With so few games in Round 33, Reid, Mike and Blayne take the opportunity to start thinking about the 2019 fantasy season and review some of the more interesting suggestions they have heard so far. They also try out a new open format for player reviews and it turns into a heated discussion about who should win Newcomer of the Year. Where do you fall? Listen to the show and then let us know your thoughts. But don't forget, games start on FRIDAY at 10 pm ET!
Round 32 had a big impact on the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs landscape and resulted in big point totals for many fantasy players.
The most profitable battle for Fantasy managers is the race for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Both the Montreal Impact and D.C. United are fighting for this position and with two games in hand, it could be D.C. by a nose at the end.
Things calm down in Round 33, as only eight teams are playing during the international window, but there are still opportunities for points. Below are some of the players I think you should target.
Double-Game Teams: None
Bye Teams: Almost Everybody
Teams Playing: LAFC, Houston, Minnesota, Colorado, D.C. United, Dallas, New England, Orlando
Goalkeepers
Bobby Shuttleworth punches clear | USA Today Sports Images
Keeperoo Option: The amount of time between each kickoff in Round 33 makes it perfect for using a keeperoo and Minnesota’s Bobby Shuttleworth ($4.4) is a tempting option. His low price gives managers the ability to put even more money into their attacking lineup, and he has a decent shot at a clean sheet on Saturday, as Colorado (2 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info) have only scored one goal over their last seven games.
Set and Forget: If you’re not interested in getting fancy with your ‘keeper tactics this week, transfer in LAFC’s Tyler Miller ($8.9). He’s picked up two clean sheets over his last three games and could see another on Friday night, as LAFC’s starting defense is still intact. It also does not hurt that Houston (10:00 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info) will be without several of their top attacking threats.
Defenders
Momentum: New England’s backline has been unpredictable for much of 2018, but newcomer Michael Mancienne ($6.9) has been getting consistent starts and has been generating bonus point numbers that could translate to a big score when paired with a clean sheet. His chances for that are good as Orlando City (7:30 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info) will be missing several key offensive pieces on Saturday.
Offensive Threat: If you’d rather go with a high-ceiling, offensive-minded defender, consider LAFC’s Steven Beitashour ($8.6). It’s been a while since his last goal, but he’s still racking up key passes, crosses and bonus points from his passing totals. This consistent production could pay off against a Dynamo team who have allowed eight goals over their last three away games.
Midfielders
Value Option: If you’re looking for an ideal value player for Round 33, start with Minnesota’s Miguel Ibarra ($7.9). For his sub-$8 million dollar price, your get an in-form player who has scored one goal and earned one assist over his last four games and is one of the Loons’ top-scoring fantasy players. His chances for more offensive success are high this week as the Rapids have one of the worst away defense in the league.
Yamil Asad (L) celebrates with Wayne Rooney and Lucho Acosta | USA Today Sports Images
Double Up: With the limited player pool, most managers are likely to have at least a pair of midfielders from one team, and my favorite duo is D.C. United’s Luciano Acosta ($12.5) and Yamil Asad ($9.3). Acosta has been a potent offensive force for D.C. all year and an amazing fantasy point generator for the past four rounds. Asad is a great pairing due to his lower price tag and frequent contributions to United’s points. Their Saturday afternoon match against FC Dallas (4:55 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info) is the toughest of the round, but with a playoff spot almost within grasp, the Black-and-Red are sure to come out swinging.
Forwards
Captain Contender: By far, the No. 1 forward option for Round 33 is Minnesota’s Darwin Quintero ($14.3). He’s scored at least one goal or earned an assist in each of his last four games and should be one of your top captain targets for the round. A brace is not out of the question this week, especially when you consider that Colorado’s defense concedes an average of over two goals per game on the road.
Away Option: If you want to take a chance on an away player this week, Dallas’ Maximiliano Urruti ($9.3) is an excellent option. He’s playing out of position in midfield, but that has allowed him to slot into a more productive playmaker role, earning seven assists over his last six games. D.C.’s defense has also not been strong this year and are vulnerable to conceding at home.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 33?
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