Double-game weeks have earned a bit of a bad reputation this season with many of them resulting in low scores and a high amount of player rotation. Round 22 was the exception to this rule and many of the best performing teams were those that invested heavily in Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake. This is the strategy that paid off for RSL TD whose team, 3Way or the Highway, included seven Double Game Week players and earned the Round 22 top score of 160 points. Congrats and enjoy that MLSStore.com gift cart!
If you’re hoping to take advantage of the next Double Game Week, you’ll have to wait until Round 28, but in the meantime, you’ll need to make sure your team is set up to deal with the two upcoming bye-heavy weeks (the Aug. 24 midweek round and Labor Day weekend) that will quickly be upon us. Below is my list of players who have the potential to pay off this round but not force you to take -4 penalties in the coming weeks.
Goalkeepers
Short Term Gamble: If you have found yourself with an extra trade and feel like taking a risk on a new 'keeper, then consider Bobby Shuttleworth ($5.5). New England have struggled some on defense this season, but Shuttleworth has earned two clean sheets over his last four games and has the potential for a couple of more as the Revs schedule eases up over their next two games .
Defenders
Attacking Option: With an average of almost 2 goals per game, New York City FC have one of the best scoring offenses when on the road. This continues make R.J. Allen ($5.4), who’s earned three assists on the road, one of the best low cost defensive options if you’re looking for defenders who also have offensive potential.
Differential Pick: If you want to bring a new face into your team, then consider Jordan Stewart ($6.5) who has been starting at left back for the Quakes for the last four games. Besides having one of the easier mixes of home and away games over the next four rounds, San Jose also has one of the best overall defenses in the league and that could equal more clean sheets before their Round 27 bye.
Midfielders
New Comer: Last week I suggested you wait one more week to get Nicolas Lodeiro ($11.6), this week, I’m ready to go all in. Over his last two games, he has proven that he is the playmaker that Seattle have needed and helped to provide a much needed boost in energy. He’s not necessarily going to be a goalscorer, but more assists are sure to come as well as offensive bonus points.
Budget Friendly: If you need to make some room for a big transfer, then adding Tommy McNamara ($7.1) could hardly be considered a downgrade. His three assists and one goal over his last four games make him one of the most on-form midfielders and he has a chance for more as Columbus has one of the worst home defenses in the league.
Forwards
On Form: If you’re looking for LA players to pick up for the upcoming bye rounds, then Giovani dos Santos ($11.6) is on a run of form that should make him stand out. Over his last three games, he’s earned an assist in each one and Bruce Arena is sure to push his team to score as Colorado’s defensive armor has been cracked.
Risky Business: For most of this season, Seattle has offered little is fantasy value to managers, but over the past two rounds, they have found new form and now could be the time to roll the dice on Clint Dempsey ($10.8). He’s a risky pick since he’s only just started scoring, but with two home games coming up, his three goals could be just the tip of the iceberg especially as his chemistry with Lodeiro continues to grow.
These are the players who I think are worth investing in for Round 23, who are you considering? Post your thoughts in the comments below and if you are interested in more charts and tips, check out the latest posts over at MLS Fantasy Boss and advice from the other MLS Fantasy Experts.
