MLSFB Player Roundup – Round 21

There is not a lot of time to digest all of Round 20, because Round 21 is quickly approaching (tomorrow) but it can not be said that Round 20 did not begin and end on a high note. The 5-1 stomping that San Jose handed out was great, especially with a couple of affordable fantasy options. Then everything got wrapped up with LA beating Seattle 3-0. This was a huge blow to managers, like myself, who captained Dempsey and was only intensified if you dropped Donovan to get him.

Round 21 promises more great action. This is a big DGW and it’s worth picking up several players from those teams (unlike MTL last round), but I think you could see a few single game week players making it into the Dream Team so don’t get tunnel vision during your trades.

Now, let’s break things down each position.

Keepers:

If you profited last week from picking up Clint Irwin ($4.8m @ 7.1%) then your decision is easy this week. Colorado has one of the easiest double game schedules this round and one of the better defenses in the league (especially at home). The RSL game will be a challenge for them but a shutout could easily come against New England. If you want to splurge on a keeper this round, then Luis Robles ($6.0m @ 6.4%) is the man for you. New York is basically a mirror of Colorado for round 21. They open with a tough away game against RSL but finish with a very winnable home game against New England and again, the New England game has the best potential fora clean sheet.

If you’re looking to take a risk on a differential, then I think you have two options. Bill Hamid ($5.0m @ 6.5%): DC has been on good overall form, but have not had a clean sheet for quite some time. They do have what looks like an easy double game though. Joe Bendik ($5.0m @ 4.1%): Toronto could have a tough game against DC, but they have managed to draw their last two away games. If you go with Bendik, it’s really more about the Montreal game.

Defenders:

If you’re not running a 3 man defense by now, then I think you should seriously be considering it. If you want to hedge your bets for some clean sheets, I think going with two cheap Toronto, Colorado, or New York players and then have one slightly more expensive player. For me, and over 32% of other managers, it’s Moor, but pick your favorite. There are my favorite budget picks from each of the above three mentioned teams: Toronto’s Nick Hagglund ($5.1m @ 9.1%) is getting some play time and has had several games with impressive defensive point returns. Colorado’s Shane O’Niel looks like he’s going to miss another game due to injury. There has been some rotation in his spot and Marc Burch ($6.2m @ 1.3%) looks to have been the most successful so far. My best guess is he will start at least one game, but this is a tossup. Finally, have you heard of New York’s Ambroise Oyongo Bitolo ($4.6m @ 2.8%)? He’s only played in the last five games, but he’s earned 3 assists in that time and is under $5m. Quite a bargain.

Midfielders:

At this point you’re going to notice a drop off in my narrative. I had to reduce it due to time and a busy schedule.

These are the big name DGW players for this week. I don’t see any reason why you should not be running 2 of these guys. If you add in a DC player you could easily fit 3 in. Dillon Powers ($8.2m @ 8.4%), Javier Morales ($11.2m @ 14.6m), Jeff Larentowicz ($7.1m @ 9.5%), Luis Silva ($7.1 @ 1.5%).

There are also some good SGW players to consider. Graham Zusi has had a couple of good games with bonus points and a goal, Brad Davis is once again the center of Houston’s offense, Pedro Morales is on solid form, Clint Dempsey has something to prove after the loss to LA, and Shea Salinas could have a good day if the Seattle defense continues to struggle.

Forwards:

There are only 5 options in my mind for forwards during this week. Bradley Wright-Phillips, Thierry Henry, Jermain Defoe, Harrison Shipp, and Joao Plata. If you have some combination of these guys, I think you are on the right track.

Did I miss any players that should be on this list? Please leave us a comment. You can also send a message to me on Twitter @MLSFantasyBoss, or join the Live Chat in the sidebar. Keep checking back for more updates throughout the week. Good Luck!