One gameweek down and it feels like MLS Fantasy Soccer has never been away. As we look forward to the next round of fixtures, remember that the five MLS teams still in the Concacaf Champions League have quarter-final ties next midweek – so be prepared for possible rotation.

Goalkeeper

Must Have

If you’re running a keeperoo then John Pulskamp (Sporting Kansas City) needs to be a part of it. The 19-year-old stepped in for the injured Tim Melia last week and plays in the first match of the week, at home to Orlando. He’s only $4.2m.

Think About

For your other keeper, consider Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Matt Turner (New England Revolution) or Joe Willis (Nashville SC)

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Anton Tinnerholm (New York City FC) is expensive in defensive terms but his price is justified given his attacking threat.

Colorado Rapids managed a clean sheet at FC Dallas last week and could do the same at home to Austin FC. Danny Wilson is only $5.0m and provided seven points last week. The more expensive Keegan Rosenberry ($6.5m) managed nine points in the same game.

Think About

New England have a decent home fixture against DC United with Brandon Bye a bargain at $4.4m. He has defensive and attacking points potential.

Don’t rule out Nashville SC defensive options either. The two early goals conceded at home to FC Cincinnati last week were the visitors’ only shots on target and CF Montreal won’t have it as easy as they did against Toronto FC.

Midfield

Must Have

Randall Leal (Nashville SC) produced a massive 15 points last week, outscoring his more expensive team-mate, Hany Mukhtar. Get Leal in the line-up against Montreal.

Strongly Consider

There’s much to love about a midfielder who scores big fantasy returns without goals and assists. Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United) and Jack Price (Colorado Rapids) achieved that in gameweek one, managing eight and seven points respectively. If only choosing one, go with Reynoso’s greater attacking potential after he managed five shots in the defeat at Seattle.

And don’t forget about Carles Gil. After nine points in Chicago, the Spanish midfielder could manage a similar return at home to New England Revolution.

Think About

Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls) continues to impress and is only $5.0m for the trip to LA Galaxy. A great bench option.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) was a consistent goalscorer and fantasy asset in 2020. Assuming he gets decent gametime against Inter Miami (and isn’t rested for the CCL tie) he should be confident of getting his first goal or goals of the season.

Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) is already off the mark this season. His link up with Gil is crucial for the Revs and a home match against DC United is a decent opportunity for more points.

Think About

Chicharito (LA Galaxy) managed a double against Inter Miami and looks a player reborn after a horrible debut season in MLS – even if his second goal was a result of poor goalkeeping. If he continues to hit the net, he could be a huge fantasy player this year.

Beware

He’s usually a must have player but managers need to be careful with Carlos Vela (LAFC) this week. He is reportedly fit after the substitution fiasco last week but it would be natural to be concerned about him breaking down again. And another poor week could harm anyone look to build team value in the opening weeks of the season.