Author Archives: Matt Long
Round 5 Captain Picks
There are lots of quality options to hand the Captain’s Armband this week. Will you play it safe, or will you try to beat the odds?
Safe Selections
https://twitter.com/_tta__/status/582151751643586560
- Pedro Morales ($11.2): Porales is going to be one of the most captained players this week. He has notched an assist and two bonus points in each of his last two outings, and Vancouver will be hosting a Galaxy team that has been susceptible to some defensive errors.
- Javier Morales ($10.9): Jorales will also be one of the most captained players this week. He has amassed 15 points and 11 points in his last two matches, and will be facing a soft San Jose squad this week.
- Octavio Rivero ($8.7): Rivero disappointed many who captained him last week, but he’s still scored 3 goals in 4 games and will get his chances again this week. Even if you don’t captain him, make sure he is in your squad for Vancouver’s DGW in Round 6!
- Ricardo Kaká ($11.2): Some Fantasy owners jumped-ship on him a week too early, and he bagged a goal and an assist last week. He will have many of his teammates back this week, he takes all set-pieces, and he’s one of the most talented attacking threats in MLS.
- Obafemi Martins ($11.2)/Clint Dempsey ($11.3): I’ve lumped these two together because their prognosis is very similar. Both are heavy-hitters but are carrying injuries. You’ll have to pay attention to whether or not they will make the starting lineup, but if they do, it’s a fair bet that one of them will score.
Decent Differentials
- Ike Opara ($7.4): He’s currently the highest scoring player in MLS Fantasy. When he’s not scoring goals or securing clean sheets, he still racks up loads of bonus points. His team is hosting the worst squad in the league, a Philadelphia side that didn’t even muster a shot on target against Chicago last week. Do you #DareToOpara?
- Benny Feilhaber ($9.2): Another Sporting KC man, I think Benny is likely to be involved in a scoring play this week. He’s going to feature in a more attacking-role as Graham Zusi will be out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury, and I expect him to play a prominent role in what could be a dominating performance against the feeble Union.
- Fabian Castillo ($9.8): Castillo has been one of the best midfielders in the league this season, and Dallas will have its full arsenal of players back this week. I expect Castillo to grab at least one goal or assist.
- Jozy Altidore ($9.6): Jozy has showed that he can score in MLS this season and his International scoring form is excellent, as well. Can Toronto’s star-studded squad find the net against a slow-starting Chicago Fire? I think so.
Gutsy Gambles
- Chris Tierney ($7.4): Tierney is one of the best attacking-defenders in the league. The Revs look like they are starting to sort things out, and they’re playing against a Colorado team who has yet to score this year. Look for Tierney to notch a shutout and maybe even an assist.
- Fanendo Adi ($9.3): This week, Portland will play host to a Dallas team that has been stingy on defense thus far. That being said, Adi has scored all three of Portland’s goals this year and has been a constant threat. Can he break through and help the Timbers hand Dallas their first loss of the season?
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Round 4 Highlights and Takeaways
NYCFC 0 – 1 Sporting KC
In this feisty, hotly contested match, one of the most notable takeaways was that Frank Lampard was at the game (though as a spectator) and David Villa was not. This contest was littered with scoring chances, and in the end the visitors spoiled NYCFC’s second ever home game.
Fantasy Studs:
MLS Eire 