Fantasy MLS: Sunday Cheat Sheet

This weekend represents every team's second to last match of the season, and plenty is still up for grabs! Not only will week see New England and Portland look to bump a current team in playoff position out of the postseason, we also have Supporters Shield and first round bye implications. With all of the Eastern Conference matches kicking off at 3pm EST and the Western Conference matches at 5pm EST, it appears that DraftKings has chosen to offer daily fantasy matches in two split slates. That means we get to see ALL of the lineups for our contests before lineups lock, which makes me a happy camper! Let's look at both of the MLS slates for Sunday.

MATCHES (EDT)

3:00 p.m: New England Revolution at Chicago Fire
3:00 p.m: D.C. United at New York City FC
3:00 p.m: Montreal Impact at Toronto FC
3:00 p.m: New York Red Bulls at Columbus Crew
3:00 p.m: Philadelphia Union at Orlando City SC
5:00 p.m: Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas
5:00 p.m: Los Angeles Galaxy at Houston Dynamo
5:00 p.m: Colorado Rapids at Portland Timbers
5:00 p.m: Sporting Kansas City at Real Salt Lake
5:00 p.m: Vancouver Whitecaps at San Jose Earthquakes

ODDS REPORT

EXPECTED CORNER TAKERS

New England Revolution: Chris Tierney, Lee Nguyen
Chicago Fire: John Goossens, David Accam, Arturo Alvarez
D.C. United: Lloyd Sam
New York City FC: Andrea Pirlo
Montreal Impact: Marco Donadel, Ambroise Oyongo
Toronto FC: Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley
New York Red Bulls: Sacha Kljestan
Columbus Crew: Mohammed Saeid
Philadelphia Union: Tranquillo Barnetta
Orlando City: Matias Perez Garcia
Seattle Sounders: Nicolas Lodeiro, Herculez Gomez
FC Dallas: Mauro Diaz
Los Angeles Galaxy: Giovani Dos Santos,
Houston Dynamo: Cristian Maidana, Jose Escalante
Colorado Rapids: Shklezen Gashi
Portland Timbers: Jack Jewsbury
Sporting KC: Benny Feilhaber, Graham Zusi
Real Salt Lake: Joao Plata, Javier Morales
Vancouver Whitecaps: Christian Bolanos
San Jose Earthquakes: Alberto Quintero, Simon Dawkins

PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS

GOALKEEPER

Eastern Conference / Early Slate

Luis Robles, NYR at CLB: It took most of the season, but New York are back atop the Eastern Conference table and playing like its best team. Their opponent, Columbus Crew SC, are playing like one of its worst and didn't even use their leading scorer, Ola Kamara, last match. If Adam Jahn and Conor Casey remain the forward options for Columbus in this match, it will be very difficult to pass up Robles, who only trails David Bingham and Brian Rowe in goals-against average among the top-10 save leaders in Major League Soccer. High saves and low goals against make for a good fantasy combination, and while his premium price reflects that, I'm still buying this week.

Clint Irwin, TOR v. MTL: With all due respect to NYC FC, Toronto are the other top team in the Eastern Conference alongside the Red Bulls. Their opponent, Montreal, are in quite the interesting scenario: if they lose in this rivalry match to a Toronto side motivated to secure a first-round bye, they will play New England next week in a potential "loser goes home" scenario. Montreal will desperately want to win, and come out swinging, but they've been incredibly poor of late. It's feasible that they decide to hold on for one point early in the second half against a Toronto side that may return Sebastian Giovinco, and they are the superior side even if he sits again. All of this is my way of saying that there are a lot of scenarios in which Irwin meets his $3,800 value and just one unlikely one in which he doesn't (Montreal come out and dominate). Saving the cash by going with Irwin over Robles could be the difference in securing an extra elite attacking option.

Western Conference / Late Slate

Brian Rowe, LAG at HOU: Unlike the early slate, I don't see much reason to pay up for a keeper outside of a differential play. A handful of good options are priced at $4,000 or less including Rowe, David Ousted, Tim Melia and Tim Howard. Perhaps the safest of the bunch, Rowe and the Los Angeles Galaxy won't have the services of Jelle Van Damme (yellow card accumulation), but they should still have little trouble from a sleepwalking Houston Dynamo side. Rowe leads all keepers in save percentage (minimum 10 matches), and is tied for third in saves. Houston, on the other hand, are tied for the second-fewest goals scored on the year. Although Los Angeles have little to play for at this point, Bruce Arena will want to get his team into postseason shape, particularly in defense. Don't overthink this match.

