MLS GW15 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer
We love MLS. We love Fantasy MLS. We’ve played it for years. Many of us have had relative success in doing so. We’ve just never committed to actually writing about it… Until now that is! Well, sort of. Let us explain. Despite having a well full of writers who all love and play MLS we could never nail one down to actually write a regular article. So we went on a talent hunt. And as ever we came up with fantasy gold! It’s our pleasure to introduce our new friend and new ‘MLS guru’ Guy Sanchez…
Guy has a long history of covering American sports and previously wrote for a now defunct site (not his fault, we hope!) but in doing so he gained a press pass for the Portland Timbers, which in his words ‘got me hooked’ on MLS. He’s so well thought of in MLS circles he will in fact be featuring on the MLS Fantasy Insider podcast this week. Oh and he’s pretty good at the fantasy thing too. He’s currently ranked in the top 30 overall this season so far. Guy does have his own MLS blog and it’s well worth a visit as it expands upon the current GW – http://www.footyfantastic.com/
Anyway without further ado let’s hand you over to the man himself to talk us through GW15 and the challenges ahead, thanks Guy…
Welcome to the first regular weekly FMLS article on FF247! What a week we chose to start giving advice on fantasy MLS, right? GW15 is undoubtedly the hardest week of the year to this point. It’s not difficult because of the many choices it’s giving us – it’s difficult because of everything that it’s taking away. But we’re reasonable people, no? Surely there must be something that we can do to ensure success in this mid-season drought of a gameweek. Let’s take this step by step and work our way towards a solution to this puzzle. [clear]
Know the facts
First off, everybody in the game gets a free wildcard this week. This wildcard needs to serve two purposes; it needs to build a squad that can compete this week, and it needs to set a base for a squad that can compete in two weeks in GW17. GW17 is when we have no bye weeks and 12 MLS teams are on a DGW. Tall order, right?
The second thing we need to take into account is that in building for the future, we start with a severely restricted pool of teams for GW15 – only 10 teams are playing this week while the rest are on a bye. The teams to choose from this week are Chicago, Columbus, DC, Dallas, L.A., Montreal, New England, New York FC, Orlando and Seattle. That is not a long list – and those are not all quality teams.
The third problem is that fact that two teams that play this week in GW15 will have a bye in GW16. It’s kind of hard to build for the future if your present team is not fully… well, ‘present’. The two teams that are providing us with this headache are Chicago and Columbus.
And the fourth major problem is that of the 10 teams that we can choose from this week, 4 of those teams won’t be part of the 12 teams that take part in the big DGW in GW17.
So like I said earlier, we picked quite the week to start doling out advice on fantasy MLS. The main thing to remember is that you have to know that you’re in one of two groups. The first group still has their one yearly general wildcard available to them. People in this group are rare at this point, but they hold a decided advantage. These people can choose the best players from this week and then use their yearly wildcard in GW17 to build the best possible team.
The people in the second group (which are now many) have already used their general wildcard and have to not only build a team to compete this week, but will only have a total of 4 free transfers to build the best possible team for GW17. If you find yourself in this second group, there is hope. You just have to plan very carefully, and here’s where we are going to help doing just that…
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Look to Seattle to form the base of your team
Seattle are the pick of the litter for this week since they’ve get a very favorable fixture at home against FC Dallas. Not only that, they follow up this week with another home fixture against San Jose and then get to participate in the DGW that next round. This really is the best of both worlds since having Seattle players on back to back weeks with home fixtures ensures that your team stays competitive. And when the DGW rolls around, even though they have back to back fixtures on the road, they play in Portland as part of the Cascadia Cup rivalry which always produces big points.
Since the limit in FMLS is 4 players from any squad, you may want to strongly consider using 4 players from Seattle and riding them out for the next several weeks. Seattle have two players in the Top 10 for fantasy points on the year; Stefan Frei (GK, 86 points, $5.9) and Clint Dempsey (MID, 85 points, $11.8) are both players that should feature on every squad this round. The only problem for Dempsey right now is that he missed his last match due to paternity leave – so we’ll have to keep an eye on that going forward.
Up front, Obafemi Martins (F, 60 points, $11.6) is now confirmed to be back to full training following surgery on his broken nose. When healthy, Martins is a key attacker in the game. His 6 goals and 3 assists in 10 appearances on the year are a testament to that. Rounding out your Seattle selections, you could choose another midfielder or take a defender. Brad Evans (D, 68 points, $7.8) is probably the best selection on the board. He’s been part of a defending crew that has now produced 7 clean sheets through 14 matches.
