Matchups to target is 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 seven:

Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City SC (Sat, 7:30pm ET)

Philadelphia and Orlando have been two of the most dangerous attacking teams this season, both ranking near the top of MLS in xG. The firepower on both sides is undeniable, and I don’t think either defense will be at an advantage in this one. The Orlando defense has been better lately, but they’ve still given up an MLS-worst 12 goals and have given up double-digit xGA. Philly’s defense has been better, but they’ve still given up two or more goals in half their fixtures. These teams already met in Week 1, with the Union thrashing Orlando 4-2 on their own turf. If this reverse fixture is anything like the first, you’ll want to load up on fantasy assets from both sides.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Tai Baribo (FWD, PHI)
• Daniel Gazdag (MID, PHI)
• Kai Wagner (DEF, PHI)
• Martin Ojeda (MID, ORL)
• Luis Muriel (FWD, ORL)

San Jose Earthquakes vs DC United (Sun, 5:00pm ET)

If you’ve followed these teams this season, you know why this matchup is a fantasy goldmine–two attacks that score goals for fun, and two defenses that can’t keep the ball out of their own net. San Jose’s strategy seems pretty simple this year: forget defense and try to outscore the opponent (an MLS worst, 13.1 xGa. Is that a winning formula in real life? I’ll let you decide. Is it great for fantasy? Absolutely. With DC’s back line looking just as shaky (two+ GA in four of six matches), I’d be shocked if this wasn’t a high-scoring shootout.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Cristian Arango (FWD, SJ)
• Cristian Espinoza (MID, SJ)
• Christian Benteke (FWD, DC)

Inter Miami vs Toronto FC (Sun, 7:00pm ET)

This one is simple. Miami wins games, Toronto loses games. The never-ending Messi availability carousel will once again be something to consider for our teams this week. Messi or no Messi, Miami should have no problem exposing a Toronto side that’s conceded a league high 12 goals through six matches. If Messi does end up being out for this matchup, Miami should have more than enough attacking options to fill in for the Argentine.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Lionel Messi (FWD, MIA)
• Luis Suarez (FWD, MIA)
• Jordi Alba (DEF, MIA)
• Telasco Segovia (MID, MIA)

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Contributor: Eli Redpath, @vurkes on Discord