Differential Picks – 2016 Round 1

The 2016 FMLS season is finally upon us! This season is a little different then past seasons due to the new point system. We all know the “premium” picks this year, and most will have them in their lineups. I believe that this year will be the year of differential. Finding a way to separate your team from the others will not only boost your rankings, but help you possibly win not only the overall highest season score, but the weekly gift card for “Highest Scoring Team”. Stay tuned for my weekly punts, and I encourage you to list your differential picks! See you on the pitch!

–Chicago–

Accam FWD at 9.0 is a no brainer, He ended the season with 1859 minutes played, 10 GS, 2 AS, and 123 Points. He is poised for a breakout year! (He has been sick all pre-season, so I would avoid him until he gets back into the lineup, and gets fit)

Polster MID at 5.5 could be another steal this year. He plays CDM/Box to Box, and with the new scoring system in favor of DM’s, he could be a great inexpensive plug and play roster filler.

Fernandez MID at 4.5 is also an interesting flyer. With the departure of Shipp, Fernandez has taken over the CAM duties. If he ends up starting, and producing, he could be a great way to make some extra $$ on your bench.

Gehrig DEF at 5.5 could also be a great way to get a cheap defender. He looks to be in a position battle with Kappelhoff/Meira for the starting CB role. He is a player to keep an eye on.

–COL-(Buyer beware of the Colorado Shuffle)

Gashi FWD at 9.0 scored his first MLS goal in the last preseason game. He is one to watch to see how he adjusts to MLS & the Colorado Shuffle.

Badji FWD 5.0 Badji was in all of our lineups last year. He looks to have cracked the starting lineup playing RW, and could be another filler for you players who are looking to build value. He did lose around .3 mil last year, so buyer beware!

Powers MID at 7.5 could be a bargain buy this year. Powers has started every preseason game at CAM, and looks to be the focal point of attack for the Rapids. With Doyle now having a year under his belt, and the addition of Gashi, Powers could benefit from these players this season.

Sjoberg (the OFFICIAL man crush of Reid-Dashdar) DEF at 5.5 Not only was he a CBI machine, but a great young defender. If he stays healthy this season, he should do the same. He is currently in my lineup, and will stay there barring injury or a drop in form.

–CLB–

Higuain MID at 10.0 Pipa could be a steal. He has been listed as a FWD every year, and now he is where he belongs! He has one of the highest pass completion % of everyone, and will be the maestro for CLB. He is on all SP and shares PK’s with Kamara(Kei not Ola). He is a sneaky good pick this year at 4.2% ownership.

Trapp MID at 7.0 Will Trapp is one of the USMNT bright spots. He is a true DM, who can also play box to box. He was out for a considerable time in 2015 with concussions. He looks to rebound this year, and could be a great budget asset to any team.

Jiminez DEF 5.5 Jiminez is a winger playing OOP, and listed as a defender in FMLS. If he obtains a starting role, he could be in line for decent BP’s. He is one to watch

–DCU–

Acosta FWD at 9.0 has been tremendous all pre-season. This is his first year in MLS on loan from Boca Juniors. He plays the CF role, and will be pulling the strings for DCU. He has pace, and fantastic vision. He is one to watch and get in your lineup once he gets hot.

Birnbaum DEF at 7.5 would be a good way to get into DCU defense. He was second on the team with CBI’s but led the team with INT per 90. He was also second with headers won and scored 2 goals. This could be his year. I am avoiding DCU defense until proven otherwise.

Worra GK at 4.5 is in my lineup. With Hamid injured, and Dykstra the only viable GK on roster, Worra could step in at any time if there is an injury, or if Dykstra’s form falls.

–FCD–

Akindele at 7.5 and Urruti at 8.5 are interesting options at FWD. I am putting my money on Urruti this year. With Blas leaving for VAN, I can see Urruti stepping up.

The defense aside from Hedges could be tricky this year. You have the options of Figueroa 7.0 at LB or CB, Loyd at 7.5 playing RB or CB, and Zimmerman or Harris both priced at 6.0 playing CB and RB. I personally have Figueroa in my lineup, as he looks to be a starter. You need to have a FCD defender in your lineup this year. Check the predicted lineups, and make your decision!

–HOU–

Torres FWD at 9.5 is purely based on potential. He is boom or bust, but is a great young talent to watch. If he starts, he will be a menace and one to own like he was when he was with Chivas USA.

Maidana MID 9.0 With the Captian Davis traded to SKC, Maidana looks to be the playmaker for HOU. Maidana performed admirably with PHI last season (1GS/15AS/2115MP). He currently has 5.0% ownership, but is one that I’m watching closely.

Horst DEF 7.5 When Horst plays, you can count on 3-5 BP’s per game. He had a great 2014 season with 138 points, but slipped last year to 118. Now taking JT’s spot, he could get back to 130+ pts this season.

–LAG–

JVD DEF 8.5 VD has been in and out of my lineup. I have decided after watching him preseason that he is a must have. He is my 1 premium defender due to his CBI potential and areal threats off of SP. He does look to be a card magnet, so buyer beware. I see him as a Olave/Collin type of player. Risk/Reward

President Kennedy GK at 5.5 mil is also a great differential. He is finally with a team that has a good backline. Kennedy will be a solid GK all year, and is on my watch list.

–MTL–

Porter FWD at 5.0 could be one of the best kept secrets in FMLS this year. Before his ACL injury of 2015, he was one of the most promising young FWD options. With the aging Drogba not able to play on turf, and needing rest, insert Cameron Porter! If I had an extra .5 mil, he would be in my lineup to start.

Shipp MID at 8.0 could also be a steal this year. In 2014 he was also one of the most promising young talents of MLS with the Chicago fire. He has started every preseason game at CAM, playing directly behind Drogba. Besides Piatti, Shipp is a great way into the attack of MTL.