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Invest (wisely) in the other “best of the rest” available to you
Outside of Seattle’s great setup for fixtures, there are actually 4 other teams that play in GW15 and GW16 and play twice in GW17 – but the options simply aren’t as clear as they are with the Sounders. These teams are: DC United, L.A. Galaxy, Montreal Impact and the New England Revolution.
Starting with DC, we have a bit of a mixed bag as they’ve given owners a ton of trouble with surprise rotations with their very congested schedule. The one shining position for DC though is their now healthy squad of forwards. Jairo Arrieta (F, 53 points, $6.5) is the real value option for this group. He has trouble getting consistently high minutes, but he does make the most of the time he is given. In his second to last match he gave owners 12 points with his 2 goals scored. The bigger surprise has been the return of Fabian Espindola (F, 28 points, $10.4). Now that he’s seemingly fit, he’s making a case to be included in lineups everywhere after his score of 16 points in the last round via 3 assists.
For L.A., it’s a bit of a tougher ask. Do we trust that Robbie Keane (F, 25 points, $11.0) will be back from international duty and fit enough to produce again? Maybe not. He’s really not found any kind of form in league play this year. A safer bet may be Gyasi Zardes (F, 44 points, $9.6) now that he’s found some good fortune in both league play and the international stage. L.A. may not be the best choice for your defenders this week given that they’re going to Columbus – and Kei Kamara will be looking to regain his scoring form. But any attacking option against Columbus’ porous backline wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Montreal turned many heads last week with their play, and their run could still continue. They take on a team in NYCFC that really can’t keep a clean sheet to save their lives. And this is a perfect scenario to take a chance on bringing Ignacio Piatti (M, 45 points, $9.8) or Andres Romero (M, 39 points, $7.9) into your squads. It’s important to remember that all of Montreal’s points leaders will look a bit below the standard, but that’s only because Montreal have only played 10 fixtures to this point in the year. If nothing else, Montreal have (relatively) fresher legs than any other squad in the league, and their attack looks like it’s really coming together.
Finally, New England also play this week and take part in the DGW on the horizon – but their prospects aren’t nearly as appealing. Jermaine Jones (M, 25 points, $9.9) is hurt once again, and his status is still looking pretty grim for this week. Not only that, but Lee Nguyen (M, 43 points, $10.6) has been absolutely horrible this year. When you can’t count on your two biggest names to compete week in and week out, the whole squad is going to struggle. One of the lone bright spots for New England has been the play of Scott Caldwell (M, 71 points, $7.5). Caldwell has 2 goals and 4 assists on the year, but he’s more of a poor man’s version of Benny Feilhaber in that he gets a lot of his fantasy scoring through bonus points.
Don’t forget the league’s two newest superstars
Theoretically, you could choose 4 players each from Seattle, DC, LA, Montreal and New England and field a complete team for the next three weeks. But that would leave you a bit short of variety — and would leave you short of some truly big names come GW17. The better strategy would be to bulk up on those five teams to ensure you have coverage, but leave yourself in a good position to make key big-money transfers in the DGW. And a good way to do that is to look to David Villa (F, 47 points, $10.4) and Kaka (M, 79 points, $11.7).
Neither Orlando nor NYCFC have a DGW in GW17 – but that doesn’t mean they won’t produce something for you over the next two rounds. Picking up a couple of big priced players like this will guarantee that even if you did build the majority of your team around the 5 teams mentioned above, you’ll still have a large transfer budget if you ship out these two players in GW17. If you want Giovinco and Bradley Wright Phillips in GW17, players like Kaka and Villa are great placeholders to make sure the money is there to make that happens.
And it’s not like these two players are without merit. David Villa is finally healthy and is playing with a bit of the confidence that he had earlier in the year. Villa has 12 points over his last two games. He not only scored a goal in that time, but he added 2 attacking bonus and 1 defending bonus as well.
Kaka, who plays at home this week, has really made it clear that he’s a better player when not on the road. Kaka’s last two home games have seen him score tallies of 13 and 8 points. Even with Seattle being the odds on favorite to dominate their match this week, Kaka’s numbers warrant some consideration for a possible captaincy.
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So let’s talk about the captain picks
On the surface, there are just two really strong candidates for the armband this week. Dempsey, if available, is a no-brainer. And Kaka, like I just mentioned, has the statistical backing to also be included amongst the obvious choices. If you’re not looking to rock the boat, stick with a proven commodity playing in his home park.
