MLS Fantasy Strategies: Preparing for Round 4's Double Game Week

This article is part of our MLS Fantasy Strategies series.

Any time a top player is on a DGW they immediately become worthy of roster consideration unless, of course, they are hampered by injury, suspended or on international duty. To complicate things in Round 4, the first FIFA international window of 2016 coincides with the first MLS DGW of the season. Not to fret, as there's a full list of MLSers who were called upon for international duty over at MLSSoccer.com.

The way Round 4 sets up is different than most DGWs we'll see over the course of the season. Generally, the first games of the round are played midweek, with teams then playing the second leg of the DGW over the weekend. This often makes it difficult to project which players will play big minutes in both games, as coaches tend to rest players in one of the two when the schedule gets congested. However, this round is actually played out over the next two weekends, meaning it is very possibly that several of the DGW players called into international duty will miss out on their MLS game this weekend but could feature in the second game the following weekend. For this reason, it's not absolutely necessary to shed all your players who were called into international duty for this round.

Let's take a look at some top transfer options with the Round 4 DGW and international call-ups. Also, keep in mind the rules allow for two free transfers each round with a four-point penalty for each additional transfer. There are certain instances when taking a four-point penalty, or even an eight-point one, is justified, but it's purely situational based on the state of your squad during the given DGW round.

Must-Haves
Mauro Diaz ($10.4m) and Pedro Morales ($10.8m)
Diaz and Morales will be a popular midfield pairing throughout MLS Fantasy lineups this round. They are currently ranked No. 2 and No. 3 among all midfielders in terms of fantasy production through three rounds and both should be in line for close to a full 180 minutes. Diaz is already over 20 percent owned but Morales is still flying under the radar, as he's on fewer than seven percent of all fantasy teams. I advise finding room for both, but if I had to pick one I'd go with Diaz considering FC Dallas have another DGW in Round 6. Both are high on my radar as a potential captain in Round 4.

The Others

Forwards
Maximiliano Urruti ($8.5m)
Urruti is thriving in his new home in Dallas and should see several chances to add to his two-goal haul. He's a relatively cheap forward in a dynamic attack and will continue to see big minutes. If you're loading up on Dallas for the next few rounds, give Urruti a long hard look.

Fabian Espindola ($9.9m)
The Argentine provided a spark off the bench, bagging his first goal of the season in 30 minutes over the weekend. I expect Espindola to regain his starting forward spot but may err on the side of caution since we won't be able to see D.C.'s starting lineup until after the round has begun, and he may be on a minutes limit until he's fully fit.

Octavio Rivero ($8.3m) or Kekuta Manneh ($8.5m)
Not many fantasy managers will be considering Vancouver's forward options considering their combined zero goals and zero assists to start the season, but both are capable of a breakout performance and are good differential plays in Round 4.

Midfielders
Diego Fagundez ($8.1m)
The 21-year old has cooled off since his 17-point explosion in the season opener but is worthy of roster consideration as a DGW candidate in Round 4. The Revs will be missing Lee Nguyen for at least one of the two games, potentially shifting more of the attacking responsibility to Fagundez or Kelyn Rowe.

Fabian Castillo ($10.6m)
With all eyes on Diaz and Morales, Castillo could prove to be a sneaky differential play in the midfield. He's certainly capable of a big round, but I will likely opt for the safer plays if I'm paying more than $10m.

Marcelo Sarvas ($7.1m)
Admittedly, Sarvas isn't the most glamorous DGW option but his ability to pile up defensive bonus points puts him on the radar. He's averaging five fantasy points per game and his $7.1m price tag could help to free up funds for Diaz and/or Morales.

Defenders
Matt Hedges ($8.9m)
He's pricey, but Hedges is also one the most consistent defenders in MLS Fantasy over the last couple of years. Dallas will be missing Walker Zimmerman, Maynor Figueroa and Atiba Harris through international duty, which should also make way for Zach Lloyd ($7.5m) to find his way back into the Starting XI.

Jordan Harvey ($7.0m)
It's anyone's guess who will line up at center back with both starters away on international duty, but Harvey should see a full 180 minutes at his left back spot. He's been known to join in on the attack and already has one goal this season.

Goalkeepers
Travis Worra ($4.1m)
Worra is the last GK standing in D.C. and will free up a lot of salary with his bargain bin price. United are actively seeking reinforcements, but Worra is the starter by default for now and makes for a fine budget option.

David Ousted ($5.9m)
Despite facing the two highest-scoring attacks through the first three games of the season, it's hard to ignore the usually consistent Ousted with a pair of home games in Round 4. He's on my radar, but if I use a free transfer for a GK I'm pocketing the savings with Worra.