It’s the penultimate round of the MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 season. Gameweek 26 sees 19 teams with two fixtures while the rest play once.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Going with Jamal Blackman (LAFC) or Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders) on the bench allows for three attempts at the clean sheet.

From the remaining fixtures Joe Willis (Nashville SC), Sean Johnson (NYCFC), Bill Hamid (DC United) and Brad Guzan (Atlanta United) all have decent chances at the shut out.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

With five clean sheets in their last eight road games, Nashville SC being on the road twice this week shouldn’t rule them out of consideration. Walker Zimmerman is a solid choice.

Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) has 24 points from his last three matches and has a trip to Toronto FC before facing FC Cincinnati at home. Just be careful with Wagner – if he collects a yellow card in the first game, he misses the second.

Think About

Despite Sporting Kansas City only managing two clean sheets in eight games Andreu Fontas remains a reliable source of bonus points.

Other options this week include Alexander Callens (NYCFC), Mamadou Fall (LAFC) or some Atlanta United coverage.

Midfield

Must Have

Speaking of Atlanta United, the Five Stripes have two home games which usually means big returns from at least one of Luis Araujo, Ezequiel Barco and Marcelino Moreno – though Moreno is another player who is one booking away from suspension.

Strongly Consider

Julian Gressel (DC United) has scores of 15, 9, 5 and 6 from his last four home games. New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew travel to DC this week.

He may not feature for 180 minutes, but Maxi Moralez is another strong option with games against Chicago Fire (home) and Inter Miami (away).

Think About

Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union) is starting to recapture his early season (pre-transfer rumour) form and is ticking along nicely with scores of 6, 7, 7 and 8 from his most recent games.

It looks like a good week for midfielders. Give some thought to Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC), Carles Gil (New England Revolution) or the usual suspects from Minnesota United (Franco Fragapane and Emanuel Reynoso) and Real Salt Lake (Damir Kreilach and Albert Rusnak).

Beware

Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders) is suspended for the trip to LAFC but is available for the match against LA Galaxy.

Forwards

He’s scored in seven straight games so it’s fair to say that Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City) is in form. He has two chances (v LA Galaxy, at Minnesota United) to continue his recent run.

Cristian Arango (LAFC) has made or broken so many gameweeks with six goals and an assist in his last three appearances. He’s a SGW option this time and Seattle Sounders won’t be easy but he’s hard to ignore.

Think About

Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas) produced 19 points over two games last week and has two home matches this time around.

Some other striking options include Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution), Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC), Ola Kamara (DC United) and Patryk Klimala (New York Red Bulls).

We’re in the home straight with only five weeks left in MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021. It’s yet another huge double gameweek – 25 teams play twice while New England Revolution and Columbus Crew play once.

There are a number of DGW players being one yellow card away from suspension.

Goalkeeper

Think About

Keepers in the mix include Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Bill Hamid (DC United), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Joe Willis (Nashville SC) and William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids).

The schedule isn’t great for the keeperoo this week, particularly for anyone hoping for three chances at a clean sheet.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) starts the gameweek at home to Inter Miami (before going to CF Montreal) and has 42 points from his last five home games.

Colorado Rapids double week includes facing an Austin FC team who have scored just once in their last five road games – so look at Keegan Rosenberry or Auston Trusty.

Nashville SC have three clean sheets in six games, but each was achieved on the road. It’s hard to know if a home game against Orlando City or a trip to NYCFC is the better shut-out chance.

Think About

Some other defenders worth a look include Oswaldo Alanis (San Jose Earthquakes), Aaron Herrera (Real Salt Lake), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union), Andreu Fontas (Sporting Kansas City) or some coverage from New York Red Bulls or New England Revolution.

Avoid

CF Montreal and FC Dallas have two home matches but both struggle for clean sheets. In their past twelve games Montreal have only kept two shut-outs while in the same period Dallas have managed only one.

