This week sees six teams with doubles. None of them look all that appealing to me, but as always, two games in a week is better than one. I’ve been away on vacation all weekend and haven’t been able to watch a single game yet, so I may comment on someone who has been injured or picked up a red card… sorry.
Chivas: at Portland and vs. Salt Lake
Chivas have recently acquired Juan Pablo Angel and moved his stuff across the hall from the Galaxy locker room. He was a huge flop in LA, but I can see him doing better for Chivas. Especially if he is given spot-kick privileges (which is why he was so valuable in the fantasy game when he was in a Red Bull uniform). He scored in his debut (after the rest of this article was written) but I haven’t had a chance to watch the game yet to see how he played.
The away game at Portland is more likely to yield results for the offensive options (LaBrocca, Angel) but the home game against Salt Lake is actually rated as the most likely to yield a clean sheet out of any team this week.
Philadelphia: vs. New England and at Salt Lake
Philadelphia is the team to load up on this week. A home game against New England has been something to look forward to this season, as the Revs have been the worst defense on the road for any team not from Canada. I backed Le Toux a few weeks ago and he bagged two, both from the penalty spot. The addition of Adu gives the Union more attacking options and makes them cup contenders in my eyes. As they have been most of this season, the defense continues to look like a good picky for fantasy managers. Williams is still my pick of the bunch, but play any and all of them this week.
Portland: at Chivas and vs. DCU
Portland has the two easiest opponents this week, but they’ve been so inconsistent this year that it is tough to find any fantasy options not named Jack. There really isn’t a whole lot to say about the Timbers when it comes to fantasy. They’ve been too inconsistent to back anyone else but Jewsbury since he’s on spot kicks and set pieces.
Salt Lake: at Chivas and vs. Philadelphia
Salt Lake have been quite the let down for fantasy managers this season. Their injury-plagued season has left us with few options on the attacking side of the ball. Saborio and Espindola are both back to fitness and could start producing again. I don’t rate any of their midfielders highly for fantasy points, but if I had to pick one I guess I’d go with Beckerman. The defense, on the other hand, is as solid as ever and is the real place to look for investment. Rimando, Beltran, Wingert, Borchers, and Olave have all produced points for us this season and I expect at least one clean sheet this week.
Kansas City: vs. Dallas and vs. LA
The Sporks have the most difficult fixtures of the week. However, I can see them coming out of the week with 4 points. I think the games will both be low scoring and could end up 1-0 or 2-1. Zusi and Kamara are the players I would go with from this side. Kamara seems to be the forward least likely to be rotated, as he often finds himself out on the wing. Besler is the pick for the defense as he has the opportunity to chip in the odd assist.
LA: at New York and at Kansas City
LA keeps on getting results and stand 6 points clear in the supporters shield race. However, they will face two high-powered offenses this week, both on the road. I don’t see LA keeping a clean sheet this week, and the stats show them conceding in each game too. The stats don’t look promising for their offense either, as they are predicted to score just one goal in each game.
New signing, Robbie Keane, scored one on the weekend. Again, I haven’t had the opportunity to watch the game yet to see how he played otherwise. Perhaps one of my loyal readers could chime in with a comment?
