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Got a couple of positive reviews about the more free form/stream of conscience format from last week, so I’m going to give it a shot again for this week. Input is always welcome.
If you want to see more, keep reading after the break. But please join the discussion at r/FantasyMLS, that’s where a lot of planning is made and last second decisions finalized. If you have questions, please stop by! We also just rolled out a new forum layout!
And finally, it’s time to talk forwards. Normally, we’re not super interested in forwards, but this week has a few promising games where a good pick could return some nice points. And remember, when some of the star midfielders leave in the coming weeks, a couple of forwards may have a good chance to shine.
Forwards
Last week, several of the big name and big money players came through for their managers. This week, several of those players still have good games and they may be able to get points again. Our top two big money players are Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane. Henry is going up against Columbus again, but this time, they are at home. New York is hot right now and Columbus will be without one of their big center backs (Glauber due to yellows). He’s expensive, but we like his next two home game so it could be money well spent. Keane is our other big money pick. His pairing with Donovan produces excellent results and they will have at least one more game together before he leaves to play for Ireland. If you have him pay him, if not, make sure you have the trades to replace him next week. I’m sure some of you are screaming Chris Wondolowski right now, well I still don’t like him. Yes, he’s gotten a few more goals, but there are so many players who have similar numbers who cost less that I still can’t justify having him. This feeling is only multiplied when you see that they have 2 away games (DAL and RSL) before the week 15 bye. No thanks.
In the more reasonable price range, we have Jack McInerney ($9.0) and Marco Di Vaio ($8.5). Both of these players have been getting very good numbers, J Mac is the highest scoring forward and the only reason I can see that Di Vaio is not higher is all of the Montreal bye games. Di Vaio does have some bye weeks coming up, but if you can work around that, he’s a steal. And J Mac is a great young player and should definitely be on your team for week 15. I know a few people are still clinging onto Robert Earnshaw, I think it’s past the time to drop him. He’s a great poacher, but that’s all he has done. I have only seen him create a few opportunities, and with the form Toronto is in, you money can be spent in better ways.
If you are looking for someone that is a little more budget friendly, we recommend starting with Columbus. Dominic Oduro ($7.1) has developed a knack for finding the back of the net and with Arrieta injured; he’ll definitely be back up front. The pricier option is Federico Higuaín ($9.1) but since he plays midfield, he’s in a great position to generate bonus points, though he’s been a little light in that department recently. You could also take a look at Ryan Johnson, Portland has some good games coming up, and a bye in week 14, but Johnson has had shaky playtime, so we think he’s a risk.
I mentioned earlier that a couple of forwards could have some good weeks with their star midfielders leaving for international duty. These players are Claudio Bieler and Will Bruin. Both of these players have been hit of miss when it comes to getting goals and we think they have better chances while their big midfielders are away. This week they play each other, so they may not be a great pickup and Bruin has the better schedule since SKC has a bye in week 15 and 16. But they are both worth keeping an eye on.
Finally, I think we have two good differential players this week. Joao Plata ($6.8m @ 2.2%) has had very shaky playtime, but with some injuries in the forward position, three home games, and a goal last week, we think there is a good chance he could see some more time. The other choice is also a forward from a team with three home games in a row, New England’s Diego Fagundez ($5.8m @ 3.0%). He’s had three goals in five games (as a team NE has scored 4 goals in the last 5 games) and has good playtime. Besides the LA game, NE also has a decent schedule over the next four weeks. He’s a player that I personally have my eye on.
Final thoughts
• Wondo and Earnshaw are not worth they money.
• Internationals should help some forward’s numbers.
• Teams play well at home.
• One expensive and two cheap is a tempting forward combo.
That’s all I got. I’d love to hear your feedback, plans, and insights.
These are our picks, if you think there should be more names on this list, please leave a comment or come to r/FantasyMLS and comment on the post. You can also leave a message on our Facebook page or you can find us on Twitter @FantasyMLSTips. Keep checking back for more updates through the week for other positions. Good Luck!
