MLS GW21 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer
This last week saw some monster scores in the FMLS game — hopefully you were able to take part in the bounty. This week should see a return to more normal scoring levels as we’re without the benefit of a DGW, and two teams are on a bye (Colorado and NYRB). Without any further preamble, let’s get into what you need to know going into this week.
#1 — Is Steven Gerrard essential for your squad?
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[/three_fourth]It’s no secret that the LA Galaxy are good again. And if we’re being honest, Gerrard couldn’t have had a better debut game than what he had last week. He pretty much hit the trifecta with a goal, assist and penalty earned. And really, the interplay between Keane and Gerrard looked easy. There wasn’t anything that San Jose could’ve done in that match to lessen the effects that the two European internationals were able to do.
That being said, do you still take the chance that Steven Gerrard isn’t quite ready for for MLS play? It’s a tough call, actually. LA will now have back to back road fixtures in Houston and Colorado before coming home. But luckily, the competition isn’t anything that should give them fits. The first road fixture will be against Houston, and Houston haven’t kept a clean sheet at home since April 11th of this year. And suffice to say, Houston have probably also not faced a team as potent as LA are right now either.
For the time being, LA are giving Gerrard what he wants. He wants to play in the attacking midfield role just behind Keane — and he has enough clout to have that request granted. Will he still want that role when he gets to Houston and the Texas heat catches hold of him? We shall see.
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#2 — If you have Columbus defenders from last week, Giovinco would like a word with you
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[/three_fourth]Columbus defenders were a popular pick last week, and considering that they were going up against the likes of Harry Shipp and a recovering Mike Magee, we’ll concede that those players may have been decent gambles given the situation. But let’s not forget that the leading scorer for Chicago only has five goals on the year. So it’s not really a situation that should fool you into thinking that Columbus are actually any good in their back line.
The match this week is going to be a complete reversal as Giovinco and Toronto FC come to town. Giovinco has four goals and an assist in his last two matches, and if anybody can make Columbus look mediocre in the back, it’s him. And consider this: Giovinco has twelve goals on the year, and nine of those goals have come on the road. And if that weren’t enough, five of his eight assists have also come on the road.
Now Toronto have their own issues in their defence, so keeping your attacking Columbus players may still be a good option — but you’re really going to have to consider taking any Columbus defenders out before Giovinco comes to town. There are some players in the league that you just have to accept are going to do poorly on the road — Giovinco is not one of those players. Prepare accordingly.
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#3 — Strategising for the players on a bye
This week both Colorado and NYRB will be on byes. If you have a Colorado player at all, he’s probably in your defence (and thus probably very cheap). If you can manage it, you could bench your Colorado players knowing that they’ll have two home fixtures coming up for them. The problem for you is going to be that their home fixtures are against LA and Columbus. The safest option is to probably just drop them this week if you can get any kind of a one-for-one substitution that makes sense for you.
NYRB are a bit of a different problem though. The Red Bulls will come back next week and then have a DGW, so there is a huge incentive to keep some of those players if you can manage it. The two players that are going to give you trouble are Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lloyd Sam ($11.3 and $9.2, respectively). You really can’t afford to keep those players on your squad for a bye week. It might hurt to do so, but you absolutely should sell them and bring in proper replacements for them. If you’re still high on them going into the DGW, you can re-buy them later.
But there is still the matter of players like Grella and Miazga ($6.3 and $5.8, respectively). These two players have been wonderful little differential gems for many fantasy owners to this point. If you can manage it, leave these players on your bench through the bye week If you have absolutely no subs, you could sell these guys to give you coverage. But even if you had just a single budget defender as your first sub, both of these guys are worth the risk to keep on your bench for now.
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#4 — Speaking of DGW’s
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[/three_fourth]Not only will NYRB have a DGW coming up in GW23, but Montreal, Orlando and Toronto will also feature twice that week. If you loved Columbus in a DGW, you should really love the options we’re getting in a couple of weeks. I’m not a fan of DGW’s dictating all of my transfers, but given the options before us, there are some obvious players to take a look at.
First of all, if you didn’t have Giovinco yet (or worse if you’re thinking of selling him “to upgrade elsewhere”), this should be the bit of news that tells you how essential he’s going to be in the next three rounds. There is every possibility that his price could see another jump, so if you didn’t pick him up now, you could be looking at having to pick him up at nearly $13.0.