Midfield

Must Have

Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) is essential due to his recent form. In his past seven games he has hit double figures in fantasy points three times along with scores of 7,8 and 9 in the same period. And he now produces on the road.

He was outscored by Mukhtar last week and he only has one game, but Carles Gil (New England Revolution) still needs to be in there.

Atlanta United play at home so it’s that time of the week where you need to decide whether you go with Luiz Araujo, Ezequiel Barco or Marcelino Moreno.

Strongly Consider

Chofis (San Jose Earthquakes) has six goals, one assist and 43 points in three games.

Four goals in four games have made Fafa Picault (Houston Dynamo) worth thinking about this week.

Think About

Amongst the other midfield contenders this week are Julian Gressel (DC United), Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United) and Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake).

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) played less than 140 minutes over gameweek 22 but still scored seven points in each game. Just remember he only has one game this time around.

FC Dallas are spoiled for choice when it comes to attack. Jesus Ferreira, Jader Obrian and Ricardo Pepe have two home fixtures and are capable of strong fantasy production.

Think About

Also consider Josef Martinez (Atlanta United), Ola Kamara (DC United), Patryk Klimala (New York Red Bulls), Johnny Russell (Sporting Kansas City) and Cristian Arango (LAFC).

It’s the latest double gameweek for MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021. Instalment 21 of the season sees everyone involved with 21 teams playing twice, while New England Revolution, Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union, Seattle Sounders, Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver Whitecaps all feature once.

The Union and Whitecaps both play in the later fixtures and could be ideal for switcheroo options.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Brad Guzan (Atlanta United) has two home matches, both of which are played before Matt Turner (New England Revolution) and Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union) play their single games, meaning three decent shots at a clean sheet.

Other keeper options this week include Sean Johnson (NYCFC), Bill Hamid (DC United), William Yarbrough (Colorado United) and Steve Clark (Portland Timbers).

Defenders

Strongly Consider

After his 12-point performance against Orlando City, Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) is one of the better options this week.

Portland Timbers managed an impressive three straight clean sheets on the road with Claudio Bravo racking up 27 points in that time. He provides more of an attacking threat than some of his colleagues.

Think About

Julian Araujo (LA Galaxy) has six assists this season is could be useful from the bench.

From the single game options, Andreu Fontas (Sporting Kansas City), Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) and DeJuan Jones (New England Revolution) all look like sold choices once again.

Midfield

Must Have

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) plays only once but, assuming he’s nearing full fitness, that’s all he needs.

Strongly Consider

Atlanta United have three midfield options in the form of Luiz Araujo, Ezequiel Barco and Marcelino Montero. Do you go with one, two or all of them?

Maxi Moralez is back from suspension and faces FC Dallas (home) and FC Cincinnati (away). Prior to his red card at Nashville SC, Moralez has 21 points from his previous two appearances.

Think About

Consider Julian Gressel (DC United), Nani (Orlando City), Albert Rusnak (Real Salt Lake) and Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders).

Forwards

Strongly Consider

He hasn’t taken long to make an impression and Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC) looks to almost essential this week with two home games and 42 points in his last five games.

Back after a lengthy absence, Chicharito (LA Galaxy) is always a goal threat.

Think About

Also consider Josef Martinez (Atlanta United), Ola Kamara (DC United), Felipe Mora (Portland Timbers), Daryl Dike (Orlando City) and Daniel Salloi (Sporting Kansas City).

Gameweek 20 of MLS Fantasy is a single gameweek for everyone except for Philadelphia Union, who are on a bye.

Lineups may again be impacted by the availability of players returning from international duty.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Brad Guzan (Atlanta United) and William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids) are amongst the better keeper options this week.

Think About

Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City) and whoever starts for New England Revolution are also worth some thought.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Andreu Fontas managed seven points last week despite Sporting Kansas City conceding four times at LAFC. A home game against Chicago Fire should mean a better clean sheet opportunity.

