Carlos Vela (LAFC) plays his only match in the final fixture of the round.

There are twelve fixtures during gameweek 16 of MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021. FC Cincinnati, Orlando City and Philadelphia Union are on a bye week and be aware of possible rotation following MLS involvement in the Leagues Cup (NYCFC, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City).

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Tyler Miller (Minnesota United) plays early in the gameweek (v LA Galaxy) and is a good bench option.

With a home game against an Inter Miami side who blanked three times on the road before scoring at Orlando City last week, Sean Johnson (NYCFC) is also a strong keeper candidate this week.

Think About

Other options for between the posts are JT Marcinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes), William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids) and Joe Willis (Nashville SC).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Nathan (San Jose Earthquakes) hasn’t scored less than five fantasy points in any of his opening seven MLS games. Despite only one clean sheet his bonus point potential makes him a great bench option this week. Just be aware of possible concerns about a head knock suffered last time out.

That Miami game looks like a good matchup for NYCFC so Alexander Callens or Anton Tinnerholm are sound choices.

Minnesota United have five clean sheets from their nine home games. If Nathan isn’t for you, have some Minnesota coverage on the bench.

Think About

With 37 points from six home starts, Aaron Herrera is worth a look as Real Salt Lake welcome Austin FC to Rio Tinto stadium.

From the away sides this week, consider DeJuan Jones or Brandon Bye from New England Revolution.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

The Minnesota United pair of Robin Lod and Emanuel Reynoso are amongst the top midfield choices this week. Lod has the slightly higher average, but Reynoso has greater bonus point potential.

With 61 points from his last seven appearances, Marcelino Moreno is part of an Atlanta United who are starting to find the net on a regular basis – Moreno has scored in each of his last three games.

Think About

Maxi Morales (NYCFC) has 42 fantasy points from his last five games but played the full 120 minutes against Pumas UNAM this week. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi may be a fresher alternative.

Other midfield options this week (and there are plenty) include Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC), Tajon Buchanan (New England Revolution), Ezequiel Barco (Atlanta United), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) and the Real Salt Lake duo Damir Kreilach and Albert Rusnak.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

He might be on the road, at FC Dallas, but Daniel Salloi (Sporting Kansas City) looks like a good choice this week. His last four fantasy scores are 8, 8, 7 and 12.

Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) has four goals from his last four games and, despite a penalty miss against Philadelphia Union last week, still ended up with 8 points.

Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC) returned scores of 13 and 9 in his last two fixtures and managed 11 points at Toronto FC last week. However, he also played the full 120 against Pumas.

Think About

Don’t rule out Carlos Vela (LAFC), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas) and Josef Martinez (Atlanta United).

If your days are empty without MLS Fantasy Soccer then, while that’s slightly concerning, you don’t have long to wait for gameweek 15. It’s another monster with 23 teams playing twice, while Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United, Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps have one fixture each.

Remember to factor in players returning from Gold Cup duty.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Eloy Room may seem like a strange choice after a 4-1 defeat at NYCFC, but Columbus Crew tend to be more defensively reliable at home and have two games on their own ground, including one of the first matches of the round, against DC United.

Think About

There doesn’t seem to be many keepers with two strong clean sheet chances this week. Other options include worth looking at this week include Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls), Brad Stuver (Austin FC) and William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

With a goal and both attacking and defensive points last time out, Brandon Bye (New England Revolution) ended up with 13 points from the win at New York Red Bulls.

Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) may not match last week’s 14-point return, but he could provide a decent fantasy score in his first game of the week, against Toronto FC.

High floor favourites Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew), Matt Besler (Austin FC) and Yeimar Gomez Andrade (Seattle Sounders) all have at least one home fixture.

Think About

Other defensive options this week include Kyle Duncan (New York Red Bulls), Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy) and some DC United, Minnesota United or Orlando City coverage.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

With two goals and two assists in his last three games, Nani (Orlando City) is a man in form. Matches against Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati should see at least one decent return.

It was another good week for Jose Cifuentes (LAFC). A sixth straight game scoring six points or above is an impressive run.

Think About

Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) is always a threat, but his selection would be based on fixtures rather than form. If going with a Crew midfielder, Pedro Santos may be a better option.

