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- MLS Injury Report
- MLS Disciplinary Report
- BYES IN ROUND 18: Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City
- UPCOMING DOUBLE GAME WEEKS: None (Rd. 18), None (Rd. 19)
- Bonus Points: Red card ruin your Double Game Week? Check out disciplinary trends in 2015
- Fantasy Doctor: With Gold Cup approaching, how do you know when it's time to pull out the wildcard?
The Gold Cup is finally upon us and many big-name players have left to join their national teams. If you’ve not been planning for this, then you’re getting ready to face a major roster overhaul. Fortunately, there are no huge, double-game weeks to throw a wrench into your planning, and we can all return to simpler methods for picking players.
The following is my list of who I think will stand out during round 18. Also, don’t forget to take a look at my last article where I reviewed some of your options for replacing your Gold Cup players.
Keepers
Best Schedule: Even without an upcoming DGW, Seattle’s schedule is still very promising. Over the next three weeks the Sounders play a DC team that is struggling for road success, and two teams from the bottom in the table. If you’re hoping for clean sheets, then Stefan Frei ($5.9m) could be your man.
Budget Pick: If you’re interested in finding a cheaper keeper, then consider Dan Kennedy ($4.8m). The past six weeks have not been kind to Dallas, but now that they are back at home, the results could turn in their favor. Kennedy earned a clean sheet last round, and another is not out of the question this week.
On Form: After a rough start to the season, Portland has found its form over the past few weeks and won five of their last six games. Adam Kwarasey ($5.6m) has been a big part of this success, earning three clean sheets during this time. This round he’ll face a San Jose team that is missing Chris Wondolowski and that will make Kwaraswy’s job much easier.
Defenders
Undervalued: If you’re trying to find a replacement for one of your big-name defenders, then look no further than Laurent Ciman ($7.7m), who is still owned by fewer than 10 percent of fantasy managers. Montreal tends to play better at home, so with two promising matches over the next couple of weeks, Ciman’s ability to rack up high CBI (clearances, blocks, and interceptions) numbers should translate to several bonus points for fantasy managers.
Home Run King: Okay, so he may not be winning any awards for best goal celebration, but Matt Miazga ($5.7) offers several other traits that make him as defender to consider. He boasts reliable CBI numbers and costs less than $6m, and the Red Bulls are starting to get back on form. Basically he’s a productive budget defender that should be on everyone’s radar.
Midfielders
Lone Ranger: After three weeks of playing at full strength, Toronto again finds itself without two of its star players (Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley). Fortunately Sebastian Giovinco ($12.3m) has a history of performing well under these conditions, and will face an LA team that will be without two key defensive players. This potentially sets the stage for another round with a double-digit score.
Redemption: It goes without saying that round 17 was not one Javier Morales ($11.3m) would like to remember, but his red card has made him more affordable right before a promising match. RSL hosts Orlando this week and a fully rested, on-form Morales is a player who should be able to take advantage of the fact those stars are missing.
Mr. Reliable: If you're looking for a more affordable, on-form midfielder, then grab Ethan Finlay ($8.6m). He’s earned an assist or a goal in each of the past three rounds and has played a key role in improving Columbus’ overall form. Crew SC also have one of the best home scoring records in the league, and it’s a good chance that Finlay will be involved in those goals.
Forwards
Back on Form: If you are looking for a forward who is coming back into form, then consider getting Kei Kamara ($9.3m). He’s scored two goals and earned one assist over the past two games and could add to that total when Columbus hosts New York this week. He also has an upcoming DGW against Chicago in two weeks, and that could mean even more points.
- ANALYST: On the radar for Week 18
Dancing Bear: After two tough away games, Houston is home again for what should be an easy match against a struggling Chicago. With a few key players missing, I expect Will Bruin ($8.4m) to be the focus of the Houston offense and add more goals to his growing total.
Long Shot: Montreal may not be a threat for the Supporters' Shield, but if you want a player from the team with the best home scoring record then they’re it, and Jack McInerney ($7.5m) is one of your best options. His four goals are tied for the most on the Impact, with three of his four goals being scored at home.
These are the player who I like for Round 18. Who are you looking at to explode over this holiday weekend? Post your thoughts below or stop by MLS Fantasy Boss and discuss your picks with other managers.
