Transfer Deadline: Weds. 4/27, 7 pm ET
Judging by the average score for round seven, and many of the comments from players on Twitter, I think it’s safe to say that not many managers were pleased with their recent fantasy scores. However, there was one player who was able to navigate all of the injuries, cards, and unexpected results, David Winter manager of Tartan Army. With his heavy investment in Toronto, and a little help from a few Red Bulls players, David racked up 111 points and earned the $25 gift card to the MLS store. Congrats!
If you were one of the players who found themselves on wrong end of the average score for round seven, then the round eight double game week is the ideal time to change your team's fortunes. Just be cautious, because as round six and seven reminded us, a DGW comes with some risks. So here are some players to help you find the right balance between double and single game week planning.
Goalkeepers
Rising Form: Normally I don’t advocate 'keeper transfers, but if you jumped on the Tim Melia train a few weeks ago and are ready for a change, then consider David Ousted ($6.1). Over the next three rounds, Vancouver will play five games including three at home. This gives Ousted a good chance for shutout bonus points especially since he’s posted clean sheets in both of his home games this season.
Defenders
Stay the Course: While some players may be looking for SKC alternatives, after losing their last three games, I still think Nuno Coelho ($7.9) is worth hanging on to. Even with the losses, Coelho’s bonus point generation has allowed him to earn at least 5 points in two of his last three games. If you have the cash, he’s definitely worth it.
Value Pick: If you want to bring in a value DGW defender who will last you through Round 10, then Fraser Aird ($6.5) is an excellent option. As a fullback, Aird is not one to count on for big bonus point numbers, but his crosses and key passes give him a shot at assists and Vancouver are currently tied for most clean sheets this season.
SGW Option: If you don’t want to go all in on this DGW, then consider bringing in Aaron Maund ($7.1). Not only does Maund have good bonus point production, but Real Salt Lake is one of three teams that has won all their home games. This week they are going up against a Houston team that have yet to earn a win on the road, and this gives Maund a chance for big numbers.
Midfielders
One for Two: If you were one of the managers who decided to hang on to Diego Valeri ($10.3), then now is the time for your patience to pay off. Even without being available for both of Portland’s games, Valeri has already demonstrated how his bonus point generation makes him well worth starting even against other DGW options.
SGW Option: While he may not have scored a goal or earned as assist this season, Michael Bradley($10.2) has been a bonus point machine. Over his seven away games, Bradley has yet to score fewer than five points thanks to his ability to provide key passes and crosses. I don’t see this trend ending against Portland, who have allowed almost two goals per game at home.
2nd Chance: A lot of managers got burned when they brought in Ignacio Piatti ($10.5) last round, but do you really want to put a DGW player on the chopping block? Piatti still has a lot of offensive potential, and there is a chance that Didier Drogba could be rested during one or parts of both games. If this happens, Piatti should have a much better chance for points this week, though maybe not as a captain.
Forwards
Moving on Up: After a slow start, Sebastian Giovinco ($12.2) has hit a vein of form and has scored four goals over his last three games. While picking him up will mean spending serious cash on a SGW player, it may be worth it, as Portland will be starting a green 'keeper.
Burn Bait: Many managers have been burned by the disappointing way David Villa ($11.2) started the season, but after scoring a brace against Columbus and with two home games during this DGW, he’s hard to ignore for round eight. The Vancouver game provides his best chance for points, as the Whitecaps have allowed eight goals over four games.
These are my picks to help you rebound for this DGW. Who are you targeting for Round 8?
