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Fantasy MLS: Week 21

Jewsbury (ISIphotos)

Photo by Tracy Allen/ISIphotos.com


By ALAN LEDBETTER

A high-scoring week of MLS action is just what fantasy owners needed after three 0-0 draws in the previous week.

For this season, it has appeared that the best fantasy strategy is to play players that have a game against Toronto. Their new lineup has showed a bit of promise on the offensive end, but the team has allowed a league-high 41 goals and is still working new defensive pieces into the mix. It will be interesting to see if a struggling Portland side will be able to take advantage of this team like others have recently.

Here are a few more items to consider before setting your fantasy lineup this week:

BYE WEEKS

Chicago and New York are off from league play this week. Be sure to alter your lineup accordingly.

MFLS WEEK 21 BEST XI

GK – Nick Rimando, RSL – Rimando is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and is playing a Columbus team that lacks a very potent attack, only scoring 22 goals on the season. Though Columbus is currently tied for first in the Eastern Conference, I see Salt Lake being able to shut the Crew out.

D – Chance Myers, SKC – Gets forward from the right back position often for Kansas City. He should have many chances to get involved in the attack against a weak New England side.

D – Nat Borchers, RSL – Real Salt Lake has allowed a league-low 12 goals on the season. Borchers is a great play week in and week out along with other RSL starters.

D – Sean Franklin, LA – The 2011 All-Star scored his first career MLS goal last week, scoring the game-winner vs. Columbus. He should be able to build on that performance with a game vs. expansion side Vancouver.

M – Jack Jewsbury, POR – Portland has definitely hit a rough spell in the season but should get things back on track with a home game vs. Toronto.

M – Brek Shea, DAL – A staple in the Fantasy Best XI, he is a solid play every week. Look for him to improve on his nine goals on the season with a home game vs. Chivas USA.

M – Brad Davis, HOU – Is leading the league in assists and is always dangerous at home. Has a home game vs. Seattle this week and should be able to add to those MLS-best nine helpers.

M –Sebastian Le Toux, PHI – Le Toux is not so much of a goal scorer this year for Philadelphia like he was last season, but he has still put up some very impressive stats by assisting on seven scores. He should be able to improve on that with a home game vs. Colorado.

F – Fabian Espindola, RSL – With Alvaro Sabario listed as questionable on the mid-week injury report, along with the possibility of him being suspended for his blatant dive against San Jose, Espindola is definitely the better play of the two RSL forwards with a home game vs. Columbus.

F – Chris Wondolowski, SJ – Wondolowski will be facing a D.C. defense that has been known to leak goals and conceded four to San Jose the last time they met. He should have plenty of confidence after scoring two goals vs. Vancouver last week, and I like his odds to score again this week.

F – Kei Kamara, SKC – Was very active in his game last week vs. Toronto. Omar Bravo and C.J. Sapong are also great plays this week as the Kansas City attack has looked very promising since its home opener at Livestrong Sporting Park.

INJURY WATCH

Landon Donovan has had a nagging injury that kept him out of the all-star game Wednesday. He is listed as questionable, so play him at your own risk. Jamison Olave picked up a MCL sprain in the All-Star Game that will keep him out of action this week. For injury news, check out the most updated MLS injury report. Also, don’t forget to check out the latest disciplinary report for players serving suspensions.

The deadline for Week 21 is Friday at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to change your lineups by then.

SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. La Flama Blanca………………459 points
2. McGruber FC…………………….452
3. Joga Bonito……………………….432
4. Berkeley Chargers……………428
5. Catfish FC…………………………427
5. Xaviniesta………………………… 427
5. I <3 MLS…………………………….427
8. Waterbury FC……………………..412
8. Los Diabolitos……………………412
10. Hungate XI……………………….403
10. Stonebury United…………… 401

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER

4evr Orange (58 points)

———————–Reis(8)———————-
—-Opara(0)——Cameron(-3)—–Olave(10)–
–Juninho(0)–Davis-(-4)–Shea(-1)–Mapp(0)–
—Kamara(9)—–Braun(14)——Saborio(10)—

Coach: Hyndman(4)

SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. Lancergolfer87……………………….390 points
2. 4evr Orange……………………………281
3. HANDtoBALLS……………………….276
4. Cheeky BackHeel……………………372
5. Los Diabolitos…………………………371
6. I <3 MLS………………………………….368
7. Sage Runners 2011………………..364
8. Philo Thistle…………………………….354
9. Fantasy football withdrawal…….352
10. TSV AC CD Generic FC…………347
10. FC Byrd Turgler…………………….347

LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER

Ron Burgundy's Blazers (35 points: 4 exact, 1 margin, 2 correct)

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Which teams have the best matchup this week? Who is in for the biggest fantasy week? Which players are you going to pick up?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Donovan is in. I don’t see Wondo regaining form here, he shouldnt have been an all-star. Also, Chance Myers? He blows

    Reply

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