When creating a one-day fantasy lineup, there’s something to be said for looking at the matchups first and then working backward from there. When I look at the three MLS midweek matches tonight, I see each of the matches unfolding a certain way.
I think San Jose will have its way with a fatigued Montreal squad that is playing its second consecutive road match in California and sent five starters home to rest. I think the Red Bulls-Revs match will be tightly contested in midfield, but I don’t see either team pulling away. Finally, I think the NYCFC-Toronto FC game --similar to the earlier barnburner at Yankee Stadium-- could have a lot of goals in it.
With those things in mind, I’d lean towards San Jose at the back, New England/Red Bulls in the midfield and NYCFC/TFC attackers. Let’s get to the picks:
Goalkeepers
Obvious Pick: San Jose’s David Bingham ($5,300) is my choice in net, primarily because of the opponent. He takes on a Montreal team that’s on the second game of a West Coast road trip and is without the services of Didier Drogba and Ignacio Piatti, among others.
Sleeper Pick: Josh Saunders ($5,100). I know, it’s crazy, but -- consider Toronto’s schedule lately. They played Sunday, followed by tonight’s road game against NYC, and then back to the Great White North for a Saturday afternoon game. The crazy schedule could lead to some key TFC players sitting this one out.
Defenders
Obvious Pick: If you’re playing DraftKings tonight, then Chris Tierney ($6,800) and his prodigious crossing ability should be one of the first selections in your lineup.
Sleeper Pick: Angelino ($5,100) offers NYCFC a more traditional wide player on the left side. If NYCFC play narrow in the middle, he might be called upon to get forward and deliver crosses. Since he’s shown a good connection with David Villa this season, he’s worth a flyer if you like his team’s chances against Toronto.
Midfielders
Obvious Pick: This New England-New York Red Bulls game will be a fascinating contest, primarily because of the talent that will be packed into the midfield on both sides of the ball. Enter Lee Nguyen ($9,400). The 2014 MVP candidate has found some of his old form to the tune of four assists in the last two matches. If Nguyen can escape the attentions of Dax McCarty ($5,000) and find free space in the crowded midfield, he’ll be worth his salary.
Budget Pick: A lot of people will be drawn to his Red Bulls teammate Sacha Kljestan ($9,000), but Felipe ($6,000) adds a sneaky offensive punch from deeper in midfield. He crosses the ball at a tremendous rate and could be a solid play in the rivalry match against the Revolution.
Forwards
Obvious Pick: Everyone remembers the last time Toronto played at Yankee Stadium, right? Sebastian Giovinco ($13,200) and David Villa ($12,900) went goal-for-goal in a tremendously entertaining 4-4 draw. With the tight field dimensions and suspect NYCFC defense, we know that goals get scored at Yankee Stadium at a higher rate than anywhere else. Why not use this to your advantage and grab Villa or Giovinco -- or maybe both?
Sleeper Pick: How about Patrick Mullins ($6,600)? He’s got a goal and an assist in his past two matches despite only playing 113 minutes. If this matchup turns into a goal-fest, you might be seeing his name on the scoresheet. He won’t be highly selected, either, which could give your team a big boost if he plays well.
How do you see these games playing out? Are you going to add both Giovinco and Villa? Let us know in the comments below.
