Round 8: Revs Hit Their Stride at Home

Sorry for the absence in Round 7. Between too many quality matchups and some other things there was no article. Moving on, let’s recap my last set of picks and talk about my new record (3-3-2).

Chicago did it! They looked like the team we all hoped for during preseason. They brought the all out attacking style of the Crew to a halt and put one goal away to take the 3 points. That may not seem too astonishing, but the Crew were coming off a 3-2 win over the Portland Timbers, one of the best teams in the league right now. I don’t think there was any doubt the Fire would be able to put one away, but holding the Crew to 0 was something else. In Round 7, the Fire absolutely stomped the Revs with Bastian getting on the scoresheet again. The Fire on finally living up to their name and won’t slow down anytime soon.

Now, as for the FCD-MIN prediction many of you were so kind to remind me of…. I accept the result and concede this one. I was wrong. HOWEVER, 2-0 against one of the top attacks in the league isn’t bad compared to their early season results and they can take solace in the fact that they were a few good saves away from evening it up. They looked likely to replicate that result again Houston, but showed some serious fight to claw back for a 2-2 draw. I like the grit and the attack is there. They’ll be ready by next season. For now I’m waiting for their first win.

On to this week’s picks

New England Revs Continue to Confuse Us with Superb Form at Home and Abysmal Away form.

I’m all in on the Revolution. They’re unbeaten at home and there’s no question they have the attacking pieces to be lethal. It just doesn’t always seem to click on the road. Many of you may be scared after a 3-0 thumping by the Fire, but don’t be. The revs will win both of their games this week against San Jose and DC and only concede 1 goal between the two games. Since they have a double week they’re a must own and I expect 4 Revs in all teams.

Bold Predictions

Result: NER 2-1 SJ; NER 2-0 DC
My Picks: Cropper ($4) is an obvious pick. He’s cheap and he’s going to get at least one shutout. After that, take your pick; Agudelo ($8.4), Kamara ($9.2) and Nguyen ($10) if you can afford them. Farrell ($5.5) is the most affordable way into the Revs back line and could be a worth a go over one of those attacking options.
As for SJ, you’re probably going to want Wondo ($8.5) since he scores when he shouldn’t, which is all the time. Jahmir Hyka ($8.2) will also be on my team and could be an under the radar pick. As for defense, Quakes are facing two high powered offenses in the Dynamo and the Revs so I won’t be buying into it (maybe I pick up one, but that’s it).

Atlanta United Really Don’t Like to Lose

What happened the last time Atlanta lost a game it really should’ve won? They went on a streak of impeccable form. An unfortunate red only 45 min into the game crippled the attack and prevented them from doing what they do best. RSL is going to be the victim of an angry Atlanta attack, despite RSL’s solid showing against the Rapids. If RSL can pull of a win it’ll be a turning point for them, but this one is all Atlanta

Bold Predictions

Result: RSL 1-4 ATl
My Picks: Almiron ($9.3) and Villalba ($9.7) are two obvious choices to be getting in on the action in this game. Villalba has been in better form since Martinez went down injured and I would expect that to continue. Gressel ($4.4) was playing in a more advanced role, so he could be good for a switcheroo. If you’re bold you can jump on Jones’ ($9.1) goal this week and hope he stays hot for next week.

If there’s one thing you do this week though. Have Schweinsteiger in your squad. He gets 10 points this week against Toronto.

As always please come at me in the comment section or on twitter (@tbartels12)! I’m more than happy to be your punching bag as you weep over the fact that I was right and you were wrong.