Don’t rule out some single gameweek options. The Minnesota United pair of Emanuel Reynoso and Robin Lod again look like solid selections and then there’s Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders).

For New England coverage, consider Tajon Buchanan or Arnor Ingvi Traustason.

Beware

If you aren’t already aware, Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is reportedly out with a hernia problem.

Forwards

Must Have

Four goals in four games means Carlos Vela (LAFC) is once again essential.

Strongly Consider

The New England Revolution pair, Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa, are in good form and have two home matches. Bou have 30 points from his last three starts while Buksa has 38 points from his last four starts. Gil’s absence may mean more involvement for Bou, but does it make Buksa less of a goal threat?

Think About

Another pair who could work out this week are Fabio and Patryk Klimala (New York Red Bulls). Facing FC Cincinnati (home) and Chicago Fire (away) should present opportunities for fantasy returns.

Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) has three goals in four games and is a reliable source of goals – but will the impending departure of Jamiro Monteiro impact on his productivity?

Gameweek 14 sees us pass the halfway point of the MLS Fantasy Soccer season. Hopefully the 2021 game has been kind to you so far but, if not, there is still plenty of time to rescue your season.

This week Minnesota United have a double week while it’s one game each for the rest.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

LAFC have conceded in each of their last three games but Tomas Romero is still worth a place on the bench for the opening game of the week against Minnesota United.

As mentioned above, Minnesota have two matches so (assuming he’s selected for both) Tyler Miller has two chances at the clean sheet.

Luiz Barraza (NYCFC) ended up with two clean sheets and an assist last week and is another low-cost bench option in a potentially tight game against Columbus Crew.

Philadelphia Union have managed clean sheets in three of their last four home games and could have Andre Blake back for the game against Chicago Fire.

Think About

Other shot-stopping options this week include Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders) and Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Minnesota United coverage of some kind seems like a good idea despite both of their games being on the road.

Matt Besler (Austin FC) doesn’t need a clean sheet for a decent fantasy score and is a solid choice for the home game with Colorado Rapids.

Another player with a relatively high floor option Andreu Fontas (Sporting Kansas City) who has a chance of a shutout against FC Dallas.

Seattle Sounders have one of the better fixtures this week at home to San Jose Earthquakes. Yeimar Gomez Andrade and Alex Roldan (assuming he’s back from the Gold Cup) should be in your thoughts.

Think About

Kim Moon-Hwan (LAFC) and Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) are worth consideration this week.

Midfield

Must Have

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) …of course.

Strongly Consider

An impressive 13-point return against Portland Timbers would have made Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United) a contender for this week – the fact he has two chances is an added bonus.

Lucho Acosta (FC Cincinnati) has 31 points from four games and is showing form similar to his DC United days as he looks forward to facing his old club.

In has past five matches Jose Cifuentes (LAFC) hasn’t gone below six points and, at $8m, is a great bench option.

Think About

Nani (Orlando City) is still producing even if his team are not and Yeferson Soteldo (Toronto FC) has returned double figures twice in four games.

Forwards

Must Have

Carlos Vela (LAFC) is back to being essential, averaging nearly 9 points per game over the last four.

Strongly Consider

Don’t rule out pairing Diego Rossi with Vela for a double LAFC attack or go with Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders), who has five goals in his last eight games.

Think About Daniel Salloi (Sporting Kansas City) has 41 points in his last five games and Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) has scored in each of his last three matches.

A nine-goal thriller, a six-minute hat-trick, a weather delay and locked in players becoming unlocked – gameweek 12 of MLS Fantasy Soccer had it all. But we barely have time to take it all in as another gameweek is already underway.

It’s another huge double week which sees Austin FC and Minnesota United playing once, with everyone else having two matches.

Goalkeeper

Think About

Eloy Room (Columbus Crew), Brad Knighton (New England Revolution) and Luis Barraza (NYCFC) are all solid bench options from the early fixtures. If your choice doesn’t hit, you still have two matches with another keeper. When paired with Tyler Miller (Minnesota United) you can play Room for his two games.

