Reid, Mike, Blayne and Parker sit down to talk about some of the most exciting and fantasy relevant evens from Round 3 and preview the few games being played over the Round 4 international break. Everyone get into the reddit questions this week and they have a long discussion about Prices Changes, the impacts of Rolling Transfers, and Mike's system for Building Team Value. They wrap everything up in the usual way with a game by game breakdown. It's a longer episode, but the middle discussion touches on several hot topics in the Fantasy Community right now!
After several exciting weeks of MLS Fantasy action, it’s time to slow things down for the international break. With many of the top players unavailable due to international call-ups, several games could end with unexpected results and Fantasy managers may have to lean on their knowledge of team depth when making player selections. Below is a list of some of my favorite players for Round 4.
Goalkeepers
Off the Bench
Most of the starting ‘keepers are available this round, but if you’re looking for a low-cost replacement, then Jon Kempin ($4.5m) is one to consider. While this is his first start for Columbus Crew SC, he’ll be supported by Crew SC’s intact defense and has a good shot at a clean sheet against a D.C. United (6 pm ET | MLS LIVE; on DAZN in Canada) team that has seen few quality shots on the road.
Prime Starter
If you’d rather spend big on a ‘keeper with a proven history, then consider Luis Robles ($6.4). He’s already earned one clean sheet at home this season and the New York Red Bulls have the quality and depth to not only deal with their few international absences, but also put an end to Minnesota United’s winning streak (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE; on DAZN in Canada).
Defenders
Top Dog
If you’re going to drop a lot of money on a defender this round, why not get the best? Crew SC’s Lalas Abubakar ($6.0) currently holds that title with 27 points. He’s a classic big, bonus point-producing center back who earns most of his points from clearances and recoveries. These stats could be high as D.C. prefer to take shots down the middle of the 18-yard box.
Push the Advantage
While most people are focused on the new addition to the LA Galaxy ahead of their visit to Vancouver (10 pm ET | TSN1 in Canada, MLS LIVE in US), the big Fantasy news is who’s missing … which is pretty much everyone. This makes Whitecaps defenders quite attractive in Round 4, even with Kendall Waston suspended. At under $5m, Aaron Maund ($4.8), Jake Nerwinski ($4.5) and Jose Aja ($4.7) are all great options, especially if you want to maximize your attack.
Midfielders
Returning Form
FC Dallas’ 3-0 win over Seattle has left many with questions about the team’s chemistry, but Mauro Diaz ($10.4) earned an assist and that could be the confidence boost he needed going into Round 4. He’ll be facing a Portland Timbers (3:30 pm ET | UniMás, Twitter; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada) team that only lost two players to international call-ups – but one of them is their midfield enforcer, David Guzman. That could give Diaz the space he needs to continue his return to form and earn big points.
Mind the Gap
Minnesota will be traveling to New York without their starting center-back pair this week and the Red Bulls have several players who could exploit this weakness. Depending on your budget, your top targets should be Alejandro “Kaku” Romero Gamarra ($9.1) or Vincent Bezecourt ($6.5),who had an excellent showing in their home opener. Kaku’s advanced position helps his scoring chance, but Bezecourt could be an ideal pick for an autoroo strategy.
Forwards
Ready to Go
If you want to continue to invest in Red Bulls attackers, then Bradley Wright-Phillips ($9.4) is a must-have. It’s been a week since his last Concacaf Champions League game, so BWP should be well rested and is not likely to start this one on the bench. He’ll be ready to give the home fans a show against Minnesota and could earn big Fantasy points.
Shots Fired
Since coming to Columbus, Gyasi Zardes ($9.7) has been doing exactly what a good Fantasy forward should do: Shoot the ball. In fact, he’s taken almost four shots in each of his three games and has been rewarded with three goals. With the quality players who now surround him, he should continue to get chances against a leaky D.C. defense.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 4?
FOR MORE fantasy advice, be sure to check out the articles and charts posted at MLSFantasyBoss.com.
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