This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
GOALKEEPER
Joe Bendik, ORL v. VAN ($5,100): Although it is not the safest bet ever, Bendik is the top pick at the goalkeeper position on Saturday. Orlando, once dominant at home in the beginning of the season, has now gone six straight games without a win at Orlando City Stadium. On the other hand, like most MLS teams, Vancouver is woeful on the road. Orlando City head coach Jason Kreis is desperately in need of a win, and the Whitecaps offer a great opportunity to collect all three points at home on Saturday.
DEFENDER
Scott Sutter, ORL v. VAN ($4,600): To go along with Bendik, Sutter offers for a strong Orlando stack. He gets up the right flank plenty during every match, and Kreis will certainly instruct Sutter to get more involved in the attack for this must-win game until the team is in control of the lead.
Jukka Raitala, CLB v. DAL ($4,500): Waylon Francis went out with injury on Wednesday, and Raitala is the player that will fill-in for the Costa Rican. He offers the same offensive contribution that Francis provides, so it is not much of a drop-off, and Columbus may possibly play with wing-backs. If such is the case, Raitala would play further up the field than usual.
Sean Franklin, DC v. NE ($3,500): Sometimes you have to save at defense to be able to afford the offensive stars in a slate. In this particular slate, there are no players priced above $9,000, so it is not imperative to save up at defense, but it would help you afford a balanced offense of quality players, in which you wouldn't have to find a cheap attacker to roster.
MIDFIELDER
Miguel Almiron, ATL at PHI ($8,900): Almiron has gone quiet for a couple weeks, but Saturday offers a great chance to break out of his mini-slump against a Philadelphia side that is is bound to give up some goals against a dangerous Atlanta attack. The Paraguayan is one of the finest talents in the league, and he has proven to be road-proof.
Haris Medunjanin, PHI v. ATL ($6,100): Medunjanin takes the set pieces for the Union, which allows for many opportunities to earn an assist. It also allows for a reliable floor due to his high cross count.
Yoshimar Yotun, ORL v. VAN ($5,600): Like Medunjanin, Yotun takes the set pieces for Orlando. However, he plays in a more attacking position than Medunjanin, which gives him a better chance of scoring a goal. Yotun was listed as a defender on DraftKings in his first two starts, but even as a midfielder, he is a nice pick.
FORWARD
Josef Martinez, ATL v. PHI ($8,400): Martinez has battled with injuries all season long, but when he starts, he typically finds the back of the net. His first season in MLS has been a strong one, but he is capable of doing more. Martinez is in his prime, and he played in the Serie A last season. He somehow made his way to America to play for Atlanta, and his quality has proved to be far superior to most of his opponents this year.
Krisztian Nemeth, NE at DC ($6,000): Nemeth played one year in Qatar after playing a season with Sporting Kansas City. The Revs acquired the Hungarian on August 9. He scored ten goals and provided six assists in 28 games with Kansas City in 2015. He is a pacy winger that will quickly find his home in the New England lineup, and if he starts on Saturday, he makes for a solid mid-range play.
Paul Arriola, DC v. NE ($5,200): Arriola has been active since joining DC. DC United were in need of a bit of dynamism in attack, and Arriola provides it as a midfielder. His work ethic on defense fits nicely with the philosophy instilled by head coach Ben Olsen, which has quickly made him a key piece in the lineup. DC are fighting to get off the floor of the MLS standings, and Olsen will rely on Arriola to help the team get out its hole.
