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 absences to pinpoint favorable matchups. Let’s dive into the round 18 slate:

Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United (Wed, 6:30pm CT), vs Philadelphia Union (Sun, 5:00pm CT)

As always on double gameweeks, I’m looking to prioritize teams with two home matches—and the Crew check that box while also being one of the strongest squads in MLS. After a much-needed breather following a grueling month of May, they should be rested, recharged, and ready to take advantage of this DGW.

The first matchup is a smash spot against Atlanta United, who have conceded 10 goals in their last 4 matches and conceded multiple goals in each. With Rossi spearheading the Columbus attack, I fully expect to see them hang a few goals on Atlanta’s head.

Sunday’s game against Philly is much tougher on paper, but recent matchups between the two suggest that we could be in for some goals. Their last two meetings have produced nine goals, and with both teams fighting near the top of the table, I can see a high-scoring, end-to-end game resulting in some solid fantasy returns.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Diego Rossi (FWD)
• Daniel Gazdag (MID)
• Mo Farsi (DEF)

Orlando City @ St. Louis CITY (Wed, 7:30pm CT), vs FC Cincinnati (Sat, 6:30pm CT)

Orlando kick off their double game week at Energizer Park against a St. Louis side who have conceded six goals in three matches since parting ways with head coach Olof Mellberg. The Lions have looked like one of the most dangerous attacks in MLS at times this season and will look to get back to scoring form after a much-needed 10-day break. This midweek matchup should have goals on both sides.

Saturday’s matchup is, again, a tougher one on paper—but I’m not shying away from it. Orlando take on Cincinnati at home, and with all their attacking tools available, I expect the likes of Muriel, Ojeda, and Pasalic to take advantage of a Cincy defense that has been a bit leaky of late. I love the matchups for Orlando this week and could definitely see some big fantasy hauls.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Martin Ojeda (MID)
• Luis Muriel (FWD)
• Marco Pasalic (MID)

San Jose Earthquakes @ FC Dallas (Wed, 7:30pm CT), vs LA Galaxy (Sat, 9:30pm CT)

Two tasty matchups for the Quakes this week. First up is a trip to Texas, where they’ll take on a struggling FC Dallas side. Their defense has been very poor and that can be seen in the discrepancy between their goals conceded and xG conceded, a +4.7 margin through 17 games. With that said, I like San Jose’s chances to score a couple goals here, especially with the three headed monster of Espinoza, Arango, and Josef Martinez leading the way.

Then it’s back home on Saturday for the Cali Clasico, a rivalry that usually makes for a pretty entertaining game no matter how strong either side is. With the Galaxy heating up recently, I’m excited for this matchup in particular as it should be a strong test for both teams. Nine of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over 3 goals, and I would be surprised if this one doesn’t follow that trend. I’m expecting lots of goals for the Quakes this week, and that should translate to lots of fantasy points.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Cristian Arango (FWD)
• Cristian Espinoza (MID)
• Josef Martinez (FWD)

 

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Contributor: Eli Redpath, @vurkes on Discord