Piatti from Montreal should see another ownership increase the closer we get to his DGW — but Kaka is going to be the problem for many teams. Kaka already costs $11.7, and if he does anything at all in these next two weeks he could just be out of reach for a few teams by the time we get to GW23. And it’s not like picking up Kaka is a bad thing this week. Orlando will travel to NYCFC, and we all know how spotty that defense is….just ask Giovinco.
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#5 — New players to watch this week
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[/three_fourth]Leaving aside Lampard and Pirlo (who may honestly never play for NYCFC as much as they drag their feet), there are a few players that absolutely should be on your radar this week. First and foremost, continue to look at Steven Gerrard. If he gets anywhere from 70-80 minutes this week in Houston, you can expect that he’ll contribute something to the scoreline. Nobody is doubting his ability in this league, but we’ll have to closely monitor how he goes from the Texas heat to the Colorado mile-high air in just one week.
Secondly, Lucas Melano is set to make his debut for Portland. Melano was bought for the huge sum (by Portland’s standards) of $5 million. At that price, there is little doubt that he’ll be expected to play full minutes sooner rather than later for the Timbers. There are a lot of positives for this kid’s transition into the league that could make him a viable cheaper option for many fantasy owners.
Not only is Melano already in some degree of match fitness, but he’s joining a very Argentina-centric lineup with Valeri, Papparatto, Fernandez and Urruti already in place. Add to that the fact that Chara and Villafana are both native Spanish speakers, and we shouldn’t expect to see any kind of confusion from Melano trying to communicate with his team. And the fact that he’s coming from the same club that Valeri came from just means that there will be that little extra added familiarity to their game. And let’s not kid ourselves, Portland needs a forward to get goals. He has his mission, and if he succeeds he could be a great pickup at $9.0.
Finally, Erick “Cubo” Torres is finally in Houston for the Dynamo. Torres was a great talent to watch for the now-defunct Chivas USA side. His game has only matured while in Chivas of Guadalajara, and he could be an instant impact player. The best thing about Torres is that he’s already played in this league, so there won’t be any surprises for him once he gets started. At $10.0, he’s actually reasonably priced for his level of talent.
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#6 – The Captain Picks
The Top Tier — Giovinco. There is no doubt in my mind that Giovinco’s ability to produce on the road will not net some kind of a positive gain for his owners this week. Truly, like I said above, Columbus do not have that great of a defence. Look for Giovinco to extend his scoring streak another game.
The Differentials — Robbie Keane and David Villa. In reality, either of these two guys could be at the top with Giovinco, but the problem is that LA are on the road and in David Villa’s last game he looked rather…human? I still think that both of these guys will get some points this week, but they’ll really have to do something special given their fixtures.
Honorable mentions — Feilhaber and Valeri. Benny Feilhaber had himself a great game last week, but traveling to RSL could pose a few problems for him this week. And Valeri? He did get a goal last week and he’s truly the best player Portland has. Can the addition of the new striker help him in Dallas? Maybe.
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Just a reminder from Lawdogg as to who is on Gold Cup duty. Basically don’t go picking up these guys as they Please find below a team-by-team breakdown of MLS players competing in the Gold Cup:
JAMAICA
1. Andre Blake (GK, Philadelphia Union)
5. Alvas Powell (D, Portland Timbers)
8. Michael Seaton (F, DC United – on loan to Orebro)
9. Giles Barnes (F, Houston Dynamo)
11. Darren Mattocks (F, Vancouver Whitecaps)
12. Demar Phillips (D, Real Salt Lake)
15. Je-Vaughn Watson (M, FC Dallas)
20. Kemar Lawrence (D, New York Red Bulls)
21. Jermaine Taylor (D, Houston Dynamo)
PANAMA
1. Jaime Penedo (GK, LA Galaxy)
7. Blas Pérez (F, FC Dallas)
8. Gabriel Torres (F, Colorado Rapids)
USA
3. Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy)
4. Michael Bradley (Toronto FC)
5. Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake)
8. Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders)
10. Mix Diskerud (New York City FC)
12. Nick Rimando (GK, Real Salt Lake)
14. Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo)
16. Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders)
17. Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC)
18. Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
19. Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)
20. Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)
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MLS GW21 Tips – Fantasy Major League Soccer This article was written by Guy Sanchez (FootyFantastic)
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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/
I’m going with this this weekend:
Great team you have there GP. Beast front 7! Swap Gerrard with Javi-Mo and it’s the same attack i’m trying to get. Question is, which ones get binned for Kaka/BWP/Sam etc for the dgw? That’s going to be a nightmare to get right. Nice problem to have though eh? 😉
NiN
What DGW?
Kidding of course, I’m going one week to the next just now. There are so many players I want in this league.
