Reid, Mike and Blayne sit down just hours after the end of Round 12 to review the unexpected results and meh DGW performances. A random question from Mike leads to a surprise conversation about Columbus before the guys touch on the fantasy impact of the upcoming U.S. Open Cup Round 4 and the World Cup. Everything wraps up with their preview of Round 13 which includes Blayne asking the fantasy community to change his nind about a player selection.
From the very beginning, Round 12’s Wednesday-to-Monday schedule made it destined to be strange. Investing in the DGW was a trap, multiple away teams came away with surprising upsets and a few red cards were thrown in for good measure.
However, if you took my advice and invested in a diverse team, you likely came away with a good score. This week, we’re back to normal, but it’s not going to last long as World Cup call-ups will soon be impacting our rosters. Below is a list of some of the players who I think will help you get a high score before the international exodus.
Teams on a Bye: Atlanta United
Double-game week teams: None
Goalkeepers
Backup Value: Luis Robles' ironman run came to an end last week due to a knee injury, but that did not faze one of the league’s top defenses. Fortunately Ryan Meara ($4.9) proved to be quite a capable replacement and generated several bonus points from blocks and saves. This strong showing likely means that Robles will continue to be rested and Meara will start again when the New York Red Bulls face a Philadelphia Union (Saturday, 7 pm ET | ESPN+ - Full TV & Streaming Info) team that has only managed to score two goals on the road.
RBNY GK Ryan Meara | USA Today Sports Images
Keeperoo: If you’d rather stick with first-string players, then consider LAFC's Tyler Miller ($8.1). He has a high price tag, but for the money you get a ‘keeper who has only allowed opponents to score in two of his four home games this season. LAFC also boast this round’s second-best home defense, so it should be harder for D.C. United (10 pm ET | ESPN+ - Full TV & Streaming Info) to score on Miller than in their recent matches.
Defenders
Offensive Threat: Several matches in Round 13 have the potential for big scorelines and that often means that defenders will end up on the score sheet. If you want a shot at some of these points, then I think RBNY’s Michael Murillo ($7) is one to consider. He started the season with a goal and his high number of crosses and key passes have helped him earn two assists in his last two games. This skill should help break down a Philadelphia defense who have already allowed nine goals over their five away games.
Value Pick: If you’d rather go with a big center back, consider Seattle’s Chad Marshall ($5.7). He has a low price and can generate two to three bonus points from defensive actions. Clean sheets have not come as easy this year, but that could change this weekend because Real Salt Lake (5 pm ET | ESPN+ - Full TV & Streaming Info) have only managed to score four goals over their six away games.
Midfielders
Value Pick: If you’re looking for a value player to help stretch your budget, consider Orlando City’s Chris Mueller ($7). He’s been one of the best rookies of the 2018 season, already scoring three goals and earning two assists. Chicago (7:30 pm ET | ESPN+ - Full TV & Streaming Info) have allowed eight goals over their four away games, so Mueller should get more opportunities for points, especially with Yoshi Yotun out due to yellow-card accumulation.
SKC's Johnny Russell | USA Today Sports Images
Reworked: Columbus Crew SC have been a tough team on the road this season, allowing only two goals over six games. That may intimidate some, but Sporting Kansas City are averaging over two goals per game at home and that makes Johnny Russell ($10.4) one of my top offensive options of Round 13. He’s a key part to SKC’s reworked offense and should get the opportunity for bonus points and goals this Sunday (6 pm ET | FS1 - Full TV & Streaming Info).
Forwards
Home Reset: The last three home results for the LA Galaxy have been, well… like a slap in the face, but the same cannot be said about the production of Ola Kamara ($8.3). He’s scored a goal in each of his last four games, and with Zlatan Ibrahimovic out due to the red card he earned in Montreal last week, Kamara will be the primary goalscoring threat during Friday night’s California Clasico against San Jose (11 pm ET | UniMás, Twitter - Full TV & Streaming Info).
Stock Up: If there is one team worth loading up on this round, it’s the New York Red Bulls. All the numbers say that the Red Bulls have the advantage over Philly and that makes Bradley Wright-Phillips ($12.4) a must-have in my book. His consistent production should also make him one of your top captain candidates because out of 10 games, he’s only failed to score a goal or earn an assist twice.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 13?
FOR MORE fantasy advice, be sure to check out the articles and charts posted at MLSFantasyBoss.com.
Stay Connected: To get all the latest Fantasy news and advice, download the MLS app and sign up for MLS Fantasy notifications. To sign up for notifications, select the main menu, then choose settings. Within the settings menu, select News & Videos notifications and turn on notifications for "Fantasy Soccer."