Oyongo DEF At  6.5, he is an interesting option. Scoring 71pts last season, be played RB which is not his natural position. This year, he has been moved to LB and has been encouraged to be more aggressive, which could add the odd assist or goal.

–NE–

Davies FWD 8.5 Davies looks to be in form this preseason, and should get the starting nod for the Revs. There will be rotation risk with Davies and Aguedelo. Davies could start the season off strong, and at 8.5mil could be a cheaper differential.

–NYCFC–

Poku Mid at 7.5 is one of the leagues most underrated players. He was one of the most impactful players when on the pitch. If he lands a starting spot, he could transpire to be a fantastic FMLS asset. He is on my watchlist.

Matarrita DEF at 7.5 is a super sleeper. Yes there may be better options at 7.5, but he is one to watch the season.

Saunders GK at 5.0 is a steal. He may not keep many CS, and most starters at 5.5-6.0 mil, so he could be a great option for a budget friendly keeper. If you’re running 2 keepers, he should be in your lineup.

–NYRB–

Veron FWD at 9.0 has been on fire this preseason. He is another great sleeper to keep an eye on. (He recently suffered a hamstring injury, and could miss 1-3 weeks)

Baah DEF at 8.0 replaces Miazga who left for the EPL. Baah will be a solid starter, and could yield great CBI numbers with the added benefit of having Robles behind him to get CS.

–OCSC–

Nocerino MID 8.5 Is worth a look. He is paring with former teammate KAKA, and when integrated into OSCS, could be an option worth considering. I am not currently looking at anyone other than KAKA for OSCS, but Nocerino could be after a couple of GW.

–PHI–

Ilsinho MID at 8.5 has been on my radar. He has been lighting up the preseason, and with the departure of Maidana, could step up and be a great Mid option for Phi. He is one to watch closely for a great differential.

Rosenberry DEF at 5.5 should see the starting RB role, but may be in rotation with Gaddis.

Marquez DEF at 6.0 is also a viable option for those whom prefer a CB to WB in their lineups. Marquez is great value at 6.0 and should see considerable minutes.

Fabinho DEF at 6.5 is my value pick here. If you are looking to get any Phi defenders, he’s your man! He could be steal at 6.5 for his PP90 with the new scoring.

Blake GK 5.0 is the predicted starter, and one if the cheapest starting GK in the game. Alongside Saunders(NYCFC), this could make a great 5.0 tandem if you like to rotate GK!

–POR–

Valeri MID at 10mil is a must have. He is healthy, and is the maestro in the midfield for PDX. He is on all SP, and shares PK duty. He is a steal at 10mil, and is rated higher than Nagbe at 9.0mil.

Taylor DEF at 6.5 is one to watch. If Ridge/Borchers go down, JT will be a instant starter. He had good CBI numbers in Hou, and should see solid returns if he gets starting minutes.

–RSL–

Movsisyan FWD at 9.0 Yura will only be in my lineup after he starts scoring goals. He is streaky, and is adjusting to MLS once again. He missed some sitters in the CCL clash vs Tigres, and wasn’t even on frame. He is one to watch. When gets hot, jump on this bandwagon.

Sunny MID at 7.0 could be another cheap true CM option. He is a true CM that attacks and has the athleticism to score, assist and defend.

–SEA–

Ivanschitz MID at 7.5 should be in EVERYONE’S lineup! He is on all SP, and has looked outstanding in every preseason game he has played in! Ivan has the most potential for his price in the midfield category.

–SJ–

MPG MID at 8.0 will be a great addition to any FMLS lineup (after his GW1 Suspension). He will be on all SP, and pulls the strings for SJ. He is hit or miss, but when he’s hot…he’s hot and you want him in your lineup!

Salinas MID at 8.5 is also an interesting pick here. He plays LM, and loves to cross the ball. He may suffer in the pass completion stat, but can quickly rack up the assists like he did in 2013/14(6/8).

Francis DEF at 6.0 is one of the best budget options for a starting defender. He may not see many CBI’s, but you’re really looking for a way into the SJ defense. You will be CS hunting with Francis.

–SKC–

Dwyer FWD at 10. He has to have a better year than last year right?!?! With Nemeth gone, Dom is the lone striker up top for SKC. I see him having a better year than last for this reason alone. He is also back on PK duty, barring him missing like he did last season.

Salloi FWD 4.5 is the only backup to Dom. Therefore, he is my 4.5 FWD Scrub for this reason alone.

Opara/Coelho DEF at 7.0 & 7.5. With the injury concern of Ike(his latest hammy injury could see him sidelined for 1-3 weeks), SKC brought in Coelho to pair with Besler, and play in place of Besler when in INT duty. Either one of these could be great options.

–TFC–

Moor DEF at 7.0 is an absolute steal after the 8 away games. Moor will see a huge boost in points due to the new scoring format. He can score, defend, and generate CBI’s. He is one to keep an eye on.

Irwin GK 5.5 He is in the same boat at Moor. The both came from Colorado, and have a better defense, and attackers in front of them. After the opening 8 game away fixtures, he is one to possibly get in your lineups.

–VAN–

Morales MID at 10.5 is also an underutilized FMLS player. His production declined last year, but this could be his year to shine again! He has incredibly low ownership at 1.4%, and is on all SP. He could be a very sneaky differential pick early on.

Laba MID at 7.5 is a great mid ranged option. He plays DM, but will be a BP machine. 5.1 TPG, 2.1 INT, and has the potential of CS. He will be a 4-7 PPG player.

Parker DEF 6.5 is a cheap way into VAN back line which boasted 13CS last season. Great differential option as well

 

-Who are your differentials? Why did you pick them? Comment below and let the banter begin!!!