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Round 6 was a good one overall. Several clean sheets, goals scored, and some upsets. They only negative thing I can say is that several key/cheap players decided to get injured or suspended or something silly like that. All of that is behind us now and it’s time to focus on Round 7, which happens to be the first Double Game Week of the season! So this is my first DGW Edition of the Player Roundup.
Keepers:
Zac MacMath (14.0% @ $5.2m)‘s value is already on the rise, and it’s purely because he is the DGW keeper this week. He has the 2nd most points of all Keepers but that includes only 1 clean sheet and 2 PK saves. You can’t count on those saves every game so and they make up 1/3 of his total points. I see him getting 8-9 points at best. That’s more than most keepers have been getting, but a SGW keeper with a clean sheet can get 6 so I don’t think he’s worth the transfer if you don’t already have him.
As for an alternative recommendation… Some may think this is a copout, but I’m just going to say play your keeper who is at home. Nobody is a standout for me because clean sheets have been so few and the odds say go with the guy at home. Columbus, SKC, and Portland all look promising. I’m going with Kronberg myself.
Defenders:
A double game week is a time when a good defender can really shine. Even without clean sheets, a good defender can rack up a respectable score from just bonus points. That’s why I believe that Austin Berry (1.6% @ $7.8m) in the only MUST HAVE player from PHI for this week. He may not have as many total points as Okugo, but he’s earned almost as many CBIs in 2.5 games as Okugo has in 6 and he’s a lot cheaper! It’s an easy call for me, but it would still be best to wait for the starting XI to make the trade since he’s coming of an injury. But I can see him going the full 180.
As for the rest of the field, many of the top players have moved away from a large group of defenders and run with 3 (and a few with 4). This is the way I suggest you try until/if clean sheets start to return. To do this, most are going to run a budget backline consisting of the usual cheap starters: Horst, E. Miller, Armando, basically the under $7.0 players, and some $4.0 bench fodder. You may add 1 expensive player to this group, but that depends on your style. I like Collin, Schuler, or Hedges right now.
Here are some other cheap options that you may not have thought of yet: Gargan (3.6% @ $5.5m) is the cheapest way into LA’s defense and could be a good pickup if they can get a CS again against VAN. But remember, they have a Bye in Round 8. Thomas Piermayr (0.1% @ $6.0m) is new to the Colorado team but has already started his first two games and earned 1 CS. Zach Loyd (11.3% @ $5.3m) was injured for the start of the season, but he has now replaced equally cheap Acosta and reclaimed his starting spot. DAL has not been keeping clean sheets, but his price is right. Finally, don’t forget about Columbus. They’ve had a few hiccups recently, but they have been playing a lot better than many people thought. Waylon Francis (6.7% @ $6.7m) is the cheapest option and they do have a couple of home games these next two weeks.
Midfielders:
PHI has lots of choices, but for me, it’s all about the minutes Maurice Edu (5.2% @ $9.1m) and Vincent Nogueira (1.2% @ $8.5m) are the only two who have played every min of every game. Others are sporadic in their playing and scoring. This choice comes down to your budget though. Edu has already gone up once so he may be out of your range. I like Nogueria myself and would go with him because I think you have beter options for $9m+ in a SGW player. So wait for the first XI if you can and go with your gut or maybe a little differential pick.
The biggest question many have on their minds right now, even more than the DGW, is “Do I get Clint Dempsey (17.9% @ $10.2m) now”? If you answered yes to that question 2 weeks ago, you have been well rewarded. For me, the answer is no. He’s a fantastic player and I can’t blame anyone for wanting to exploit Chivas, but I don’t think he’s worth upsetting any DGW plans you have for Round 8. Houston and New York have several attractive midfield options, and it might be too hard to work Dempsey in for that. He’s a definite for Round 9 though.
To further complicate the Dempsey trade, Graham Zusi (15.1% @ $10.8m) is back in action and many are already starting to wonder if he should keep his old title of Captain Fantasy. He does offer more service than Dempsey, but does not have as many home games. Perhaps the enterprising manager will find a way to work both in. Just let me know what bank you plan to rob first.
Another midfielder I have to mention is Kyle Beckerman (18.9% @ $9.9m) who is shattering all of our preconceived opinions about the value of Defensive Midfielders. He’s scored a goal or assist in 4 of 6 games and has a decent schedule coming up. I don’t think he’s essential, or that he will keep up this run, but it’s worth pointing out.
It’s not all about expensive midfielders though. Salinas and Sam are still your best options for cheap quality players. Both look to be set starters and Sam has a double game in Round 8. Nice ways to save some cash and earn some money at the same time.
Forwards:
I know it hurt a lot of people to see Jack McInerney traded to Montreal, but if you are a PHI fan, you liked seeing Andrew Wegner (8.4% @ $6.1m). I also think he is the forward you would want to pick if you are loading up on PHI players. Honestly though, I don’t see him going the full 180. It’s more likely that he splits the time with Casey. This makes them less attractive options in my book. I’ll stick with my SGW players this week.
Higuain and Keane are back on this list again and there is no reason they should not be. Both have prove their worth and should be on your team as long as they are on form. Keane is also on a Bye next week so that would be the ideal time to replace him.
The cheap forward picks are also quite surprising. DC’s Fabian Espindola (2.5% @ 8.1m) has been finding way to score and get assists recently and Chivas’ Erik Torres (16.4% @ $8.6m) has only NOT scored in 1 game this season. You could easily add Quincy Amarikwa (24.4% @ $6.4m) to this value list, but Chicago has a Bye next week. How can you not like a guy who is his own fantasy captain.
These are my picks, if you think there should be more names on this list, please leave a comment or come to r/FantasyMLS and comment on this post. You can also send a message to me on Twitter @MLSFantasyBoss, or join the Live Chat in the sidebar. Keep checking back for more updates through the week for other positions. Good Luck!
