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By AVI CREDITOR

It's all about the matchups.

If there's a motto for Fantasy MLS, it's that line.

The best players in actuality aren't billed for fantasy success on a week-to-week basis, especially given MFLS' team-driven rules. For example, Kansas City's Davy Arnaud and Ryan Smith, two of this season's top midfield performers so far, each had an output of -2 in a 1-0 loss at Seattle last week. Houston's Corey Ashe, in his first start of the season, registered 6 fantasy points in a 3-0 win over Chivas USA.

Is Ashe a better midfield option than Arnaud or Smith? Not necessarily. But some weeks it's wiser to go by the schedule than by the big name. Choose players who go against the teams at the bottom of the standings, and try to stay away from those playing teams on hot streaks. Obviously, when the best players go against the weakest teams, cash in like you've got a winning lottery ticket. Sometimes it's that simple.

Here are this week's player rankings by position:

FANTASY MLS WEEK 5 PLAYER RANKINGS

GOALKEEPERS

1. Kasey Keller, SEA – Two matches against substandard attacks means big expectations for veteran keeper
2. Bouna Coundoul, NY – Rides momentum from great start against expansion Union
3. Joe Cannon, SJ – Coming off great performance vs. Revs; Chivas attack shouldn't shake Earthquakes at all
4. Matt Pickens, COL – Could have shut out Toronto if not for committing silly foul in his own area; Even on the road, has shutout opportunity at New England
5. Andrew Dykstra, CHI – Fire defense has a bit more bite than Chivas'; Dynamo won't have an easy time getting one past first-year starter on the road
6. Zach Thornton, CHV – San Jose is improving by the week, but other keepers face strong opposition
7. Pat Onstad, HOU – Clean sheet last time out but faces road test in improving Fire attack
8. Preston Burpo, NE – Revs defense is solid, and home atmosphere helps, but Conor Casey, Omar Cummings threaten every unit
9. Will Hesmer, CLB – Has work cut out for him against a Salt Lake side that snapped Galaxy's shutout streak
10. Nick Rimando, RSL – Made some super saves against Galaxy, and MLS Cup holders need him to come up big against Crew

DEFENDERS

1. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, SEA – Sounders should be able to handle winless Dallas and sputtering Toronto
2. Tyrone Marshall, SEA – Leo Gonzalez and James Riley make for good plays as well; Could be a big week for the Seattle back line
3. Tim Ream, NY – Home tilt with expansion Union presents opportunity for Red Bulls defense
4. Roy Miller, NY – Will have hands full with Roger Torres, but Ream, Mike Petke provide plenty of cover
5. Ike Opara, SJ – He may not score every week, but the rookie's presence is making a difference on the Quakes back line, and Chivas' attack isn't fearful
6. Steven Beitashour, SJ – "Other" Quakes rookie defender has fared well and has favorable matchup
7. Wilman Conde, CHI – Will be tested by Dynamo more than he was against D.C., but all-star is always up to the task
8. Geoff Cameron, HOU – Arrived offensively last week; Consistency next to follow
9. Mike Chabala, HOU – Surprisingly atop the defender leaderboard with a goal and two assists; Can he keep it up?
10. Marvell Wynne, COL – If Shalrie Joseph is out again, then Rapids will have much easier time securing road points and shutting down New England

MIDFIELDERS

1. Freddie Ljungberg, SEA – Can redeem disappointing start to fantasy campaign this week
2. Steve Zakuani, SEA – Ever-improving star should factor in scoring against Dallas, Toronto
3. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, CLB – Is tops among midfielders in fantasy points despite playing just two matches
4. Brad Evans, SEA – One of more unsung Sounders threats, at very least should have strong +/-; Osvaldo Alonso falls into that category too
5. Joel Lindpere, NY – Should get better of midfield matchup against Union
6. Bobby Convey, SJ – On path for bounce-back season; Assists in two straight matches 
7. Ryan Smith, KC – Return home and Sean Franklin's expected absence will help dangerous left winger
8. Marco Pappa, CHI – Goals in two straight matches for Fire catalyst
9. Juninho, LA – On-loan Brazilian has one job: Feed Buddle
10. Kyle Beckerman, RSL – Picked up offensive slack with Javier Morales out; Crew defense presents challenge, but Morales could be back to team with USMNT prospect
11. Davy Arnaud, KC – Improved Wizards attack should crack stingy Galaxy defense
12. Jeff Larentowicz, COL – Gets chance to haunt former team, though he shouldn't expect "ole treatment" on future free kicks
13. Brad Davis, HOU – Brings consistency to Dynamo midfield
14. Marco Perovic, NE – With Joseph's status unknown, Perovic emerges as top Revs midfield threat
15. Sebastien Le Toux, PHI – Emerging as consistent threat, but doesn't have best matchup

FORWARDS

1. Fredy Montero, SEA – Two matches this week to get back on scoring track
2. Edson Buddle, LA – KC defense will test Galaxy, but Buddle's proving he can score on anyone with seven goals in four matches
3. Juan Pablo Angel, NY – Responded to season-long questions with brace against Dallas; Union defense without Califf (red card) is very inviting
4. Landon Donovan, LA – As long as Buddle's scoring, Donovan will rack up the assists
5. Omar Cummings, COL – Will test former teammates Cory Gibbs, Burpo
6. Kei Kamara, KC – Both of his goals have come at home, where the Wizards will be on Saturday
7. Brian McBride, CHI – Will he reprise super-sub role vs. Dynamo? Showed capability of contributing even in limited minutes
8. Conor Casey, COL – PK specialist has yet to score in run of play, but might be too much to handle for Revs defense
9. Mac Kandji, NY – Cheaper option than Angel and should have plenty of quality chances
10. Patrick Nyarko, CHI – Speed should cause problems against Houston defense

COACHES

1. Sigi Schmid, SEA
2. Hans Backe, NY
3. Frank Yallop, SJ
4. Robert Warzycha, CLB
5. Bruce Arena, LA
6. Carlos de los Cobos, CHI
7. Steve Nicol, NE
8. Gary Smith, COL
9. Dom Kinnear, HOU
10. Peter Vermes, KC

Soccer By Ives League Standings (Top 10)
1. BestofNW…………………………………..146 points
2. Lyn……………………………………………..142
2. Zambezi Highlanders………………..142
4. "SCHOLES!!! what r u doing?……139
5. West New York FC……………………138
6. Voyageur Express…………………….137
7. Orange FC………………………………..136
8. SC Union 1982…………………………135
9. The Woolly Mammoths…………….133
10. NJ Quaker………………………………129
10. Eves1……………………………………..129

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What's your lineup looking like this week? Who do you think will have the best performances?

Share your thoughts below.