Round 30 in the MLS gets underway tonight, So I have taken a look at the best options to make your Fantasy captain this week. Picking the right captain this week , could see you claw back points on the leaders of your league , or even extend the gap at the top. Here’s my top four picks for this week.
Josef Martinez / Atlanta / $14 Million / vs San Jose (A) and RSL (H)
The forward is averaging one goal a game so far this season , even though he hasn’t scored in his last two appearances. Atlanta sit top of the table in the Eastern Conference , however just a point ahead of New York Redbulls. So round 30 could be a definitive week in the Eastern Conference.Martinez hasn’t gone more than three games without finding the back of the net for Atlanta this season. So will be looking to re find his goal scoring touch against San Jose. The Earthquakes sit bottom of the Western conference , SJE have conceded 13 goals in their last four games and only two other teams across both conferences have a worse defensive record. United’s second game is a home tie against RSL , Real salt Lake sit fourth in the Western Conference and should offer a tougher test than SJE on paper at least. RSL know how to score goals, the Western Conference side have hit six , twice in their last three games. However one clean sheet in their last seven games will give Martinez plenty of encouragement to end his drought.
Nicolas Lodeiro / Seattle / $14.3 Million / vs The Union (H) and LA Galaxy (A)
A good season so far from Nicolas Lodeiro , but a player of his quality still could offer more. The midfielder has averaged 0.33 goals , 0.24 assists and 3.19 chances created per game, and has managed a total of seven goals and five assists so far this season.
This week Lodeiro and Seattle face two tough teams and are still in with a shout of taking first place from SKC in the Western Conference. They have games in hand on every team above them in the league . Seattle’s first game is against the Union, who have shown they can keep teams out , they have kept three cleans sheets in their last five games. So a potential tough ask for Lodeiro to make things happen. Another tough game for Seattle with a trip to LA to face the galaxy. Two hard games coming up ,but Lodeiro does have the quality to impact matches and Seattle will need the midfielder to turn up this round.
Miguel Almiron / Atlanta / $11.5 Million / vs San Jose (A) and RSL (H)
Miguel Almiron heads into this round off the back of a great performance against Colorado Rapids. The Paraguayan scored two and assisted one goal earning fantasy owners 17 points in round 29. It’s a double game week for Atlanta and Almiron. Who are looking to extend their lead at the top of the Eastern conference.
Two good match ups for Almiron , first up is SJE who sit bottom of the Western Conference , and have only kept one clean sheet in the last their last 10 games . While RSL have conceded seven goals in their last five games. Two winnable games for Atlanta should make it a good week for Almiron.
Diego Valeri / Portland / $11.5 Million / vs The Crew (H) and Minnesota (A) (Wildcard)
A couple of big games for Portland coming up. The Timbers need to keep up with the rest of the top five and distance themselves from the chasing pack, in the race for the play off spots. Portland have won their last two home games and will need to continue their good performances to have a chance of beating The Crew. While Minnesota may be a easier a game , however an away trip with just a couple of days rest may be an issue. Plus with only one goal and no assists in his last six games , Portland will be looking for more from their creative midfielder.