2024 Round 9 DiffeRANCHals

Every week, I’m going to go over my suggestions from last week, and determine if they were a good or bad pick based on position and points. To describe in detail the ranking system, here is the metric: bust = 3 or fewer points (or not starting/on the bench), average = 4-5 points, good = 6-8 points, great = 9+ points. Players not available for selection I am disregarding and not counting as a positive or negative in the article.

DGW Scoring: Bust = 6 or fewer, Average = 7-9, Good = 10-12, Great = 13+

Week 8 Final Results: 

Matt:

• Lucas Bartlett – Bust (1 point)
• Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Bust (2 points)

Brandon:

• Jared Stroud – Bust (2 points)
• Carlos Gomez – Average (4 points)

Ranch:

• Thiago Martins – Great! (9 points)
• Robin Lod – Good (7 points)

2024 Full Season Results: 7 Great, 5 Good, 10 Average, 31 Busts

Matt Results: 2 Great, 0 Good, 5 Average, 11 Bust

Brandon Results: 2 Great, 0 Good, 5 Average, 11 Bust

Ranch Results: 3 Great, 5 Good, 0 Average, 9 Bust

 

Welcome back to week 9 of the diffeRANCHals article. Matt has returned In more ways than one: writing the introduction and back to the bust column. Nature is truly healing. Outside of Ranch’s two solid picks, we fell flat on a few of our picks. That being said, we have some fun matchups this week that can lead to a few interesting differentials for you to use, one of which is 0.08% owned. Let’s get into it!

Ranch: Nicksoen Gomis, $5.0m (Defender – Toronto)

Do you know what it means to be a diffeRANCHal?? What is the lowest percentage pick that should be considered when looking for a differential? Looking back at my original pick, Nathan, he was 0.07% owned when I first mentioned him. Maybe this week can be a repeat of Nathan, but in a modern fantasy era. Introducing Nicksoen Gomis. The Toronto defender is almost guaranteed to start with the absence of Kevin Long due to suspension. Gomis is mostly a pick because I am predicting a clean sheet for TFC as they host the Revolution. This prediction is mostly because I think Toronto might start to get back on track with their clean sheets as Petretta gets healthier.

Matt: Ruan, $5.5m (Defender – Montréal)

Montreal’s home stretch started off with a big win against Cincinnati and outside of the goal, they only gave up 0.2 xG. This weekend they are hosting a struggling Orlando attack who has been awful on the road. Not only Montreal has a fairly decent clean sheet shout in this game, but Ruan has been getting involved in attack, leading the team in xAG and tied for 2nd best Shot Creation Actions throughout the season. Good CS chance and potential for attacking returns? Sign me up.

Brandon: Saba Lobjanidze, $9.1m (Midfielder – Atlanta)

While most will be turning, as expected, to Thiago Almada ($10.9m) this week, at just under $2m cheaper, Lobjanidze could be a great option for those struggling to afford all of the big fish this week – for example, those bulking out their attacks with Messi ($12.0m), Bouanga ($11.4m) and Joveljic ($10.9m). Playing just off Almada’s right, Lobjanidze will likely be similarly involved in Atlanta’s attack this week – an attack which has profited well when playing at home in 2024. This gets even better when looking at Cincinnati’s middling defense recently, having gone three games without a win. Add to this, the notion that with FCC focusing a good portion of their play down their left flank through Orellano, this could leave gaps in behind the backline for Lobjanidze to exploit playing on Atlanta’s right side.

Ranch: Liel Abada, $8.1m (Forward – Charlotte)

Although Minnesota has been relatively decent defensively this season, Charlotte is going to be a whole different challenge. With Charlotte starting to turn the corner as Abada is introduced to the team, I expect them to continue to produce when Minnesota comes into town. The Israeli forward scored a goal and had 4 key passes last week against Toronto, and I am convinced that he will continue to produce as he adjusts to his new team.

Matt: Hugo Cuypers, $8.7m (Forward – Chicago)

The latest MLS Availability Report has RSL’s backline looking a little rough with both Glad and Vera listed as questionable. Chicago, while having their own issues, usually finds a way to score, especially at home. While he may not be the most consistent player this season, Cuypers can definitely benefit from a good matchup against a broken backline.