MLS GW16 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer

MLS GW16 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer

As it turns out, GW15 wasn’t all that scary after all, was it? There were two sides to GW15; on the one side, the limited options made it hard to score truly great points — and on the other side, the limited options made it hard to make too many mistakes. As a result, those who fully participated in the round probably did OK for themselves.

GW16 is a bit of a different animal though. We now only have two teams on a bye (Chicago and Columbus) and no teams on a DGW. And that all-important massive GW17 is now just a stone’s throw away. So how do we prepare? Do we really focus on getting the most out of this week? Or is the better option to stock your team up for next week and simply hope for a decent return in this round?

Honestly, there may not be a completely cheap answer here where you can say, “Why not do both?”

Consider this: In GW17, where we get so many double games, four of the teams participating will have two road games. Six of the teams will have one road game and one home game. Only two teams will have a DGW with two home matches. Not all squads with eleven DGW players in Round 17 will be created equal. Making transfers without a plan in mind this round could still put you at a disadvantage. So let’s make that plan.

#1 – Dempsey’s Last Stand
Clint Dempsey is tied for second place in the highest cost category – his price tag of $11.8 is not something you can just casually throw into a team. On paper this week, Dempsey looks to be the right play. Seattle play at home against San Jose, and San Jose have only kept one clean sheet on the road this year. You know what? Strike that last statement. Seattle looks to be the right play on paper this week -Clint Dempsey is anybody’s guess at this point. Especially after last nights antics. More on that in a second.

Look at Dempsey’s last five scores for fantasy players: 6, 3, 3, 6, 3. Dempsey has scored 21 points in his last five games? Name one other player at even $10.0 that you would accept that kind of production from. After this round against San Jose, Dempsey is in that camp that will have back to back road games for his DGW.

Based on reputation alone, nobody would blame you if you kept Dempsey on your team. But the facts are the facts. Players come in and out of form all of the time. Could Dempsey turn it on and get a couple of goals this week? He could. But given the numbers he’s shown lately, it’s equally as likely that Dempsey cedes the scoring to other players and gives you a tidy 3 points. Proceed with caution. For many owners, this might be Dempsey’s last chance to prove he still deserves a roster spot going into GW17.

Aaaaaaand so onto last night! Let’s just say Clint had a moment. For those unaware of what we are referring to Seattle played in a cup game that usually would have gone unnoticed but may now go down in history as one of the most memorable ever. For all the wrong reasons! They finished the game with 7 men having had 3 sent off and Obafemi Martins stretchered off after all 3 subs had already been deployed. As for Clint… he tore the refs notebook up after being booked and so received a red for his hilarious efforts. The upshot is that this will likely not affect his MLS availability as cup suspensions do not apply to the league but just keep a close eye on the comments here and on twitter as the rumours are rumbling and twitter has him ranging anything from a Knighthood to 20 years inside.

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#2 – Giovinco is a must-have
Whereas there are serious doubts about Dempsey’s form right now, there are no doubts about the game’s most expensive player, Sebastian Giovinco ($12.1). Giovinco is playing so well he may get snatched up by a European squad again at some point (something that Toronto is now probably very used to with their stars).

When you consider Dempsey’s 21 points over his last five games, Giovinco’s 39 points over the same period have to look more appropriate for a superstar. And the news gets even better for Giovinco owners because Toronto FC will now play 3 straight home fixtures (which includes the back to back home games in their DGW). Four times over the course of the year, Giovinco has had a round that scored in the double digits — and the odds look good that he’ll be able to get at least one more similar score in this period coming up.

The teams that will be playing in Toronto are going to be NYCFC, Montreal and DC. All of those teams on the road present an opportunity to score goals against.

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#3 – NYRB have three great fixtures at home (well, sort of)
NYRB play this week at home against Vancouver. Vancouver will be on a truly long road trip and the Red Bulls will look to press their advantage at home. In their DGW, NYRB will play at home against Real Salt Lake (again, a long road trip) and then they’ll play “away” to NYCFC for a turn in the New York Derby. Honestly, this equates to three straight games playing with the benefit of sleeping in their own beds.

And NYRB aren’t without great options this week. Bradley Wright Phillips ($11.3, 72 points) is on a bit of a scoring drought, but it’s important to remember that he scored twice against NYCFC the first time around. Even though he’s playing Vancouver this week, that little nugget of information should put him on your radar going forward into next round.

And if you’re looking at a home side, you immediately have to feel more compelled to look to their defenders and GK. Luis Robles ($5.6, 52 points) has two of his three clean sheets in home fixtures this year. He may not be a bad option for you going into this run of games.

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#4 – Portland players will look to extend the winning streak
Portland made history in their last win – it was the first time the club had won three straight matches in club play. This team will be looking to build on that momentum. Diego Valeri ($10.1, 15 points) is no longer listed on the injury report as being definitively sidelined (and we all know he’s had enough time now to heal). Valeri could make an instant impact this week against the Houston Dynamo, and he’ll have a full roster of players around him to get the job done.

It is true that Houston have had an incredible run with Will Bruin’s ($8.4, 62 points) scoring as of late, but let’s not forget that Portland’s winning ways came from the solidification of their defense. Portland have only allowed one goal total over their last three matches. Any option that suits you from Portland’s back line would be a good addition to your squad this week. The safest bet is to focus your funds on Portland’s defense or midfield – there still isn’t a clear picture of who will start in attack for Portland on a weekly basis. The job should go to Fanendo Adi ($9.5, 58 points), but Max Urruti ($8.6, 35 points) has stolen the past few starts from the Designated Player.

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#5 – Quick-fire facts
A few other things to consider for the week:
Vancouver have not scored more than one goal in any away match this year – be wary of picking up their attacking options this week – even on a punt.
Though they are the clear underdogs this week, San Jose actually beat Seattle in an away match earlier this year with a score of 3-2.
If you’re considering any Colorado attack, note that Colorado haven’t scored more than one goal in any match since April 10 against FC Dallas. Colorado have turned into a one-and-done squad.
Many people will be looking to LA’s attack this week and next – but LA haven’t scored more than two goals in any league match at any point this year. Wait for LA to produce more results before investing in their forwards.
CJ Sapong ($7.0, 34 points) has become the Super-Sub in Philadelphia – and he could be yours too at his price. Three of his four goals on the year came in efforts that the player played less than 60 minutes.

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#6 – Captain Picks
For the Top-Tier Picks, you have to seriously consider looking at Giovinco and maybe Ignacio Piatta. There isn’t much in their matchups this week that says either won’t be productive for your fantasy sides. After all Piatti’s last two games at home saw him give owners scores of 12 and 8 points.

Going a little lower down the totem pole you could do much worse than Diego Valeri, if healthy.

And for a punt? For a nailed-on starter, David Villa may yet give owners something to cheer about before he’s dropped for a DGW option.

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MLS GW16 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer This article was written by Guy Sanchez (FootyFantastic)

Follow @Guy_M_Sanchez

Don’t forget that Guy does have his own MLS blog and we highly recommend a visit as it expands even more upon the current GW – http://www.footyfantastic.com/