Matchups are one of the most important factors to consider when crafting your fantasy lineup each week. In MLS, where home field provides a greater advantage than most leagues, players frequently deal with cross-country travel and multiple competitions, which can impact performance. It’s important to consider these factors, as well as performance metrics such as home/away form and player injuries to pinpoint favorable matchups. Each week I’ll focus on a few matchups you should target to help your team collect those precious fantasy points. Here are some to keep an eye on in round twelve:

Chicago Fire vs Atlanta United (Sat, 2:30 pm ET)

Chicago’s defense bounced back last week, somehow holding Orlando to a 0-0 draw despite playing most of the match a man down. I don’t know how they did it, but I don’t think it’ll happen again—especially not with Jeffrey Gal between the sticks, a 32-year-old goalkeeper who had never played in an MLS match until he was called upon last weekend. Atlanta’s road defense has been poor this season, conceding 10 goals in just four matches. I think both attacks have the quality to put a few in the back of the net given the circumstances, and with this match being the earliest on Saturday’s slate it’s a great spot to grab some early points. 

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Hugo Cuypers (FWD, CHI)
• Philip Zinckernagel (MID, CHI)
• Miguel Almiron (MID, ATL)
• Emmanuel Latte Lath (FWD, ATL)

FC Cincinnati  vs Austin FC (Sat, 7:30pm ET)

The previously reliable Austin defense has suddenly become a liability, giving up 12 goals in their last 5 matches–including two to USL side El Paso this midweek. The underachieving Cincy attack will be licking their chops after seeing that performance, and with the likes of Evander, Kevin Denkey and Luca Orellano leading the way, should have enough firepower to send them home unhappy. Cincy defenders could even surprise, given Austin has only scored 3 goals in 5 away matches.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Evander (MID, CIN)
• Kevin Denkey (FWD, CIN)
• Luca Orellano (DEF, CIN)
• Roman Celentano (GK, CIN)

Colorado Rapids vs San Jose Earthquakes (Sat, 9:30pm ET)

This late night matchup has all the makings of a shootout with two high powered offenses clashing against two weak defenses. San Jose continues to be an attacking powerhouse, ranking top in nearly every attacking metric. And while Colorado’s numbers aren’t as impressive, they should have no problem putting a few goals past a susceptible San Jose defense at home. According to bet365, this game has the highest chance in round 12 for both teams to score and to go over 2.5 total goals, with implied odds sitting right around 70%. I’ll definitely be loading up on fantasy assets from this matchup, and I suggest you do the same. 

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Djordje Mihailovic (MID, COL)
• Rafael Navarro (FWD, COL)
• Cristian Arango (FWD, SJ)
• Cristian Espinoza (MID, SJ)

Portland Timbers vs Sporting Kansas City (Sat, 10:30pm ET)

In their last five matches, Portland have been both scoring (15g) and giving up goals (13ga) at an incredible rate,  I don’t expect that trend to stop when an improving SKC squad visit Providence Park. There were six goals in the reverse fixture, which Portland won 4-2, and there’s a good chance this will be another high-scoring affair. And where there are goals, there are fantasy points–which is great for players on both sides.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• David Da Costa (MID, POR)
• Antony (MID, POR)
• Felipe Mora (FWD, POR)
• Dejan Joveljic (FWD, SKC)

---

Contributor: Eli Redpath, @vurkes on Discord