Tim Howard, COL at POR: Don't ask me how Howard has been consistently getting priced this low on the road. Colorado are still one of the league's top defensive teams, regardless of where they play, and they also hold the lead in the Supporters' Shield race. While I favor a desperate Portland Timbers in this match, I expect Howard to see plenty of shots and earn plenty of saves. He's a definite tournament play, but I think he deserves cash game consideration as well thanks to his low price and sneaky high floor. Even if Portland score three goals, I think they fire enough shots on target for Howard to earn a handful of DraftKings points. We'll take that for $3.400.

DEFENDER

Eastern Conference / Early Slate

Taylor Kemp, DCU v. NYC: Here's something I never thought I would say back in June: D.C. United and New York City FC are currently in the best goal-scoring form in the Eastern Conference, with 15 and 13 goals, respectively, in their past six matches. Kemp has certainly contributed on the United side of things, making the left flank his own personal domain. D.C. suddenly have fairly dangerous attacking threats that keep opposing teams somewhat pinned back, and that gives Kemp time and space to get up the field and use his dangerous left foot to serve up some tasty crosses. He's capable of set piece goals, double-digit crosses, and even has a three-assist game under his belt recently. New York City will pose a formidable opponent, but I think Kemp and this confident, revamped United group can threaten goal all match long.

Laurent Ciman, MTL at TOR: The early slate is extremely weak after the top chunk of defenders, so rolling the dice with a center back might be the play. Ciman is crucial to Montreal's chances against Toronto FC, and the 2015 MLS Defender of the Year should appropriately step up in this match. There's a relatively good chance that he makes value with defensive actions alone, so any shots and perhaps goals that his aerial abilities can earn will be a bonus. If you include his two recent World Cup qualifying matches, he has earned fewer than five points just once in 10 games. That's acceptable dependability for a sub-$4,000 defender on this slate.

Western Conference / Late Slate

Vytautas Andriuskevicius, POR v. COL: This is a critical game for the Timbers, and also perhaps a critical game for their left back, more commonly referred to as Vytas, and his future. For as useful as he has been offensively in Portland, he has been reciprocally poor in defense. Opposing teams have made him a target at the left back position, and while I wonder if he'll be focused on his defensive duties, I also recognize that if Portland go a goal down, Vytas will be throwing caution to the wind in a must-score scenario. With Colorado typically placing a blockade on the center of the field, Vytas' crossing upside is as high as any defender's on this slate. When those crosses are aimed at the towering Fanendo Adi, they could easily be converted to the assist column. Though it's worth considering Alvas Powell and Jack Jewsbury on either side of $4,600, I think Vytas sits in the sweet spot of high upside and relatively safe floor.

Alphonso Davies, VAN at SJE: If you're not on the Alphonso Davies train, this is another great chance to jump on board. With Manchester United and Liverpool scouts also occupying seats, it may be a little crowded, but fortunately they probably don't play on DraftKings. The 15-year-old midfielder has occasionally looked to be the Whitecaps' best player this fall, including last match against Seattle when he earned their Man of the Match honors with four shots, three crosses and four fouls drawn. While Vancouver's season is over in two matches, their opponents are in the same boat, and I think this could be a wide open game where Davies is allowed to shine. With little risk, and occupying a defender slot, this pick is one of the easiest of the week.

MIDFIELDER

Eastern Conference / Early Slate

Sacha Kljestan, NYR at CLB: Virtually all New York Red Bulls players are viable options in their meeting with Columbus, but Kljestan tops the list on DraftKings. Few midfield options have been as consistent in the second half of the season, largely thanks to a high pressure attack that consistently finds Red Bulls attackers in dangerous spots with space and time, but it also earns them plenty of corner kicks for Kljestan to take. He has been so notably good, that he even changed Jurgen Klinsmann's mind and forced his way into the U.S. National Team picture. That's one heck of a feat! The main case against Kljestan this week is that it will be tough to fit him and goal-scoring machine Bradley Wright-Phillips into a lineup at the same time. If that's the worst we can say about him, it's probably pretty telling as to whether or not he will make a great daily fantasy play.

