DiffeRANCHals: 2025 Round 5

 

 

 

 

 

Every week, we’ll go over our 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 did not play), average = 4-5 points, good = 6-8 points, great = 9+ points. Double gameweeks (DGWs) are scored as follows: bust = 6 or fewer points (or not starting/on the bench), average = 7-9 points, good = 10-12 points and great = 13+ points. Players not available for selection are disregarded and not counted as either a positive or a negative in the article.

Week 4 Results: 

Matt:

• Ryan Hollingshead – Average (4 points)
• Maxi Moralez – Average (4 points)
• Rafael Navarro – Bust (3 points)

Ranch:

• Chris McVey – Average (4 points)
• Sebastian Berhalter – Average (4 points)
• Tadeo Allende – Bust (2 points)

Matt Results: 3 Good, 4 Average, 4 Bust

Ranch Results: 5 Good, 3 Average, 4 Bust

2025 Full Season Results: 0 Great, 8 Good, 7 Average, 8 Busts (65%)

Ahh… international week. These are our favorite weeks for differential picks. With so many big name players called up, managers are going to have to dig deep to find that one player who is going to make an impact on their team this week. To help you with that, Matt and I have come up with 6 players to keep an extra eye on while making your team for the week. Let’s get into it!

Ranch: Brayan Vera, $5.4m (DEF – RSL)

If anybody knows me and my past, I tend to have some of the craziest differential defender picks. This week, I am looking at an RSL defender. Yes, you heard that right, RSL. Although Salt Lake has allowed 8 goals in their first 4 games, I still believe they have an outside chance at a clean sheet as Dallas comes into town this weekend. Out of all  the defenders, my focus is going to Brayan Vera. Vera has been known to score some absolute bangers and take the occasional free kick. So should a goal from a defender happen, my money is on Vera.

Matt: Nathan Byrne, $6.8m (DEF – CLT)

There are a lot of solid defender plays this week. But one that is going under the radar is Charlotte hosting San Jose. Charlotte has only conceded three goals so far this season, two of those coming from the opening weekend away against Seattle. Since then, they have kept two clean sheets at home and haven’t conceded more than .9 xGA  in a single game. While San Jose do have the 2nd highest npxG so far this season, they have yet to play a strong defense away from home. With Josef Martinez called up to the Venezuelan National Team and Hernan Lopez out long term, I think Charlotte has a shot at keeping this San Jose attack at bay–and Byrne is the cheapest way into that backline.

Matt: Jean-Claude Ngando/Jayden Nelson, $4.8/6.0m (MID – VAN)

Vancouver is missing some vital pieces this weekend due to the international call-ups, but that doesn’t make this Chicago defense any better. This game should see a ton of goals, and I think a great way to attack this Chicago team is through the Vancouver wingers. Choosing two wingers isn’t meant to be a cop-out, I’m just not entirely sure Nelson will start this weekend due to his recent injury. If he does start, I think he would be a great part of any FMLS lineup. If he doesn’t (or if you need the budget) Ngando is a great option instead, at only $4.6m. Ngando has collected 9 KPs over the past 2 games and picked up the game-winning assist against FC Dallas last weekend.

Ranch: Ahmed Qasem, $7.6m (MID – NSH)

When Montreal is on the road traveling to any place, what should you expect? Goals. Lots of goals. I expect the same this weekend when Nashville hosts Montreal. Nashville woke up this past weekend, scoring 3 goals on the road to Philly. Now this week, they get to host another team that leaks goals. With Mukhtar being the chalky pick, I want to focus on the 2nd best midfielder on their team, Qasem, who has now scored in back to back games for Nashville. Keep a close eye on him, as he looks dangerous!

Ranch: Luis Muriel, $8.2m (FOR – ORL)

This is the perfect week to look for a differential forward. Between international call ups and injuries, there are a lot of forwards out there to keep an eye on. This week I am focusing on Luis Muriel from Orlando. Muriel currently has 2 assists and a goal across the last 3 games. His work rate on the field more than passes the eye test–the team almost seems to revolve around him. If the team isn’t using Muriel, they are falling flat. Hence my differential choice for Muriel this week as DC United comes to town. DC has allowed goals in 3 of their first 4 games and I expect that more goals are to come in Orlando.

Matt: Corey Baird , $5.2m (FOR – CIN)

Corey Baird has been far from a success since his move to Cincinnati. But with Denkey gone, someone is going to have to fill in up top in front of Orellano and Evander. Atlanta will be struggling to put something that resembles an MLS midfield and CB pairing together this weekend, and that is something that Baird can take advantage of–especially with Cincy playmakers feeding him. The best part of this Baird play is 1) he is cheap and 2) Cincy has such an early game he is a great bench option. So if you are looking to save some budget to afford all the expensive midfielders this round, Baird is your guy.

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Contributors: 
Tyler Norman, @Ranchinator on Discord
Matt Nelson, @Tinkerman on Discord