Another bonus point magnet is Nathan (San Jose Earthquakes). He has only gone below five points once, when being sent off, and is averaging more than seven points per game. With no clean sheet, goal or assist against Colorado Rapids he still managed a remarkable 11 points.

Think About

The New York Red Bulls full-back, Andrew Gutman, has had a solid fantasy season and generates attacking points. In nine appearances this year, Gutman has only once scored less than five points.

Also worth some thought this week are Andrew Farrell and DeJuan Jones (both New England Revolution) as well as coverage from Colorado Rapids, LAFC and an improving Inter Miami backline.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

Vancouver Whitecaps have two genuine midfield options in Cristian Dajome and Ryan Gauld. Dajome hasn’t gone below 5 points in his last 8 appearances while Gauld has a total 16 points from his two MLS starts.

Think About

Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal) has managed double figures four times this season, including in each of his last two games, though Nashville SC will be difficult opponents.

Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) hasn’t hit top form since his return but is always worth considering while Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) has scores of 7,11 and 7 from his last three games.

Other midfield options this week include Marcelino Moreno (Atlanta United), Sebastian Blanco (Portland Timbers) and Eduard Atuesta (LAFC).

Beware

Bruce Arena has suggested that Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is a couple of weeks away from playing 90 minutes so selecting him this week is a risk…but so is not taking him.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

34 points from three games means that Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC) is a man in form and is one of the best attacking options this week.

Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City) remains a consistent fantasy points scorer, with 12 points from his last two outings, despite no goals or assists.

Think About         

Josef Martinez (Atlanta United) has an excellent goalscoring record against Orlando City and Felipe Mora (Portland Timbers) has five goals in his last seven games.

Other forwards this week include Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution), Miguel Berry (Columbus Crew) and Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas).

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).

The end of gameweek 18 will mean we have completed two-thirds of the MLS Fantasy Soccer season for 2021. It’s also the start of the final Champions League qualifying period.

There are twelve fixtures with San Jose Earthquakes on a bye week.

Goalkeeper

Think About

Eloy Room (Columbus Crew) and Mason Stadjuhar (Orlando City) play at home in the early games, but both teams have struggled for clean sheets recently. If you put one on the bench have a strong second choice.

Other options for this week are Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls), Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City) and Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders)

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United) has four clean sheets and four assists this season and is up against Nashville SC who have only two goals in their last four road games.

With 30 points, including two goals from his last three appearances Antonio Carlos (Orlando City) is another good option from the early games.

Think About

The New York Red Bulls pair, Kyle Duncan and Andrew Guttman, have a home game against Chicago Fire and look like one of the better clean sheet chances this week.

Others to think about include Andreu Fontas (Sporting Kansas City) or some Seattle Sounders coverage.

Avoid

Austin FC have conceded in each of their last seven homes games and are up against FC Dallas, who scored in each of their last three away trips.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

Ezequiel Barco and Marcelino Moreno have been at the heart of Atlanta United’s recent recovery. In the past four games Barco has 43 points while Moreno has 39 points.

His recent output has been steady rather than spectacular, so Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) is worth a punt from the bench.

Think About

A home game against Inter Miami should mean more points for Nani (Orlando City), though it’s been a couple of weeks since he completed 90 minutes and there may be some doubts about his fitness.

Rayan Raveloson (LA Galaxy) has five goals in his opening ten games in MLS. Can he do it again, against LAFC in El Trafico?

Ryan Gauld has made an impressive start to his time at Vancouver Whitecaps. He has one goal and one assist from four appearances from the bench. This week he has a home game against Real Salt Lake.

Other possibilities this week include Julian Gressel (DC United) and Joao Paulo or Nicolas Lodeiro from Seattle Sounders.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

With five goals in his last six starts Daniel Salloi (Sporting Kansas City) continues to be an obvious choice.

Seattle Sounders will like their chances at home to Portland Timbers and Raul Ruidiaz has three goals in his last three games.

Think About

Other striking options include Josef Martinez (Atlanta United), Diego Rossi (LAFC) and Ola Kamara (DC United).

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.