Patrick Mullins, DCU v. NYC: We briefly discussed D.C. United's offensive emergence above, and Mullins is one of the primary architects. While he plays as their lone forward, with the crafty Luciano Acosta tucking in behind, Mullins has a habit of finding space and opportunities to make a play far more than your typical target up top. He also carries a visible chip on his shoulder, and while his feistiness sometimes gets him in trouble, the gamble may be worthwhile in this match against his former team. Mullins sat in New York City for two years, watching nearly every attacking player that joined the team immediately pass him for playing time, including Adam Nemec, Mehdi Ballouchy, Tony Taylor and Steven Mendoza. He's been freed, but I doubt he's forgiven! Sure, I'm a sucker for a revenge game, but I'm also looking to Mullins' willingness to shoot and track record of multi-goal games. Go elsewhere in cash games, but get this guy into one of your tournament lineups.

Armando Cooper, TOR v. MTL: Cooper has looked downright awesome since earning significant minutes in Toronto, and while I thought Sebastian Giovinco's possible return may push him to a super-sub role, it sounds like Toronto has plans for him in the midfield. A midfield trio of Will Johnson, Cooper and Michael Bradley, with Jozy Altidore and Giovinco up top is downright unfair, but they haven't all been close, or even remotely close, to being on the field at the same time. That's somewhat concerning with just two games before the playoffs. Regardless, Toronto will be eager to put Montreal in their place in this rivalry match, and they'll also be eyeing a first-round bye if either of the New York teams slip up this week. Much like Alphonso Davies, Cooper is one of the few underpriced gems still available this late in the season, and I imagine he will be a popular salary saving choice.

Western Conference / Late Slate

Diego Valeri, POR v. COL: I fumbled my way through a question on the RotoWire Fantasy Soccer Podcast this week that asked whether I'd want Valeri or Mauro Diaz on Sunday. That's like asking me to pick a favorite child! I landed on Valeri due to the sheer magnitude of this match and the determination he shows every time the city of Portland needs him the most. His form doesn't hurt either, though the $1,500 extra that he costs is one small knock. Really, I love both players this week and will play them in the same lineup where possible, but Valeri has the highest ceiling of anybody playing on Sunday's later slate. I don't care that Colorado's back line is usually a fortress or that they will be motivated to keep their tenuous hold on the Supporters Shield lead. Valeri is simply too good. Despite holding him off the score sheet in their last meeting, Colorado still had to withstand Valeri's five shots (two on target) and four crosses. They fouled him five times, too. Now Valeri is back in Portland and Colorado must travel to one of Major League Soccer's most intimidating environments. I think the previous meeting's 16 fantasy points are a good indicator of Valeri's floor this week.

Sebastian Lletget, LAG at HOU:Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard are unlikely to play this weekend, and I have a hard time believing Landon Donovan is ready to go a full 90 minutes, so I envision a big role once more for Lletget. Bruce Arena simply trusts the former West Ham United prospect, who has assists in five of his past eight MLS Matches, and I do too. He is unlikely to win us any tournaments, but he can help us save money to spend on others who will. Los Angeles are well rested, while their opponent, Houston Dynamo, have played two matches over the international break and are arguably the league's worst team. If Donovan starts, most daily fantasy players will flock to his $5,000 price tag in the midfield, but I'll be sticking with Lletget, who is a good bet for more minutes and, you know, has actually been playing professional soccer for the past two years.

Tommy Thompson, SJE v. VAN: Thompson's third season since signing as a San Jose homegrown has not gone as planned. He simply doesn't fit in Dom Kinnear's system, which is a pity since Thompson has the potential to be the next club icon once Chris Wondolowski rides off into the sunset (after a few more pointless USMNT call-ups to play Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, of course). Seriously, though, Thompson can play, and even though he isn't best suited to the wide midfield role he's been shoehorned into, I'm willing to take a chance on him at cheap price. San Jose's season is over and they should prioritize letting the youngster end if on a high note. He is second on the team in key passes, when weighted for playing time, and it could work wonders if he gets to play centrally behind Wondo and Quincy Amarikwa or Henok Goitom. Using Thompson could really allow us to load up at the other four attacking spots.

