This article is part of our Daily Fantasy Soccer Cheat Sheet series.
MATCHES (EDT)
3:00 p.m: Portland Timbers v. Seattle Sounders
5:00 p.m: Montreal Impact v. New York City FC
7:00 p.m: Philadelphia Union v. New York Red Bulls
ODDS REPORT
EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS
Portland Timbers: Diego Valeri
Seattle Sounders: Andreas Ivanschitz
Montreal Impact: Harry Shipp, Lucas Ontivero, Ambroise Oyongo
New York City FC: Andrea Pirlo
Philadelphia Union: Tranquillo Barnetta
New York Red Bulls: Sacha Kljestan
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Josh Saunders, NYC at MTL: The facts around Saunders certainly help his case, as NYC FC have three clean sheets in their last four games, and Montreal will be without Ignacio Piatti and are welcoming back 38-year-old Didier Drogba from injury. And while Saunders is hardly considered an elite goalkeeper in MLS, you know Drogba will be taking plenty of shots, which should allow Saunders plenty of opportunities for saves.
DEFENDER
Connor Lade, NYR at PHI: Lade scored his first-career MLS goal on Wednesday, though he's not in this space because of his goal-scoring potential. The diminutive defender is solid at accumulating points across the stat sheet, and it seems the Red Bulls always come up big in important games, such as one against the Eastern Conference leaders. Lade also had five crosses in that Wednesday's matchup, and if he can move up against the Union, more passes from the wing should be coming.
Hassoun Camara, MTL v. NYC: Camara is hardly a prolific crosser, but he's been ticking plenty of boxes on the stat sheet of late
MATCHES (EDT)
3:00 p.m: Portland Timbers v. Seattle Sounders
5:00 p.m: Montreal Impact v. New York City FC
7:00 p.m: Philadelphia Union v. New York Red Bulls
ODDS REPORT
EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS
Portland Timbers: Diego Valeri
Seattle Sounders: Andreas Ivanschitz
Montreal Impact: Harry Shipp, Lucas Ontivero, Ambroise Oyongo
New York City FC: Andrea Pirlo
Philadelphia Union: Tranquillo Barnetta
New York Red Bulls: Sacha Kljestan
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Josh Saunders, NYC at MTL: The facts around Saunders certainly help his case, as NYC FC have three clean sheets in their last four games, and Montreal will be without Ignacio Piatti and are welcoming back 38-year-old Didier Drogba from injury. And while Saunders is hardly considered an elite goalkeeper in MLS, you know Drogba will be taking plenty of shots, which should allow Saunders plenty of opportunities for saves.
DEFENDER
Connor Lade, NYR at PHI: Lade scored his first-career MLS goal on Wednesday, though he's not in this space because of his goal-scoring potential. The diminutive defender is solid at accumulating points across the stat sheet, and it seems the Red Bulls always come up big in important games, such as one against the Eastern Conference leaders. Lade also had five crosses in that Wednesday's matchup, and if he can move up against the Union, more passes from the wing should be coming.
Hassoun Camara, MTL v. NYC: Camara is hardly a prolific crosser, but he's been ticking plenty of boxes on the stat sheet of late with 11 tackles won, 12 interceptions, eight crosses and two assists in his last four games. The NYC FC attack can get a bit sloppy, which could open up plenty of interception and tackle opportunities.
MIDFIELDER
Diego Valeri, POR v. SEA: Valeri has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, but he's expected to start and help jumpstart a Timbers attack that has struggled without him. Seattle are coming off a 5-0 win over FC Dallas' C-Team on Wednesday, and Valeri figures to be heavily involved in getting Portland to maintain it's form. His last game truly shows his upside, as he scored 44 fantasy points on DraftKings thanks to two goals on six shots (four on target), one assist and 11 crosses.
Ilsinho, PHI v. NER: The Union have been the biggest surprise of the season, and while Ilsinho's playing time has been a bit inconsistent due to injuries, he's fit now and playing very well. Many DFS players will understandably move to Roland Alberg, who has six goals in his last five games, but Ilsinho's salary is almost half the price. Alberg is still a steal against a Red Bulls defense that has been far from dominant this season, but Ilsinho can really open things up from a salary standpoint.
Frank Lampard, NYC at MTL: It's worth noting that Lampard is pretty goal dependent for a midfielder, but he's also found the back of the net in four of his last five games. Facing off against ex-Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba, no one would be overly surprised if Lampard had the ball knock off his backside and have it go in the goal.
FORWARD
Didier Drogba, MTL v. NYC: There are certainly negatives about picking Drogba, namely that he's just recovered from a thigh injury and he'll be without star teammate Ignacio Piatti (suspension). Nevertheless, Drogba is still an elite goal scorer who has excellent upside, even in just 60 minutes. NYC FC's run of three consecutive clean sheets ended in a 3-1 loss to Sporting KC last Sunday, and despite that run, no one considers them a sound defensive team. Drogba could have a field day.
David Villa, NYC v. MTL: If there's a player who can keep up with Drogba it's Villa, who continues to lead MLS in goals and shots on target (he should re-take the shot lead from Sebastian Giovinco after today's game). The Impact have just three clean sheets this season, including one in their last 13 matches, and have allowed six goals in their last four, giving little reason to think they can keep Villa out. Oh, and star centerback Laurent Ciman is out with an ankle injury.
