Reid and Mike get together with New York Derby expert Tim Shaw to talk about all of the exciting rivalry action in Round 26. They start the show with a short review of the important fantasy takeaways form Round 25 including the latest injury news before the big El Trafico match. Things get a little silly during the Round 26 previews but top fantasy match ups and players are identified and options are given in case lineups don't go as expected. It's a great preview and a must listen before Round 26 starts on Wednesday.
It’s Heineken Rivalry Week and that mean a lot of players have a shot at big fantasy point totals thanks to the added motivation that goes along with important games. At the top of this list is practically every starting New York Red Bulls player thanks to their double-game week which includes two rivalry matchups. I recommend going all in with the Red Bulls for this double derby double-game week but that still leaves you with 11 spots to fill. Below is a list of some of my favorite players to help you find a balance between the double and single-game week teams.
Double-Game: New York Red Bulls
ByeRound: None
Keepers
Robles is the clear goalkeeper pick for this week | USA Today Sports
DGW Pick: Without a doubt, the number one 'keeper for this round is New York Red Bulls’ Luis Robles ($7.5) because he has a shot at two clean sheets. This chance comes from the Red Bulls’ top notch defense which is currently in the top three when on the road and at home. This point potential does come at a high price, but Robles should be well worth it.
SGW Option: If you’re just not feeling a DGW player, then consider Sporting Kansas City’s Tim Melia ($7.5). He has clean sheets in his last three games and could extend it to four as Minnesota’s (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info) top goalscoring threat, Darwin Quintero, is still only listed as day-to-day.
Defenders
Castillo has averaged 5.8 points per game over his last five games | USA Today Sports
Value Rise: Still working on increasing your team value? You might consider switching over to a points focus soon. However, you can get the best of both worlds this week with Colorado’s Edgar Castillo ($7.5). He’s been a magnet for value increases over the past four weeks and has also earned a lot of points thanks to three assists and one goal over the same time. This weekend’s match against Real Salt Lake (9:00 pm ET | TV & streaming info) will offer the opportunity for both as the Rocky Mountain Cup usually means goals.
Budget Friendly: If you need a solid defender but at a cheaper price, then go with Seth Sinovic ($6.5). He started the last three games for Sporting Kansas City and has earned a clean sheet each time. Sinovic is a no frills players but his sub seven million price tag does make him the cheapest way into the high scoring SKC defensive system and gives you a shot at a potential clean sheet against Minnesota.
Midfielders
Lletget could be the best option in El Trafico | USA Today Sports
Switcheroo Derby: Round 28 marks the third and final El Trafico of 2018 (10:30 pm ET | ESPN — TV & streaming info). I give the advantage to LAFC due to the injuries suffered by the LA Galaxy but both previous meetings were high scoring so you may want to have a player from each team on your bench. My top targets are Eduard Atuesta and Sebastian Lletget. Both players are reasonably priced as $7 million and both play in the midfield so they should have the opportunity to be involved in the buildup to goals.
Reliability: If you’d rather go with a player who returns more consistent point totals then consider Tyler Adams ($8.2). He’s one of the most skilled Red Bulls players and this skills gives him access to both offensive and defensive bonus points each week. These reliable points will quickly add up during this big double-game week especially against a D.C. United (7:00 pm ET | FS1 — TV & streaming info) team that has struggled on the road.
Forwards
Top Dollar: The two most popular forwards for Round 28 are Atlanta’s Josef Martinez ($12.5) and the New York Red Bulls’ Bradley Wright-Phillips ($10.4). Both have made scoring look easy this year and have the potential for multiple goals this week. Martinez will be looking to break the single-season goalscoring record against an Orlando (8:00 pm ET | TV & streaming info) team that has yet to keep a home clean sheet all season. Wright-Phillips, on the other hand, has a promising double-game week that starts against a New York City FC (7:00 pm ET | FS1 — TV & streaming info) team that will be missing several starting players.
Hey New Guy: If you’re worried that BWP might see some rotation, then consider LAFC’s Christian Ramirez ($8.7). He bagged a brace during his first start for LAFC and has the potential for more points against a weakened LA Galaxy. Just keep an eye on the roster because Bob Bradley has several options for that center forward spot.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 26?
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