FORWARD

Eastern Conference / Early Slate

David Villa, NYC at DCU: Villa and Bradley Wright-Phillips are neck and neck in the Golden Boot race, and honestly, it's mostly a coin flip as to who will have the better week. Going without either player will be a dangerous proposition, and going with both would decimate our midfield potential. One reason I chose to highlight Villa is game theory related. Red Bulls have the far superior matchup, and stacking BWP with Kljestan is very enticing. I see an opportunity to get an under-owned Villa in tournaments, something which doesn't come around very often. D.C. United have been better offensively, but they have kept just one clean sheet in six matches. Villa had a goal and an assist in their last meeting, one month ago, and nobody would be surprised if he bested that impressive output. If you're not using Giovinco, and you think you can get exposure to the Red Bulls attack in cheaper fashion, Villa makes for a great forward pick as he chases the Golden Boot and looks to help NYC FC secure a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Kei Kamara, NER at CHI: New England are desperate for three points, and Kamara does not seem like the type of player to let his season end in October (particularly when he can also rub it in the face of his former team, who are already making vacation plans). Two of his past three matches have resulted in a goal and assist combination, and this match against Chicago is a prime opportunity to add to that. Chicago sit last in the league in points and second-to-last in goals allowed. They've allowed 14 goals in their past six matches, none of which resulted in a victory. On the flip side, the Revolution have won four of their past six games and are playing their best soccer of the season. All attackers are in play this week, including Juan Agudelo, Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe, but Kamara has a ceiling that they can't match. He makes for an outstanding second forward if you can afford it.

Mike Grella, NYR at CLB: By all accounts, Grella has been working his tail off to regain his starting spot, and Daniel Royer's recent injury has opened the door for just that. He also presents a great Wright-Phillips alternative that still fills a forward spot and gives us Red Bulls exposure, but also lets us add a different top attacking option. Grella is often a boom-or-bust play, but he has plenty of successes in his two seasons with New York and isn't afraid to shoot and take on defenders. C.J. Sapong might be the bigger name, Michael de Leeuw may be in better form and Matteo Mancosu may be playing alongside two MLS superstars, but for my money Grella is the best sub-$6,000 forward option for the early slate of matches.

Western Conference / Late Slate

Joao Plata, RSL v. SKC: The late slate poses a much different roster construction outlook. Plata and Dom Dwyer are likely to be the only playable attacking options above $9,000 in a match where they play each other. Neither team are definitely safe, but RSL have a two-point cushion on SKC, and a four-point cushion on the seventh place Timbers, so make of that what you will. My Plata write-up isn't necessarily an endorsement over Dwyer, but more so a caution that you should consider both. Dwyer has been on quite the streak, with a goal in each of his past four matches, while Plata has been kept off the score sheet since a two-goal, one-assist outing against Los Angeles. Whereas Dwyer hopes to get the ball, shoots and then shoots some more, Plata attacks a defense in myriad ways. I've seen glimpses in the second half of the season of the unstoppable version of Plata, the one that prompts me to think of him as Giovinco-light, and he has a better supporting cast than Dwyer while also playing at home. It's hard to ignore the SKC star's form, but I'm likely to grab equal shares of him and Plata for my Western Conference tilts.

Graham Zusi, SKC at RSL: Another reason I find Dwyer fade-able, outside of the Plata alternative and likely high ownership percentage, is that Zusi could be back in the fold and gives us a cheaper Kansas City attacker. It's unclear if Zusi will regain control of all corners and most set pieces right away, but even if he does not, he should prove a dangerous threat on the wing against a susceptible RSL wing. He has a history of playing well in big moments, including an MLS Cup and time with the U.S. National Team, and even though he's no longer a fantasy mainstay like he was two seasons ago, that potential is still there. If desperation brings out his best, Zusi will be one of the best forward values we've seen in months. That's a good thing, since the midfielders are the stars of the show for the later slate, and we will want to get as many of them into our team as possible.

Darren Mattocks, POR v. COL: If you need to go even cheaper than Zusi, consider Mattocks. After a trade from Vancouver early in the season, Mattocks just recently pushed Lucas Melano, who Portland paid an enormous transfer fee for last season, out of a starting spot on the wing. His two-assist outing against Philadelphia in mid-September had fans thinking Portland had found an important stretch-run piece, but he then suffered a hamstring injury. Fortunately, it sounds like he's recovered enough to play in Portland's must-win match. His speed alone makes him dangerous, but with teammates like Adi, Valeri and Darlington Nagbe drawing far more attention, Mattocks could find plenty of room to operate. Nobody would be surprised if Mattocks gets onto the score sheet multiple times, but if he doesn't, you were still able to afford four other top notch attacking players.