Other keepers to consider this week include Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City), David Ochoa (Real Salt Lake) and Tomas Romero (LAFC).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

After fantasy scores of 13 and 9 on the road, Aaron Herrera (Real Salt Lake) has two promising home fixtures against LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids.

Brandon Bye (New England Revolution) has clean sheet and attacking potential and played 180 minutes in gameweek 9.

Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew) and Andreu Fontas (Sporting Kansas City) have mixed clean sheet opportunities but can still deliver decent scores through bonus points.

Think About

Colorado Rapids and LAFC are worth a look for defensive coverage.

Anton Tinnerholm (NYCFC) perhaps hasn’t been at the same level as in previous years but has two home games. His team-mate, Alexander Callens, has a higher average for the season.

Avoid

With Dan Lovitz and Jack Maher missing due to Covid-19 reasons, it may be best to steer clear of the Nashville SC backline.

Midfield

Must Have

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) remains essential in a week where there are so many midfield options.

Strongly Consider

Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) becomes a stronger option due to the issues with the Nashville defence.

One Nashville player worth a place is Hany Mukhtar. His recent form, including a hat-trick against Chicago Fire, means he is hard to overlook.

Think About

Alvaro Medran (Chicago Fire) has managed scores of 13,11 and 12 in his last three homes games and has two more games at Soldier Field. Just beware that he may play in a deeper position than in recent games.

While he has a higher ceiling, Alejandro Pozuelo is probably a bigger rotation risk than his Toronto FC colleague, Yeferson Soteldo.

Other options for this week include Damir Kreilach and Albert Rusnak (both Real Salt Lake), Nani (Orlando City) and Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders).

Forwards

Must Have

Carlos Vela (LAFC) is a genuine captain alternative to Gil this week and needs to be in there.

Strongly Consider

Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) has six goals in his last seven games and starts the gameweek with a game at Inter Miami.

Think About

Daniel Salloi and Johnny Russell (both Sporting Kansas City) are worth a look, with their first game at home to San Jose Earthquakes. And don’t rule Josef Martinez (Atlanta United) getting back to scoring goals.

Gameweek 12 of MLS Fantasy Soccer sees 12 fixtures with Austin FC, Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City all having a week off.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

He’s expensive at $8.4m but Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls) looks to have a decent shot at a clean sheet. In addition to favourable xGA stats, the Red Bulls have already managed three home clean sheets and their opponents, Inter Miami, have blanked four times on the road this season.

At the other end of the price scale, and the fixture schedule, is Tomas Romero (LAFC). The young keeper has returned an impressive three clean sheets in only four appearances and faces Real Salt Lake at home.

Think About

Other strong keeperoo candidates this week are James Pantemis (CF Montreal) and Joe Willis (Nashville SC).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Two goals conceded at home wasn’t the outcome many expected from Nashville’s home game against Atlanta United last week. But don’t rule out Dan Lovitz or Jack Maher for their home fixture with Chicago Fire as the visitors have only scored once in four away games in 2021.

Auston Trusty and Keegan Rosenberry (both Colorado Rapids) have each scored more than 40 points over their five games. They take on San Jose Earthquakes.

After scores of 3 & 2 in his last two matches, Kyle Duncan (New York Red Bulls) could bounce back against Inter Miami.

Think About

CF Montreal and LAFC defensive cover is also worth considering.

Midfield

Must Have

Carlos Gil (New England Revolution).

Strongly Consider

A change of coach has already made a difference at Toronto FC with Alejandro Pozuelo and Yeferson Soteldo scoring points and making themselves serious fantasy options. Pozuelo probably has the higher ceiling, but Soteldo outscored him 11-6 last week.

Jose Cifuentes may not be the first name you think of when it comes to the LAFC attack but don’t sleep on him. The $7m midfielder has three goals and an assist in his past five games. Cifuentes also managed a respectable five points against FC Dallas in GW9, despite not scoring or assisting.

Think About

In a week where there appears to be plenty of midfield options, other names worth some thought include Cristian Casseres Jr (New York Red Bulls), Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal) or one of the Nashville pair Randall Leal or Hany Mukhtar.