On the second tier of top-choices would be Obafemi Martins and David Villa. The home fixtures and their recent run of play would make them easy contenders for the cap depending on how you decide to build your team.
But what if you’re looking to make up some ground with a differential pick? You have to look at Piatti as a great choice this week for a sneaky uppercut against your head to head opponent. Piatti was able to get a goal and an assist in his last round and he’s easily the most dangerous player in the Montreal side. A road fixture in Columbus last round didn’t seem to phase Montreal, which gives the belief that they can be productive in New York this weekend as well.
And finally, before the league catches up, you may want to consider Espindola this week. Let’s face it, he had a great week. But he doesn’t have a lot of history this year to let us know if he’s going to continue on any kind of form. Chances are many people will still be leery about putting too much faith in him, so you may look like a genius on Monday if he can pay off for you.
There you have it. Good luck everybody!
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MLS GW15 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer This article was written by Guy Sanchez (FootyFantastic)
Guys I got an exclusive sneak peek at the FF247 MLS team for this week. What are your thoughts?
I don’t have a team in the MLS fantasy this year but I’ve been keeping up with the football and that looks an unreal side. It’s one I’d personally pick.
Mito
Obviously doing so well this season has afforded you guys the ability to put together a very strong team for this week. I really like it. One thing, no ‘Crew’ consideration?
Hoping to go Kaka to Gio next week and Villa to Jozy or Kei. Team sheets could force the hand but saving a transfer or two feels more important right now as the site team has no WC. If everything turns out ok, could field 11 DGW guys in 17 with no hits or just one at the most. No Crew is worrisome though, so this a first draft.
Mito. Serious question. No, stop laughing, I mean it. Seriously
What would your strategy / approach be to the next 3 weeks if you had a wildcard. I do. Obviously. Not sure if you still have your personal one. Play 15 with 11 DGW’ers and just plan for that and 16 and then WC or try and get through the lot without using it? Thinking is that a lot will burn it in 17 and could be a good advantage to use it on a different week than the masses later on as per Socks and Sandals did this week.
I still have my personal one and unless I change my mind I am thinking I will build the best possible team for GW15 and 16 and then use it in 17. But looking at FF247’s team, your idea looks like it could easily be done. Frankly I could see a very similar team being built from a WC in 17 that FF247 will have with no WC.
Problem I am having is figuring out what week in the future is really worth using a WC on.
Thanks mate. I intended 17 all along and have deliberately saved it for that but as you say if a similar outcome can be achieved then it just seems a waste. Might go with the intention of not knowing it’s there if needed. Could be that in 2 weeks 3 or 4 guys are redundant anyway for whatever reason.
Hey Mito. Nice looking team that. What’s the situation with Marquez? I see he’s been getting game time but, is he reliable for the DGW? Could solve a lot of problems for me if so..
Anyone considering Berahino over Kane England have a strong team especially up front
I was but not having Kane seemed stupid you know.
I’m on the fence but I’ll have to make a decision soon, problem is they’ve both been lethal at this level but I think Berahino has weighed in with more assists with him in the wider position, they’re still 0-0 with Belarus at the minute though.
Maybe we should ignore both and go for Liverpool’s next top scorer, Ings
Matt + Silvers i’ve gone for Kane, Hoffman and Radlec up front.
Ye was looking at Hoffman but like I said wasn’t sure about who’s starting for Germany, who’s Radlec elle can’t see him on the list?
Matt, Czech forward, hes the cheapo. I think that any of the other 3 could qualify with Germany, but hes at home, so went for him.
Sorry Matt its Kadlec.
Oh see him now he’s their only forward. A lot of people seem to have picked him, do you think he’ll be a better choice than Medeiros?
How are we Elle really undecided with Kane I like the look of Hoffman but not sure he will start but Kane could shine ????
Certainly do Matt, the Czechs have a chance to finish 2nd behind Germany, Englands group is tougher. There are another 2 forwards for the Czechs, you have to go to the next page.
Sound Silvers, all well in sunny Southport ? If the Germans play 4-4-2, i think it will be Volland + Hoffman, but what do i know ? ……. Naff all. This should be an easy group for Germany, so they will go out to get the goals they need, hopefully.
I seen that but when I filter for just Czech forwards only he comes up don’t know what’s up with that
So you think Kadlec is better than Medeiros or Kane??
Oh no Matt, not better than Kane.
