Best XI Predictions – Round 17

Did you ever wonder what you could do with a team if you used a Wild Card every week?  In Best XI at $120m, we will explore the options available to brand new players as well as those using a Wild Card as we predict the rounds Dream Team. Along with the best players by round matchup, players with the best upcoming schedules will take precedence over similarly priced players.

Starters

Goalkeeper – Rimando $6.2 RSL: While he may not be the best option, he’s the best option over two rounds.

Defender – Zimmerman $6.6 DAL: Zimmerman is the second leading scorer amongst defenders.

Defender – Steres  $5.3 LA: He’s cheap and scoring points

Defender – Glad $5.1 RSL: The third starter is a tough option, but Glad plays in round 18 which edges out Sjoberg, Steres, and Allen.

Midfielder – Piatti $11.0 MTL: With Valeri out, Piatti is the next best option.  Without Drogba, he gets more chances and takes PKs. With a game in Round 18, he’s a must have.

Midfielder – Diaz $11.3 DAL: Diaz is another midfielder playing in Round 18 that is practically a must own.  He’s tearing it up on the field and coming off a 16 point fantasy week.

Midfielder – Kljestan $12.0 NYRB: He’s had a few bad weeks, but he’s bound to bounce back sometime. Home against a Valeri-less Portland and a home game in 18 are enough to warrant the spot.

Midfielder – Barrios $8.1 DAL: With the way Dallas have been playing, it’s safe to double up. With a game in 18, he’s a solid, non premium addition.

Forward – Giovinco $12.8 TFC: Still the most prolific striker in MLS and playing in Round 18.

Forward – O Kamara $8.5 CLB: He’s hot and he’s playing in Round 18. With a game against NE without Shuttleworth, look for more goals as Columbus settles in with the new look attack.

Forward – Villa $12.1 NYC: SKC is leaking goals like mad. They may be turning it around, but until Coelho is back, don’t look for that air tight defense to return. Villa is likely to take advantage of SKC’s backline.

Subtotal: $99.0

Subs

Goalkeeper – Bono $4.5 TFC

Defender – Campbell $5.0

Defender – Guillen $4.0 DAL

Midfielder – Steinberger $4.0 HOU

Forward – Calistri $4.5 CHI

Subtotal: $22.0

This roster sells out for the remaining two rounds before the free wildcard.  There are enough good options and most players should have earned the extra $1.0 to field this lineup.

Total $121

Captain

The captain choices this weak are difficult. Villa could easily have a monster game. Kljestan or Giovinco are bound to get back in form sometime soon.  The safe pick, in the absence of Valeri, is to roll with Mauro Diaz and Dallas.