The double game week has come and gone, and as with so many DGWs of the past, many managers are left picking up the broken pieces that it left behind. One manager who is not in this situation is Marvin Meza, manager of ALLSTARS51, who earned the Round 6 high score of 129 points and proved that he is a real MLS Fantasy Boss. Congrats!
Round 7 represents a classic single game week that is sandwiched between two DGWs. A few teams are on a bye (Chicago and Portland), others are dealing with injuries, and most of the games don’t scream high fantasy potential. So even though that wild card may be tempting, if you still have it, I recommend you save it and just use your allotted transfers to prep for DGW 8.
Goalkeepers
DGW Prep: If you are one of the many managers who currently own Tim Melia ($5.7m), then you are already is a good spot. As previously mentioned, SKC’s upcoming DGW packed schedule makes Melia the keeper with the most point potential through Round 10. If you have him, start him. If you don’t just keep who you have.
Defenders
DGW Prep: Over the next six weeks, Vancouver has 2 DGWs and a couple of promising single game week matches, and this makes Tim Parker a great option at only $6.5m. While the Whitecaps have only earned two clean sheets, Parker has demonstrated the ability to generate good bonus points. Just don’t expect a big payoff against Dallas.
For This Week: If you’re not ready to invest heavily in the upcoming DGWs and don’t believe Orlando‘s bad luck will continue, then consider bringing in Seb Hines ($7.6m). He had a strong preseason, rarely scores fewer than four points, is currently the Lions’ top scoring defender, and could earn another clean sheet if the Red Bulls keep struggling to score.
Big Money: If you are looking for an ideal replacement for the injured Matt Hedges, then consider Chris Tierney ($8.1m). When it comes to generating chances, Tierney is one of the best and currently has the highest number of crosses and key passes of all defenders. Combine this with an upcoming DGW, and you could be looking at serious points over the next couple of weeks.
Midfielders
DGW Prep: If you dropped Ignacio Piatti ($10.6m) to make room for past DGW players, then it’s time to work him back in. Thanks to his bonus point production and goal scoring ability, he’s scored at least seven points in his last two games and with the big 401 Derby kicking things off this weekend (Saturday, 4 pm ET | TSN4, RDS, MLS Live), he’s sure to be primed for more points.
Value Pick: Loading up with big name future DGW players can only be done if you balance them with the best value players and Scott Caldwell ($7.5m) is one of these. He’s not going to earn you big points, but his consistent defensive bonus point numbers give him a high point floor and that could come in handy if more unexpected injuries pop up.
This Week's Option: If you would rather drop some money on a promising SGW player, then consider Federico Higuain ($10.3m). Columbus is currently one of the top home scoring teams and they are hosting a Houston team that allowed four goals last week. Unlike other cheaper Crew SC midfielders, Higuain is much less of a boom and bust point earner, and that’s what you want when dropping this kind on cash.
Forwards
DGW Value: If you want to load up with attacking players from one of the best home teams for the upcoming DGW, then Dominic Oduro ($7.6m) should be on your short list. He has not scored a goal since Round 2, but last week he demonstrated an ability to provide service when making room for Didier Drogba up top. Over the next two rounds, he’ll get chances for both goals and assists, and at just 7 percent ownership, he could earn points that many managers will miss out on.
This Week's Option: With LA missing their number one striker, the return of Giovani Dos Santos ($10.9m) to full 90-minute form could not be more perfect. Last week he helped the Galaxy break their away game winless streak by scoring two goals and earning an assist. If this form continues at home, LA will maintain their spot as the top scoring team at home and Dos Santos could be a handful for the RSL defense.
These are the players I like for Round 7 – what others are you considering adding?
