Best XI Predictions 2017 – Round 9

Fantasy MLS for 2017 is a wildcard every week. In this piece, we explore the options available to brand new players and veterans alike as we attempt to predict the round’s Dream Team. We will primarily look at matchups and form as we pick the strongest team at $100m starting salary.

Previous Result

Last week’s roster fared well all things considered.  Another SJ defender would have been nice and the MNU gamble hurt a lot.  Nguyen tied for the highest overall score making him the best captain choice for this roster.

Total Score: 111

Average: 71 (+40)

Highest: 140 (-29)

Starters

• Goalkeeper – Bendik  $5.1 ORL: Bendik might not be the best option this round with SKC hosting RSL, but he’s the best option at the right price.  That said, he still has one of the highest chances for a clean sheet.
• Defender – Sutter $5.1ORL: Keeping in the theme of Orlando, Stutter is a guaranteed starter this week.
• Defender – Toia $5.0 ORL: It’s all in on Orlando with Toia to help out.
• Defender – Long $5.4 NYRB: NY has been money at home and the defense has been solid. Chicago  tends to struggle so Long gets the call.
• Defender – Tolo $4.0 SEA: The switcheroo this week is Hansen/Alfaro. Columbus has a great matchup and Hansen has looked promising. Take a look at this score, but be quick. Seattle locks shortly after and Alfaro is a possible clean sheet.
• Midfielder – Alessandrini $9.6 LA: The Galaxy have been bad, but Philly is worse.  LA being so bad just gives more opportunities for their most productive player to earn fantasy points. Alessandrini should clean up.
• Midfielder – Kljestan $10.3 NYRB: Chicago’s defense may be good at home, but on the road vs NYRB playing a better formation isn’t going to be easy. When NY break them down, expect Kljestan to be in the middle of it.
• Midfielder – Piatti $10.3 MTL: Piatti is back and Montreal is improving so he gets a call. Vancouver’s defense hasn’t been the best so look for goals.
• Forward – Larin $9.5 ORL: There can’t be four in the back when a striker has this enticing of a matchup. Colorado have struggled and Larin should capitalize.
• Forward – Villalba $9.8 ATL: It’s Villalba over Almiron this week as ATL hope to pile it on DC.  This really is a toss up, but forwards have the higher ceiling.
• Forward – Dempsey $9.6 SEA: He’s hungry and he’s been lighting up the score sheet. He should be able to score big against NE at home.

Subs

• Goalkeeper – Pais $4.0 TFC
• Defender – Alfaro $4.7 SEA
• Defender – Hansen $3.9 CLB
• Midfielder – Tabla $3.8 MTL

Total Value: $100.1

The first thing to note is there is no Giovinco in this lineup.  In the $100m constraint, there is just no way to include him. Given another $3.0, he would likely make the team.

This is the first 4-3-3 of the season. Hansen isn’t likely to score big, but it’s possible so the switcheroo is on. This lineup is banking heavily on scoring teams doing their thing. All six attacking players are from different teams and all six are at home. In fact, the entire lineup is home guys. Colorado has been dismal all year scoring and Orlando’s defense is much better. The gamble is worth it.

Captain

This week is tough to pick. Without Giovinco, there isn’t a clear cut captain choice. New England and Colorado have defense that can step up at times. So, in the spirit of going big, it’s Villalba this week. DC hasn’t shown they can defender well and Atlanta are just too potent. He’s ready for a great round.