KFC’s MLS Fantasy Player Roundup – Week 36

 

Here we are, the final week. I’m sure I’ll make another post for this, but I’m going to go ahead and say thank you to everyone who has been visiting through this season. It’s been a wild ride and I’m really looking forwards to the playoffs. But enough of that, you came here for player recommendations.

The big question this week is who will actually play now that more teams know if they will be in the playoffs or not. I’m more concerned with the teams who are out than the ones who are in. NY, SKC< and POR, and RSL are fighting for the Supporter’s Shield, and several other teams are trying to place as high as they can to avoid the playoff entry game.

With this in mind, I tried to focus on the players who I think will come with everything they have this week.

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!

Keepers:

We’ll start out with the double game this week, no, I’m not going to recommend Dan Kennedy, but I will tap the two teams playing against Chivas. Nick Rimando (13.1% @ $6.1m) has been letting in more goals than I expected these past several weeks and while his form might not be great, Chivas is an easy final game. I just don’t know if he’s worth the price if you are looking to bring in a keeper. His counterpart this week, and they better of the two, is Donovan Ricketts (8.6% @ $5.4m)  and they are complete opposites. Cheaper price, better from, and an away game. I still regret trading him several weeks back.

For those not playing Chivas…. I think you have to give a look at Jon Busch (3.4m @ $5.1m) and at least give him a hand for his part in the defensive turnaround SJ has made. They are playing a struggling and knocked out Dallas team this week and I think they will bring their “A game” even though they also have very little chance to make the playoff.

Finally, there’s Luis Robles (8.8% @ $5.8m). He’s been in the top few all year and this will be a huge game for NY. A win will clench the Supporter’s Shield and that will be a huge motivating factor. My only concern in Mike Mage.

Defenders:

When you are looking for teams that have had trouble scoring this season, Chivas is one that quickly comes to mind. While not the lowest scoring team in the league, they are near the bottom in both Home and Away goals. Good news for RSL and POR this week and that provides some easy defender picks. From RSL I like Chris Schuler (4.0% @ $5.1m). He was putting up massive defensive numbers at the start of the season before he was injured but now, he’s right back at it. From POR I like Futty Danso (0.9% @ $4.2m). He’s been getting similar numbers to Pa-Madou, but is a little cheaper. IF you prefer offensive defenders, then look at Wallace, I’ve just not seen the numbers I want from him.

Looking at the rest of the games, I think you can expect good performances from HOU and SKC, and I’m sure many people have those players (just keep an eye out for the SKC CCL roster to see who might be paired with Colin). My top recommendations again go back to SJ and NY. Really anyone from the SJ back line will work because they all tend to get 6-8 points for a CS, but my top pick would be Steven Beitashour (2.0% @ $5.2m) because he provides a good points to price ratio. The no brainer from NY is Olave. Personally, I did not get him, because I think Magee has a chance to score but that’s your call in the end.

Midfielders:

There are a lot of midfielder options this week. Zusi is back and on form?, Brad Davis is playing against DC, and Landon is 1 goal away from a record. All good reasons to grab these players but there are a few That I think are worth point out. One of the more obvious ones is Tim Cahill (7.1% @ $8.1m). I’ll admit it, I was a hater early in the season, but he’s really turned things around now and is on great form. Next is Will Johnson (11.4% @ $8.2m) who has been on fantastic form since returning from injury and has a chance to finish big against Chivas.

Fresh of of suspensions are Javier Morales (10.6% @ $9.2m) and Lee Nguyen (3.4% @ $7.8m). Both have been key for their teams by providing goals and assists in these closing weeks. Morales is playing Chivas and I think that gives him the edge over Nguyen, but with NE on the edge for the playoffs, they will bring everything they have.

If you’re looking for a differential, consider Shea Salinas (1.1% @ $7.6m). He’s a crossing and assist machine and that could serve well to dismantle Dallas.

Forwards:

This one is easy for me this week. I think you should stay with the teams that need results. Keane is always ready to play and will be fighting to not finish 5th. Di Vaio is leading for the golden boot and this is a must win game for MTL to have a chance at the cup. Fnally, Diego Fagundez (18.2% @ $7.1m) is in a similar position as Di Vaio, NE must win to have a chance at the cup.

And just to stay on theme, Alvaro Saborio is going up against Chivas so you may add him to your front line if you afford 3 high prices forwards. Personally, I am planning on only playing 2. You can also look at Henry and Wondo, but I think the above four have the most on the line this week.

Final thoughts

• Desperation is a powerful motivator

• Sorry Chivas

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!