By ALAN LEDBETTER

This week in MLS, which was originally intended to be an international calendar break, was created due to games that were rescheduled throughout the year. There are three games this week, and with only three weeks left in the MFLS schedule, it is important that you don’t lose ground due to players not playing.

It is important this week to know which players will be out with international absences. See this link for a list of MLS players that were called up this week. Nick Rimando will join the United States in camp after the RSL game on Thursday.

RSL has lost three straight league games and will look to turn things around on the road vs. Vancouver. The only positive that has come out of this losing streak was the return of Javier Morales into their starting lineup last week. He is not a viable fantasy option quite yet, but I would keep him on your radar.

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

MFLS WEEK 31 – MATCHUPS

Vancouver vs. Real Salt Lake – RSL will be short-handed with all of their international absences this week. They should still have Rimando in the line-up, so that helps their chances. I still like RSL players this week, so I would make sure you are playing those that were not called up to national-team camps.

Vancouver has been struggling in their first season in MLS, and even though the Whitecaps are going against a short-handed RSL side, I still think it will be hard for them to get a win. Eric Hassili remains a strong play for Vancouver, but I would avoid anyone on their defense.

New England vs. San Jose – With both teams out of the playoff race, this game is not necessarily one of the most exciting games of the season. I would avoid this game with the exception of the star players for each team, including Benny Felihaber, Shalrie Joseph, and Chris Wondolowski.

Seattle vs. Philadelphia – Seattle has clinched a playoff spot but is still in the mix to win the Supporter's Shield. Philadelphia is right in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, so the Union have a lot to play for.

Seattle has been one of the hottest teams in MLS in the latter part of the season, and I think you should ride the Sounders' hot steak to end the season. Fredy Montero, Kasey Keller, and Seattle's defenders are great plays this week and for the remainder of the season.

Philadelphia has also been playing very well and scoring at a regular rate since Sebastian Le Toux found his form. He remains a good play this week as he has scored seven goals in the past eight games. Philadelphia’s defenders also remain decent plays this week if they are already on your team.

INJURY WATCH

For injury news, check out the most updated MLS injury report. Also, many players picked up red cards and have accumulated enough yellow cards for suspension, so don’t forget to check out the latest disciplinary report.

The deadline for Week 31 is Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Be sure to change your lineups by then.

SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. I <3 MLS……………………………750 points
2. Campione……………………….. 708
3. La Flama Blanca………………699
4. Joga Bonito……………………….695
5. Catfish FC…………………………670
6. Hungate XI…………………………663
7. ChicagoFire8……………………644
8. Rainbow Chickens……………..639
8. Djs tigers………………………639
10. Hrycaldo………………………..638

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER

Fire_All_The_Way (54 points)

————————–Johnson(10)———————
—–Anibaba(2)—-Marshall(-1)—–Ream(5)————-
—-Pappa(15)–Arnaud(1)—Richards(2)—Shea(-2)—–
—Montero(8)——-Wondolowski(4)——-Rodgers(6)—

Coach: Backe(4)

SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. HANDtoBALLS………………………..592 points
2. 4evr Orange…………………………….578
3. Lancergolfer87………………………..554
4. Cheeky BackHeel……………………541
5. Los Diabolitos…………………………529
6. I <3 MLS…………………………………..528
7. Sage Runners 2011………………..527
8. TSV AC CD Generic FC SC……..518
9. Philo Thistle Blur…………………….513
10. FC Byrd Turgler………………………..505

LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER

Ludacris Speed (40 points: 3 exact, 3 margin, 1 tie, 1 correct)

Handtoballs (40 points: 5 exact, 2 margin)

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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? Think you can win the league?

Share your thoughts below.