Beware

Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union) is suspended due to yellow accommodation. He seems set to be replaced by Daniel Gazdag who could be an interesting differential at $7.6m.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Carlos Vela (LAFC) may not be back at his free scoring best but he’s getting there. He seems the most obvious striker selection this week.

From the early kick-offs, a New York Red Bulls attacker looks like a wise move as they host Inter Miami. Given his penalty goal last week Patryk Klimala may be a slightly better choice than Fabio.

Think About

Other front three contenders this week include Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union), Diego Rubio (Colorado Rapids) and the ever-reliable Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders).

As one gameweek closes, another one opens. We are quickly onto chapter 11 of this season’s MLS Fantasy Soccer with DC United, Inter Miami, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City all enjoying a week off. And remember, some big names will be on international duty for the Concacaf Gold Cup.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Brad Knighton (New England Revolution) should cover for Matt Turner and plays Toronto FC in the first match of the week. An obvious choice for the bench in a keeperoo but beware of a Toronto reaction following the dismissal of Chris Armas.

Stefan Frei is on the way back to fitness but, in the meantime, Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders) is still a great bargain option at just $5.3m. This week he is at home to Houston Dynamo.

Think About

CF Montreal have kept clean sheets in their last two homes games so James Pantemis is worth a look. However, opponents NYCFC have scored in all four road games this year.

Other possible keeper targets include William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids) and Joe Willis (Nashville SC).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) has managed 24 fantasy points in his last four games despite the Revs failing to record a clean sheet in that time.

Nashville SC have been inconsistent defensively, but some coverage looks like a good move for a home game against Atlanta United. The Five Stripes have failed to score in each of their last three games, two of which were away from home.

Think About

Austin FC v LAFC could be a low scoring encounter and Seattle Sounders have a favourable match against Houston Dynamo.

Beware

On the subject of Seattle, Jimmy Medranda is listed as a defender but has played much further forward in some of his limited appearances this season. He’s appealing at his price ($5.2m) but against Colorado Rapids at the weekend, he was subbed on 56 minutes and could miss out on clean sheet points if he is withdrawn early again.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

After a six game stretch where his fantasy scores were no lower than 9 points, Carles Gil’s (New England Revolution) production has dipped with returns of four and three in his last two matches. Whether it’s a temporary blip or the start of a longer period of poor form, remains to be seen.

The same fixture may see the return of Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) to the starting XI.

Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders) hasn’t gone below six points in home games during 2021.

Think About

Franco Fragapagne (Minnesota United) has delivered 34 points in his opening four MLS games. While Colorado away isn’t the easiest of ties it’s hard to ignore Fragapagne’s recent form.

Other midfielders worth considering include Ignacio Aliseda (Chicago Fire), Jared Stroud (Austin FC), Randall Leal (Nashville SC) and Lucho Acosta (FC Cincinnati).

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) has scored in each of his last five appearances and could do the same against Toronto.

While he only managed three points against Colorado last time out, Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) remains one of the most consistent goalscorers, and fantasy performers, in the game.

Think About

For differential potential think about CJ Sapong (Nashville) and Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas).

Gameweek 10 of MLS Fantasy Soccer is almost upon us and, with the exception of NYCFC who are on a bye, it’s a single game for each team.

Goalkeepers

Strongly Consider

Pedro Gallese’s continued involvement with Peru at the Copa America means that Brandon Austin (Orlando City) should start against New York Red Bulls. Austin’s price ($4.1m) and an early kick-off make him a contender for a keeperoo.

Bill Hamid (DC United) and his defence have kept three clean sheets in the past four games and face a troubled Toronto FC side.

Austin FC have played out two goalless draws at the Q2 Stadium, so Brad Stuver is another option this week at home to Portland Timbers. He has clean sheet and bonus point possibilities.

Think About

Other keeper options this week include Tyler Miller (Minnesota United) and James Pantemis (CF Montreal).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

As mentioned above, DC United look like one of the best choices when it comes to keeping out the opposition. Look at Brendan Hines-Ike and Donovan Pines.

Clean sheets against Austin and Portland in the past week mean Minnesota United are looking like a solid defence. All of their back four managed double figures during the double gameweek.

