Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISIphotos.com

By ALAN LEDBETTER

After back-to-back weeks with many teams off, there will be a full slate of MLS matches this week. Many players have been travelling a bunch with their respective national teams, which could affect their play as they return to MLS. FC Dallas' Brek Shea, for example, logged lots of travel and minutes this past week, and may play a bit tired in his game.

There are seven weeks of MFLS left this year and time is running out to finish at the top of the division. Be sure to set your optimum lineup to make a strong push to the top for the end of the season.

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

MULTIPLE GAMES

Philadelphia and New England both have two games this week. Philadelphia plays at home in both their games this week against weak road teams. I would play all of your Union players this week as they provide a great opportunity to pick up big fantasy points.

MFLS WEEK 27 BEST XI

GK – Zac MacMath, PHI – With Faryd Mondragon out 2-to-4 weeks with a broken finger, the Union 2011 first-round draft pick will look to step in and show his worth. The 20-year-old rookie looked solid in the second half vs. Real Salt Lake last week and has a good chance to get his first MLS shutout with two home games this week.

D – Tim Ream, NY – With their odds to make the playoffs dwindling, I expect a different New York to show up this week. They have the best chance at blowing out their opponent this week, with a home game vs. expansion side Vancouver.

D – Chad Marshall, CLB – Columbus was embarrassed in their last game vs. Seattle, but the Crew should be able to turn things around with a home game vs. Toronto FC.

D – Sheanon Williams, PHI – The Union are winless in their last six games, but with two home games vs. New England and Portland, they should have a chance to turn their streak around. Williams is a very cheap option on their backline who has a good chance to pick up fantasy points with week.

M – Graham Zusi, SKC – With five goals and four assists on the season, Zusi has come into his own this year. He is a good, cheap option in the midfield every week.

M – Joel Lindpere, NY – New York hasn't necessary looked great recently, but Lindpere is always one player who stands out. He should have plenty of opportunities to get on the score sheet vs. Vancouver.

M – Sebastian Le Toux, PHI – Le Toux has four goals and eight assists on the season. He is the most consistent attacking threat that the Union has, and with two opportunities to play, he is a great fantasy pick-up this week.

M – Landon Donovan, LA – With 11 goals and three assists on the season while playing for the league's top team, Donovan should be a consistent starter for every fantasy team.

F – Thierry Henry, NY – Henry should be rested and ready to go vs. Vancouver this week. Look for him to have plenty of chances to add to his 12 goals on the season.

F – Chris Wondolowski, SJ – Wondolowski has not put anywhere near the numbers he did in 2010, but he is still a great threat to score in any match. With a home game vs. Chicago, he should get his chances in front of goal this week.

F – Andres Mendoza, CLB – Mendoza has scored eight goals on the season for a Columbus team that sits at the top of the Eastern Conference. He should be able to find many chances to score this week as he faces a Toronto team that has given up 49 goals.

INJURY WATCH

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 27 is Wednesday at 7 p.m. Be sure to change your lineups by then.

SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. La Flama Blanca………………585 points
2. I <3 MLS……………………………583
3. Campione……………………….. 568
4. Catfish FC…………………………556
5. McGruber FC……………………..544
6. Joga Bonito……………………….542
7. Hungate XI…………………………541
8. Stonebury United……………….527
9. Rainbow Chickens…………….515
10. Waterbury FC…………………..513
10. Hrycaldo……………………….513

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER

Georgetown FC(23 points)

————————–Busch(0)———————
—–Franklin(9)—-Ream(0)—–Olave(2)————-
-Beckerman(8)-Pappa(0)–McCarty(0)–LeToux(3)–
—Cummings(0)—Montero(0)—Agudelo(0)——-

Coach: Arena(1)

SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. HANDtoBALLS………………………..488 points
2. Cheeky BackHeel……………………485
3. 4evr Orange…………………………….481
4. Lancergolfer87………………………..476
5. Los Diabolitos…………………………467
6. I <3 MLS…………………………………..449
6. TSV AC CD Generic FC SC……..449
8. FC Byrd Turgler………………………..434
9. fantasy football withdrawal………433
10. Sage Runners 2011……………….432

LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER

Orange Crush United, Young Gunz, & MD88keys (12 points: 2 exact)

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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.