Some key sources of Fantasy talent are about to finish off the season in a strong way while teams try to win their respective conferences and grab the last play-off berth. All in all, we’re about to experience a major swing in the fixtures, making this a significant time to take stock.
Here’s our summary of those sides with the schedule to drive Fantasy investment, together with analysis of where the points could come and when the tide turns.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
(SAN JOSE PORTLAND)
The Prospects – Goals
While we’ve come to expect Carl Robinson’s side being dominant and prolific at home scoring 48 goals, they’ve actually managed almost as many goals on the road (46) as they have at BC Place.
While we’ve come to expect Carl Robinson’s side being dominant and prolific at home scoring 48 goals, they’ve actually managed almost as many goals on the road (46) as they have at BC Place.
The next two away fixtures, therefore, look very promising.
San Jose Earthquakes currently rank eighth in the Western Conference with a PPG of 1.31, while Portland Timbers currently sit third in the Western Conference and will not be worrying about securing a playoff berth. Expect goals in these games.
The Prospects – Clean Sheets
The Whitecaps defence hasn’t been hugely impressive of late, keeping zero clean sheets in their last five.
The Whitecaps defence hasn’t been hugely impressive of late, keeping zero clean sheets in their last five.
Of the last two fixtures, only the Gameweek 33 meeting with Portland Timbers carries any level of concern given their attacking pedigree, although the Gunners only kept one clean-sheet in their last six.
The Turning Point
Vancouver’s run-in to the end of the regular season is a mixed bag because Portland have secured a playoff berth, while San Jose Earthquakes are yet to finish inside or outside of the playoffs – they have everything to play for still.
Vancouver’s run-in to the end of the regular season is a mixed bag because Portland have secured a playoff berth, while San Jose Earthquakes are yet to finish inside or outside of the playoffs – they have everything to play for still.
A tricky time for those MLS Fantasy managers who are pinning themselves to having Vancouver Whitecaps coverage heading into the last Game weeks of the season.
Verdict
Fredy Montero is the guy from the Vancouver Whitecaps forward line to lead your attack this weekend. While Cristian Techera is the midfield maestro expected to lead the midfield.
Fredy Montero is the guy from the Vancouver Whitecaps forward line to lead your attack this weekend. While Cristian Techera is the midfield maestro expected to lead the midfield.
Tony Tchani remains a differential midfield option, while Tim Parker is our preferred defender, as both the most nailed-on starter and the main set-piece threat.
REAL SALT LAKE
(COLORADO RAPIDS SPORTING KANSAS)
The Prospects – Goals
Two enticing fixtures coming up should spell good news for Salt Lake attackers, because two wins in their last four matches sends the Salt Lake players into the last games in good heart.
Two enticing fixtures coming up should spell good news for Salt Lake attackers, because two wins in their last four matches sends the Salt Lake players into the last games in good heart.
Real Salt Lake have conceded four and scored eight in their last four games.
The Prospects – Clean Sheets
With two wins and a draw in their last three games so far, it’s at the back where patience in defensive assets should be rewarded, particularly given the strength of the home fixtures.
With two wins and a draw in their last three games so far, it’s at the back where patience in defensive assets should be rewarded, particularly given the strength of the home fixtures.
Only one clean sheet in their last three games, maybe it is not time to invest heavily in them for the last games of MLS regular season.
The Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas clashes are also very promising – all three teams are hoping to finish the season off on a high – invest today.
The Turning Point
Real Salt Lake’s strong run-in of fixtures continues – both games to finish of the season looks very strong.
Real Salt Lake’s strong run-in of fixtures continues – both games to finish of the season looks very strong.
I wouldn’t be surprised if you went with some Real Salt Lake coverage for the final matches of MLS.
Verdict
A lack of creativity means that Real Salt Lake attackers are unlikely to gain much support despite the kind fixture run-in.
A lack of creativity means that Real Salt Lake attackers are unlikely to gain much support despite the kind fixture run-in.
The matches mean that heavy-hitter option such as Nick Rimando is definitely an option at GK. and Tony Beltran should continue to provide solid value, although Real Salt Lake defenders look best utilised as part of a rotation pairing – perhaps alongside a Minnesota United or a Atlanta United player.
The fact Rimando is a differential option in MLS Fantasy, with 129 points, means he could still be a viable starter on the road.
MONTREAL IMPACT
(Toronto FC NEW ENGLAND)
The Prospects – Goals
The Impact’s short-term view looks very bright, with Montreal just mathematically certain of finishing outside the playoff spots by one point…
The Impact’s short-term view looks very bright, with Montreal just mathematically certain of finishing outside the playoff spots by one point…
Toronto FC’s march to the end of the regular season triumph in the Eastern Conference could give hope to Montreal Impact supporters of a possible good game in Canada.
The trip to New England to face the Revolution is also appealing as both teams could finish off the season in style.
The Prospects – Clean Sheets
With zero clean sheets in the last three, and having only conceded four goals, it’s the Montreal defence which is more likely to attract our interest.
With zero clean sheets in the last three, and having only conceded four goals, it’s the Montreal defence which is more likely to attract our interest.
The struggles of the Philadelphia Union, DC United and Orlando City SC attacks on the road only enhance their prospects.
The Impact have managed just one goal at home so far, so this is concerning for those of you who maybe are considering investing in their defence for the run-in.
The Turning Point
Montreal will be looking to finish off the season on a high. Their players are worth looking at from an MLS Fantasy standpoint.
Montreal will be looking to finish off the season on a high. Their players are worth looking at from an MLS Fantasy standpoint.
Perhaps, not so much the defence as the offence Anthony Jackson-Hamel would be a worthwhile consideration.
Verdict
With their set-piece threat and penchant to dominate the Bonus Points System (BPS), centre-backs Laurent Ciman and Chris Duvall are our favoured defensive options.
With their set-piece threat and penchant to dominate the Bonus Points System (BPS), centre-backs Laurent Ciman and Chris Duvall are our favoured defensive options.
If you own Ignacio Piatti, the soft schedule suggests it’s probably worth sticking with the German midfielder – he’s played a part in 80% of their goals, after all.
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