Heh heh 😉
Yeah there’s a ton of gems in the game, for sure. I really think Diaz is going to have a big week this time round. If not for Gio, he’d be my buy this week i think. Catch you later bud, i’m heading off now for a bit :thumbup:
No worries. Check in later though won’t you ? 😉
I think I’m happy with this; should I be happy with this?
Sure Milburn, nice first team. Don’t know much about Aarons tbh but going by your name and grav I’m guessing you do so all good there.
Keepers rotate well for first 10 GWs at least, but not sure about O’Shea and Baker – think there’s probably a better cheap combo out there that.
Yeah I’m just going off prevent season form so far with Aarons, but he’s there to rotate with Ighalo. Oshea is shit agreed, but they did pick up plenty of CSs last season. I don’t expect anything from Baker, playing 3 at the back he’s just there to sit on the bench.
How’s ur team coming on?
This is where I’m at just now. 2.0 in the bank and don’t know where to spend it. Never thought I’d be saying that!
Looks solid all round mate but personally I’d be shitting it without Sergio or Hazard. Perhaps bank the money to upgrade to Aguero if he kicks off strong?
Milburn, I like it, I’ve also punted on Aarons (after your reccomendation a few days ago) and Ighalo, I’d love to be able to have Bamford because I think he’ll do great but just no funds. Rest looks nice other than weakish defence (bench) but thats what you need to give up for the good midfield. Nice team.
Cheers mate. Don’t blame me if it goes wrong ha. But I honestly think IF he gets given the chance to start every match (which he should) he’ll be the highest 5m point scorer by a mile. But that might just be the optimist in me haha
To be fair in 139 mins last year he got a goal and an assist so it’s looking promising already if you scale it up. I think even making teams now is silly as pre-season has hardly started yet and a lot can happen up until the season starts. Hopefully he emerges as a Mclaren favourite. Heading to Newcastle uni later next month so might have a word with Mclaren.
Haha just give him a bit “persuasion”
Oh by the way, what do you think of Perez this year? I’m unsure of him now due to Mitrovic but you’ve really bolstered offensively this year. Can see him banging then in this year.
Mate he shows so much promise but I expect us to play 4-2-3-1 with Mitotic up front. I honestly don’t know what McClarens 1st 11 will be. Atm he could challenge for any of the “behind the striker” spots. I’d wait to see where he’s going to be utilised first.
Really don’t like the Aarons – Ighalo rotation picks as neither look likely to play week in and week out, adding Baker to that and it looks like you could possibly only have 11 starting outfield players for your squad, there are far safer picks available out there for the same price tag, Agbonlahor from Villa should be nailed to start (barring injury) at 5m and although the production outlet doesn’t look good there are plenty more starting mids listed at 4.5-5m. .
Cheers mate appreciate the feedback. I know nothing about Watford in fairness, just saw he’s banging them in pre-season. Any Watford fans that can give clarification?
I think we’re all pissing into the wind with what could happen with Watford, they’ve had about 10 managers this year and it looks like another change of formation with them adopting a 4-2-3-1, add on 8 new signings and it just looks a minefield.
OK mate thanks, I’ll take it on board. How’s ur team shaping up?
Slowly, slowly, mate, I’ve not really started to tinker too much yet, still trying to figure out who should make up my core players, I’ve got Courtois, Merts, Wally, Fab, Benteke, Aguero and Agbonlahor in as nailed on to start with but I’m just trying to figure out budget/rotation options.
Evening all – so, which promoted side do we think will do best defensively and attacking? Will Norwich’s experience serve them well, can Bournemouth and Watford survive?
I see a lot of love for Bournemouth and Watford players, particularly up front, just have a nagging doubt about them and wonder if Redmond of Norwich may be a better choice…..thoughts?
Cookie in fairness I know nothing about them but I’ve always liked Redmond, especially last time he was in the prem. Only thing that puts me off is his stats from last year, I thought they would of been much better
Loads of potential not sure if he has the end product yet though
Hi Milburn, I’m liking the look of your Aarons lad – you think MaClaren will start him?
In my opinion he should/needs to. But i would envisage him and Perez fighting for that place. I couldn’t pic between them.
From preseason if I had to predict the 11 right now…
Krul
Janmaat mbema (95% signed) collo haidara
Wij colback
Sissoko de jong aarons
Mitrovic
But like I say, with a new manager and this early in preseason it’s hard to tell
I guess nearer the time we should hopefully know Milburn – Gallow who used to come on and who still lurks (Hi Gallow!!), predicted a similar team to what you posted above, but shares your thoughts on Aarons and whether the Wally with the Brolly will pick him.