Matt, Masopust and Frydek are the Czechs other 2 forwards, both 4.5mill.
That’s what I was thinking just when you mentioned the England boys.
What d you think of them can’t bring in Kadlec he’s 6.5 and I only have 6 but I think I need to change my Mid Currently have Can, Ward-Prowse and Silva but I don’t really know about Can or JWP.
Germany won’t start with 2 up top Elle, it could go either way between Volland and Hoffman, another snippet of info is that when Volland plays he’s the (c) of the team, just to make the water even more murkier; )
Hell, I think these two could rotate between games.
I don’t see him starting mate, I’m expecting a Berahino – Kane – Redmond front three but I’ve not seen any line ups for tonight yet.
Ye neither do I mate just joking I think it’ll be those three as well but haven’t seen the lineups either :L
Elle If I leave Hoffman in I can’t get Kane in Unless I can find another mil I think your right Germany should win group
Silvers, you should find another mill easy from your defenders or mids.
So Pool put a pricetag of 40 mil on Sterling. What a joke, dude was pathetic this season. City grab while you can. 😉
50 mil now Raz with Liverpool rejecting a £25 + £5 mil add ons from City
Sterling is an idiot. He’s been complete shite this past season. Was a big fan but in my opinion he lost a lot of credit. Pathetic. Also, at that age. I get it when they players like Depay outgrow the Dutch competition they want to move abroad, Sterling however is already in the most competitive competition of the world (maybe not the best team) but he’s still young. Dude messed up.
Aaah yes, can’t say I’m all that interested in the UEFA thingy but I registered myself. Will be a burden to watch it without any Dutch presence. Sighs. Guess I have to settle with Albion.
I agree with you 100% mate. I liked Sterling but have lost alot of respect for him now and think he really needs to change his attitude.
Ye I never had an interest but was talked into it by Init.
Good on you both! Gives us something to pass the time for the next few weeks! The manager subs thing does make it quite hands on. I remember basically scheduling work around it last time to catch the line ups and make sub and captain switches!
Wait we have to do the subs ourselves??
Manual or manager option I believe so you can rely on the auto subs but there’s the option to do yourself and also the option to pick an early capo and switch it if your first guy flops.
Ah right looks like I’ll have to familiarise myself with this format.
Key in the rules bit is then ‘matchday’ thing. You have to isolate the fixtures and assign them to matchdays and treat them as a small group with a running order. Plan your capos and bench accordingly.
Ok this sounds a bit complicated haha
Really hope City will jump in & splash the cash !!
Doc, i’ve heard he wants London, hope Chelski put in a bid for him, can see him sitting on the bench a lot, just like SWP used to do.
I think no matter where he goes he will be sitting on the bench
Morning All…
I just want to see him out, asap !
Disrespectful little prick !
BTW – happy Friday to all
!
Kinda doubt Sterling will end up at City. Think we’re done buying overpriced players. Kinda doubt we’d be interesed in him if he wasn’t English, which says enough really. Besides, De Bruyne’s agent has confirmed we’ve held initial talks with them, and if we’re getting him for £40 and tryna get Pogba for £50-£80 there aint much money left :/
Tekno
I’d much rather have KDB than Sterling.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Sterling ends up at City, afterall they have bid for him. I wouldn’t be as sure about Pogba.
Tekno – there is a lot of truth in that…
Read a lot of reports suggesting the same, myself…re: KDB & Pogba…
But that means Yaya will have to leave City first, to trigger the other transfers…
Let’s see what happens…
Truthfully so do I
What formation is everyone playing? 4-3-3 or the 3-4-3
Its hard to say Matt, just put all your players that play on the 1st day of a gw in the starting 11, then with your subs change as necessary.
Right Cheers Elle haven’t the foggiest what to do with this might just put players in and hope for the best.
Matt, underneath the players is a date, just make sure all those with 17/6 are in the starting 11 and the bench has 4 players with 18/6 underneath them, doesn’t really matter about their positions. Ideally you would have a keeper from each group, so if the first one flops you can bring in the 2nd one, having 2 playing at the same time is a waste of a place.
Oh so you can change it the next day so your bench can then play??
If you need to, eg if your keeper gets 1pt is take him out and bring the 2nd one in, if he scores 9pts you don’t sub him out, you stick. Am i right in thinking you didn’t play the CL fantasy ? Its the same format as that.
Easy up with the tips there Elle. I wanna win this again you know 😉
Ye you got that right Cheers elle