Week 7 Preview

So far this season has given us two Double Game Weeks and while Week 7 is a slate of single games, we are gifted another DGW in Week 8.  Not only is this a single game week but we also have the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers on a bye.  By this point you know you should be planning for next week so let's take a look at solid plays that will pay off in Week 7 and could start moving you up the rankings.

Goalkeepers

Will the real DC United please stand up?

Bobby Shuttleworth ($5.8)

Depending on which DC United team shows up this Saturday, Shuttleworth could either be a clean sheet play or could get torched by Fabian Espindola and the rest of the inconsistent Black and Red attack.  Either way he does have a DGW next week so you might want to stash him away now.

On the Cheap...

Jake Gleeson ($4.5)

With Adam Kwarasey ($5.6) on the mend for the next 2-4 weeks, Gleeson gets the chance the defend goal for the Timbers and from a fantasy perspective, it couldn't have come at a better time.  Sure he is on a bye this week but he has a DGW next week.

Defenders

Injury Fill In(s)...

Zach Loyd ($7.6) and Walker Zimmerman ($6.0)

Matt Hedges ($9.0) is out for the Hoops with a torn meniscus so we can expect to see Loyd and Zimmerman log consistent minutes at center back.  Zimmerman's price is more alluring than Loyd's but both are solid transfer options this week on the road against a listless Whitecaps squad.

Differential Pick...

Andres Imperiale ($6.9)

Imperiale is owned on a scant 0.2% of teams and yet is enjoying a 5.0 form.  Picking up Imperiale at home against Sporting KC should net you some points that your opponents aren't likely going to get.

Stay Away From...

Any RSL Defender

RSL heads to Carson to face a Galaxy team that is starting to click so as tempting as it may be to load up with a Justen Glad ($5.2) or an Aaron Maund ($7.2) you are just going to have to wait.

Midfielders

The Unheralded...

Justin Meram ($8.4)

When you think of the Columbus Crew your mind inevitably goes to super striker Kei Kamara ($10.9), Argentine Federico Higuain ($10.3), and US international Ethan Finlay ($10.7).  However, I am here to tell you that you should starting thinking of Iraqi international, Justin Meram.  Meram has quietly swelled into his team's second leading fantasy producer (only two points behind Higuain).  Meram had a slow start to the season only logging a combined 41 minutes in the first two matches but since has put up a 10-point and 17-point performance.  Meram is not as heralded as his teammates but at nearly $2.0 cheaper, he is worth a roster spot.

The Unheralded Pt. 2...

Kevin Molino ($8.1)

Molino is another guy who is tearing it up right now but doesn't get the spotlight of Kaka ($10.9) or Cyle Larin ($9.2).  Molino has been with the Lions since they were in the USL and after missing last season due to injury, has come back full force.  The Trinidadian has averaged over 7 points per match the last three weeks and should have a solid day against the Red Bulls.

Temper Your Expectations...

Jermaine Jones ($8.2)

When Jones joined the Rapids I was stunned to see his price be so low.  After a 15 point debut, you might be wondering why I am cautioning you.  My thought is that without Marco Pappa ($8.2) in the lineup, things might not be so sunny for Jones and the rest of the Rapids.  Wait another week and if Jones proves he can perform at a high level with the absence of the team's best midfielder (yes, he is better than Jones in my opinion) then pick him up.

Forwards

Mr. Espindola Goes to Washington...

Fabian Espindola ($10.1)

Espindola has a hot temper and can't seem to stay healthy for an entire season but at this point, he is the only spark that the United offense has so consider making room for him on your roster as he welcomes a Revs defense into RFK Stadium that has surrendered over 2 goals per match on the road.

Finally Hitting His Stride...

Kei Kamara ($10.9)

Kamara was nearly unstoppable last year but it has not been the case this season.  However, one look at how well the Crew was clicking against NYCFC and there is optimism that the offense machine is running once more.  Add to the fact that Kamara is going up against a Houston defense that has been a sieve and you have the makings of a big day.