I would of have thought it would be the perfect tonic to get the fans back onside?
Cookie
Redmond and Aarons in my midfield just now. Thinking of both of them and Wilson of Bournemouth and using this 2.5.3 chip on the first day.
Aarons is the one who worries me on gametime.
Well judging off last season Perez was a fan favourite. Which suprisingly off last season’s form makes it difficult to predict. What’s ur assumptions for man u considering uv got 10 quality midfielders? Still going to sign a world class striker or is rooney a safe bet up front… for now?
Milburn,
Re United buying a striker, there is so much speculation – Zlatan one day, Mueller the next, then someone else.
I can’t think they’ve let RVP & Falcao go with not someone in mind. From what I understand Pedro is likely to come in for AdM, so let’s go with that for now. Kop tells me that LVG has said that tomorrow’s line up vs Barca could well be the one that lines up in GW1 vs Spurs, so rather than me predict it, let’s wait and see what happens tomorrow.
Apparently Schweinsteiger has a small injury and will miss out, which kind of backs up my theory about him anyway, in that LVG will use his experience primarily for Champions League as a priority and will not play every league game.
I think Norwich will be pretty solid. They have a good start. I think Watford could be a disaster. Loads of signings and a new foreign manager. I think Bournemouth will be entertaining but maybe a bit leaky at the back.
Smash when you say solid, do you think one of their cheap defenders is worth a punt?
Yeah I think so at the start. They have a pretty easy start and I don’t think they are as attacking as Bournemouth and Watford
Hmmmm, could be something to look at…..I need to get my arse in gear next week!
Fancy Bournemouth to have a good season, Norwich will be solid but ultimately fail, Watford will be the next QPR.
Really like the look of Ritchie despite his price.
Will Richie be in your squad Burnsy….be honest have never seen him play, but everyone raves about him!
Yeah he’s in the squad Cookie, He got like 15 goals and 17 assists last year, too good to pass up in my opinion.
Cookie,
Evening mate.
I think Redmond is a nice choice. He’s been at this level before although Ritchie has some impressive numbers from last season.
Evening GP, Happy Friday evening to you mate.
Are you tempted by Ritchie – have you seen him play?
Thanks Cookie, likewise mate. Couple of weeks time this will be us doing this all for real :see-no:
I’ve seen Ritchie a few teams with the national team and a couple of times with Bournemouth but to be honest I still can’t pin him down to describe him. He’s fairly quick and confident, takes players on – like a winger should I guess and does have a decent scoring record at Championship level. I just think he is maybe overpriced for the fantasy game. It’s all about how he adapts. A certain starter though.
GP, thanks for that mate. i agree, at that price, he aint cheap for a promoted player – I’ll keep an eye on him but I’m not confident enough on Bournemouth yet to spend 6mln on him. If he was 5mln then it’ll be a different story.
Definitely would have him at 5M, Cookie.
It’s all potential just now so to be only 0.5M less than Cabaye I think is quite off-putting.
Yes I agree GP – tried and untested at this level.
Evening all, Cookie get your arse into gear now and give your thoughts on this rabble.
Elle this is one of those strange teams where I can’t quite work out how you’ve afforded everyone! Great team, would upgrade Wanyama with the 0.5 left over.
He probably stole a player.
Very similar to mine El. But I’ve went for the proven Kane as i think he’ll score 90% of spurs goals and pick up BPS as well. Benteke for me needs to prove himself at a bigger club 1st
Maybe he’ll get the chance in a year or two Milburn
Good evening Nicker,
Nice team mate, got most angles covered I think. How will you get Kun? Clearly you’d sell Rooney but you’re still short of funds – that would be my main worry there. Looks good for a Kunless team though. Why that lanky twat Henderson though? Surely Boring Milner is the one to own at that price?
You are clearly expecting great things from Big Ben.
Cookie, arf a mill itb, it’ll be Shrek and a downgrade somewhere by a mill with 2 transfers.
furry muff Elle
Elle, what formation do u think u will setup in? If sturrige and benteke are fit?
Milburn, thst ain’t gonna happen for a while, October at least i think. As for the set up, there are a few permutations, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3 or 3-5-2, which may come around when Sturridge is fit. As for our 1st game v Stoke i reckon an 9-1 formation will stop six going in.
elle
It should at least keep it to four
Good team Elle. I’d be tempted to switch Wanyama to someone else so that you could comfortably rotate the formation with, so Deeney and whoever switching when one of them has a particularly difficult fixture. I’m thinking someone like Aarons as mentioned above or Redmond. Not got the prices in front of me but I have a feeling they are both about 5.0? If you need that find that extra 0.5 then maybe bin Azpi, buy Courtois and fill the def spot with a 4.5. Maybe one from the team of the keeper you’d be switching out, if there is one?
