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 nine:

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami (Sat, 4:30pm ET)

These two teams have faced off six times since 2022—and every single matchup has seen at least three goals. While both defenses have looked solid this season, that can go out the window when two high-powered attacks meet. The sportsbooks are expecting an end-to-end game too, with odds implying nearly a 70% chance for both teams to score and a 65% chance of hitting at least three goals. With this game being the second earliest on the slate, it’s a perfect spot to stash a player or two on your bench and cash in on some early points. 

• Diego Rossi (FWD, CLB)
• Daniel Gazdag (MID, CLB) 
• Lionel Messi (FWD, MIA)
• Luis Suarez (FWD, MIA)

Philadelphia Union vs Atlanta United (Sat, 7:30pm ET)

Another big Eastern Conference clash as Atlanta United travel to Philadelphia in desperate need of points, currently sitting 11th in the table. The Union, meanwhile, will be looking to figure out life in the absence of their former top goalscorer Daniel Gazdag. Both sides have the tools to make this an exciting one, and while neither defense is awful, I definitely favor the attacking quality. Philly ranks 5th in non-penalty xG with 13.5, while Atlanta sits 10th with 11.3. There are strong fantasy plays at every position on each side, so you’ll definitely want a piece or two from this matchup. 

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Kai Wagner (DEF, PHI)
• Quinn Sullivan (MID, PHI)
• Tai Baribo (FWD, PHI)
• Emmanuel Latte Lath (FWD, ATL)
• Miguel Almiron (MID, ATL)

Charlotte FC vs San Diego FC (Sat, 7:30pm ET)

This match pits two very good teams against each other, as San Diego travels east across the country to face Charlotte FC. Charlotte are very strong at home, with 10 goals for and only two goals against, and San Diego are averaging 2g/match on the road–though they’re also giving up more than 2 xGA on the road, as well. With plenty of solid fantasy options on both sides, this match could be a very overlooked source of fantasy points in a weekend that has fewer obvious choices than normal. 

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Pep Biel (MID, CLT)
• Kristijan Kahlina (GK, CLT)
• Anders Dreyer (MID, SD)
• Chucky Lozano (FWD, SD)

San Jose Earthquakes vs Sporting Kansas City (Sat, 10:30 pm ET)

San Jose’s matchups are quickly becoming a staple in this article, and for good reason. They lead the league in xG (16.7) and xGA (16.3), meaning their games have been loaded with chances at both ends. Sporting KC’s defense hasn’t been very strong either, ranking 10th in xGA with 11.5. With Jovelijc and Co. bagging two goals in back to back matches, they’ll look to continue that streak in California this weekend. As for San Jose’s attack, not much needs to be said. The three headed monster of Cristian Arango, Cristian Espinoza, and Josef Martinez has been pure gold to start the season and I expect to see more of the same against a leaky SKC defense. Plus, with this being the last game on the slate, it’s a great matchup to fall back on if your bench doesn’t work out. 

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Cristian Arango (FWD, SJ)
• Cristian Espinoza (MID, SJ)
• Josef Martinez (FWD, SJ)
• Dejan Joveljic (FWD, SKC)

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Contributor: Eli Redpath, @vurkes on Discord