Fantasy MLS: Wednesday Cheat Sheet

MATCHES

7:30 p.m: Toronto FC v. Philadelphia Union
10:30 p.m: Los Angeles Galaxy v. Real Salt Lake

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley
Philadelphia Union: Tranquillo Barnetta
Los Angeles Galaxy: Landon Donovan, Giovani Dos Santos, Steven Gerrard
Real Salt Lake: Javier Morales, Joao Plata

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

Nick Rimando, RSL at LAG: Toronto's Clint Irwin is the most expensive goalkeeper on DraftKings, and rightfully so, as TFC face off against a Union side that haven't won in their last seven matches and have scored just five goals over that span. For fantasy managers looking to save some cap space, it might be worth rolling with Rimando, as RSL have allowed just six goals in their last six matches. With the Galaxy potentially working Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard back in after sitting out for nearly a month, there could be a number of save opportunities from players trying to do more than they are physically capable of doing right now.

DEFENDER

Justin Morrow, TOR v. PHI: Toronto are the biggest favorites on the slate (yes, it's a short one) and have decent clean sheet odds. However, Morrow is so much more than a clean-sheet chase, as he has scored at least 12 fantasy points on DraftKings in six of his last seven games (he scored eight in the other). He has a goal and an assist in his last two games, and he'll accumulate points through crosses, fouls drawn and tackles won. He is arguably the best fantasy defender on the slate.

Steven Beitashour, TOR v. PHI: On the other side of the field is Beitashour, who has multiple crosses, fouls drawn or tackles won in five consecutive games. His upside isn't terribly high (no one's is, really), but he's a solid option for a team that should cruise to victory.

Demar Phillips, RSL at LAG: While the Galaxy are favored as the home team in this matchup, none of their defenders are high-scoring fantasy options, hence the move to the other team to find value. Phillips is one of the more consistent crossers from the defender position on this slate, sending in 26 in his last five games (in fairness, he had 11 in one of them). However, he should be active in the attack, as RSL have every reason to try and knock a goal in first to put the pressure on the home team.

MIDFIELDER

Armando Cooper, TOR v. PHI: Cooper may be the best value available at any position on DraftKings, as he comes in with four consecutive games of double-digit fantasy points but can still be had for less than $6,000. He has taken 10 shots (three on target) during that span, and while he doesn't have a goal, he did pick up two assists. Additionally, he's excellent at drawing fouls, as he's done so 16 times over his four-game run, while also sending in four crosses and winning 11 tackles. Cooper can do it all, and his solid fantasy floor is worth much more than his salary.

Landon Donovan, LAG v. RSL: It's unclear if Donovan will continue to start if Steven Gerrard is fit enough to play, but if Donovan is in the first XI, he makes for a solid value because he's on most corners and free kicks. His goal upside is fairly limited given that he doesn't take a ton of shots in his current role, but if the Galaxy cruise like the bookmakers expect them to, Donovan should be in on the action somehow.

Alejandro Bedoya, PHI at TOR: In all honesty, the midfielders on the slate are pretty weak. It's understandable that people could pay up for Giovani Dos Santos, but he's just as likely to score six points as 26. Bedoya's much lower price comes with a much lower ceiling, but he's been a fairly reliable option in terms of floor, as he can check off spots throughout the stat sheet. The upside isn't high, but neither is the price, which should help our next recommendation...

FORWARD

Sebastian Giovinco, TOR v. PHI: Despite having a salary on DraftKings that is $3,700 more than the next highest player, Giovinco is worth every penny. After missing more than a month due to injury, Giovinco returned with a bang, as he had one goal on 15 shots (five on target), two assists, nine crosses and six fouls drawn in the last two games. Meanwhile, the Union allowed seven goals in their last three regular-season games.

Jozy Altidore, TOR v. PHI: For anyone thinking they can get the same level of production from Altidore as they can from Giovinco, think again. That being said, Altidore still makes a fine play himself, and there is nothing wrong with stacking the two TFC attackers. Altidore has two goals and an assist in his last three games, and he scored against Philadelphia earlier this season. If Toronto win this one handedly, and no one would be surprised if they did, Altidore should be involved in enough of it to make him fantasy worthy.

Alan Gordon, LAG v. RSL: Gordon comes in with a goal in each of his last three starts. That's the good news. The bad is that he may not get a shot at starting Wednesday with the expected return of Robbie Keane. That being said, Keane has been coming back "soon" for about three weeks, so while he may be back in full training, there is still no guarantee that he'll start right away. If Gordon gets the call, he can provide significant salary savings at a tough position to fill (after Giovinco), though it's worth noting he's very goal dependent.