You sound helpful, I read it twice and it appeared that you were. Nice to Rich, nice to Elle…disappointing
Amnesty week. Don’t worry it won’t last :hippo:
#newinit
Bloody hell Init. What a suggestion? U feeling ok?
:finger:
Hi Alex, I do know what I’m doing with the fantasy malarkey, I just usually keep it to myself
I just prefer talking about cats and general nonsense with Raz and the rabble late at night 
Init, can I say you are as good at talking about cats as you are about FF. A man of many talents
Elle, love it mate. Suggestion above I agree with. Is anyone thinking of 3 big-ish up top? Teke kun and j rod for example?
Does anyone think having Mane in this line up is more beneficial than say downgrading him to Chadli/Hendo/7.0 mid and splashing the extra 1mill elsewhere? Upgrade one keeper to Courtois or Cech? Upgrade Sterling to Silva?
Hi Shrizzine, I like Mane and I think he’s in for a good season. Could be a nice differential as he’s not been in many teams I’ve seen so far, been a bit overlooked given the many options in midfield. He’ll certainly score more than the other 2 over the course of a full season I’d think.
Shiz, I agree with kop
Thanks Elle 😉
Hey GP & Blue. How you both doing?
Good thanks Red
That was over the line! Take it back Rich!
Surprised you managed to log in Silvers
I am drunk. I add better that way.
Shrizzine
I like Mane in that team. Good effort assuming Aguero is fit for GW1.
Hi GP, hope you’re ready for tomorrow! Community team release day!
Yeah it’ll be good . . .
ETA?
Init, are you trying to build excitement? 😉
Not really Alex, more putting the fear of God in GP!
GP, good question on ETA – is your baby along with Alex and you probably need to be around for the launch so what suits you guys best? (Sorry just realised this is WhatsApp convo isn’t it really!!) Oh well, I’ve written it now
Init, launch time to be when GP and myself are asleep and NZ is awake to take all the 1st awkward and stupid questions. 😮
I left you out of the equation Elle as I know you’re pretty much available whenever! Nice try on that but no chance. I know Alex is usually about early doors UK time so depends on you and GP being available first thing tomorrow as I can publish it for early AM?
Init
I’m here. Any time at all.
Well i’m off to sleep for 24 hours, been more or less up since Thursday morning. :p
Ok GP coolio. 3am it is then 😉
Sounds good Init.
I’ll get my head down now!
Hold your breath boys, I’m back! So when is launch? Did we decide?
3AM, I wasn’t kidding
We already suspected Kun would probably not be totally fit for GW1, this lends credence to it at the end of the article. http://www.mcfc.co.uk/News/Tour-2015/2015/Manuel-Pellegrini-exclusive-interview-MCFC/1437664263
Thanks. I liked the looks of it as well! We’ll wait and see. Have a good one!
Good evening chaps!
I suppose its about time to get going with FPL again! 😉 Seems like an age!
Welcome back BB. Hope you have a better time putting 15 together than the rest of us :p
Evening Burnsy!
I’m still collating draft 1! Hoping that between kick off and now I can sort it!
I take it everyone is pretpretty much the same!
B-Bash, I’ll send you a screenshot, which you will dismiss (I know because it has happened to me before ( the rejection part ) ) ( sorry I know I put words in parentheses inside a set of words in parentheses followed by this one also in parentheses) ok where the heck was I? Oh yeah, you will reject the screenshot and then end up with 14 of the 15 I sent you in the original screenshot and hail yourself for figuring out a GW1 team you could live with. Sorry that was probably a WhatsApp chat also. 😉
Mito, I’ve gone through your drafts and I now nearly have the Bashers up and running! 😉
Hey B-Bash! Raring to go, still so far away though..
Welcome back B-Bash! We’ve been at it all Summer but hey don’t you worry, you just swan off on holiday 😉 Hope all’s good mate. I’ve picked 3 players so far so don’t worry you’re not far behind the curve!
Evening Initt! Not sure swanning off is what I’d call! 3 players so far….show off! 😉
Hope you’re well mate!
Well I won’t say it publicly but contrast what you were supposed to be doing in Manchester the other day with what we know you were doing and it doesn’t sound that hard a life!
Lol! I was busy! I was looking after someone! Thankfully only a training ex though!