Think About

Over the past six games, Kyle Smith (Orlando City) has managed three clean sheets, scored double figures twice and hasn’t scored less than five points during that time.

While FC Dallas have only one clean sheet this season, Ryan Hollingshead has one goal and two assists in his last three home matches.

Jack Maher (Nashville SC) made a spectacular return to MLS, after being recalled from a loan spell in San Diego, with a goal and an assist over his first two games back. He’s very much a differential pick for a tough game against Philadelphia Union.

Midfield

Must Have

The highest scoring fantasy player and averaging more than 10 points per game, Carles Gil (New England Revolution) needs to be in there, regardless of opposition.

Strongly Consider

Nani (Orlando City) produced fantasy scores of 17 and 12 last week and will be a threat to the Red Bulls.

Franco Fragapane (Minnesota United) would have been a solid choice but may miss out due to suspension. As an alternative consider his teammate, Emanuel Reynoso, or Damir Kreilach from Real Salt Lake.

Think About

Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union) and Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders) are two of the most reliable players in the game, both averaging more than seven points per game.

Not far behind them in the averages is Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City) who, since gameweek five, has dipped below seven points only once.

Beware

While the Toronto FC midfield may be weakened by the absence of Alejandro Pozuelo, they could be boosted by the return of Yeferson Soteldo.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Two of the league’s in-form strikers face off as Chicharito and LA Galaxy come up against Daniel Salloi and Sporting Kansas City. Don’t rule out going for both in what could be an open game.

Think About

Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas) has three goals in his last two home games and Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) has four goals in his last five appearances.

Other striking options include Adrien Honou (Minnesota United) and Daryl Dike (Orlando City).

MLS Fantasy Soccer moves quickly from the smallest of double gameweeks to an absolute monster. Gameweek 9 sees 25 teams with two fixtures while Colorado Rapids and Inter Miami play only once.

Goalkeeper

Must Have

At just $4.0m, Brandon Austin (Orlando City) should continue to cover for Pedro Gallese in the first match of the week against San Jose Earthquakes. Start him on your bench.

Strongly Consider

If Austin doesn’t work out, Joe Willis (Nashville SC) and Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders) are relatively inexpensive options for the keeperoo. And both have two home fixtures.

If money is no object then Brad Stuver (Austin FC) continues to be a points magnet, managing 28 in his last three games.

Think About

Bobby Shuttleworth (Chicago Fire) is only $5.5m and has two home games, though the focus should be on the first of those fixtures when the Fire play FC Cincinnati.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

With six clean sheets in eight games and home games against Real Salt Lake and Vancouver Whitecaps, Seattle Sounders coverage seems an obvious choice. In each of his last two games, Yeimar Gomez Andrade (Seattle Sounders) has managed 11 points.

Anton Tinnerholm (NYCFC) also has two home games, and it would be reasonable to expect at least one big return should he play against Atlanta United and DC United.

Think About

Other potential defensive targets are Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes (both Philadelphia Union) as well as some Nashville SC coverage.

Midfield

Must Have

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is averaging more than 10 points per game and reached double figures again at the weekend.

Strongly Consider

It looks like a strong week for midfielders with Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union), Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders) and Eduard Atuesta (LAFC) all capable of big scores in good fixtures.

Think About

Nani (Orlando City) returned to action with a goal and could do the same against San Jose and Inter Miami.

Also returning to action was Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) who came up with 12 points. However, a visit to Nashville is a tough start so the only concern is possible rotation for a potentially great fixture against FC Cincinnati.

Randall Leal (Nashville SC) has kept his best performances for home games and has already managed scores of 15 and 11 in 2021. Playing against Toronto FC and CF Montreal should provide opportunities for more fantasy points.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) has five goals in five home games and should provide a decent return in at least one of his two matches.

Think About

Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City) has been in fine form recently but with Daniel Salloi and Johnny Russell also finding the net he may face competition for a start and for fantasy points.

He ended up with a score of -1 last week and is without a goal in four games but Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC) shouldn’t be ruled out.

Beware

LAFC still aren’t clicking yet but Carlos Vela and/or Diego Rossi are going to come up with a big score at some point.

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.