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Fantasy on Fire: Week 8 Preview

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I feel like we are having a bit of déjà vu as I was just writing about a DGW two weeks ago and did it again two weeks before that.  Yes, another DGW is upon us so it is time to see who you should be eyeing for 180 minutes but, if the last DGW taught us anything, we should certainly value the smart single game play.  Take a look below for my recommendations heading into this Wednesday’s kickoff.  (Note: After the injury report debacle surrounding Kaka, I just want to preface that I hate writing this so early but I must give you some tips to keep the arrows green in MLS fantasy.)

Goalkeepers

DGW Play…

David Ousted ($6.1)

If you want to know why I recommend Ousted even over guys like Tim Melia ($5.6) or Bobby Shuttleworth ($5.8), just watch the highlights from his incredible performance last week against FC Dallas.  Hands down this Great Dane is the most dynamic, goal-saving machine in MLS.

Single Game Play (only if you already own him)…

Nick Rimando ($6.2)

Rimando is a solid transfer target this week as RSL welcome a sputtering Houston Dynamo squad into Rio Tinto but for his price and for the bevy of great DGW ‘keepers available, he is only worth starting if you already own him.

Other DGW options (basically everyone but Josh Saunders)…

Jake Gleeson ($4.5)

Any of the DGW goalkeeper options are great (expect for Saunders) but if you are looking for a budget pickup look no further than Gleeson who has already been tabbed as the replacement for the injured Adam Kwarasey ($5.6).

Defenders

Someone We’re Not Talking About…

Drew Moor ($7.2)

Everyone knows that guys like Laurent Ciman ($8.8), Nuno Coelho ($7.9), and Jordan Harvey ($7.2) should be targeted for the DGW but I want to shed a little light on Drew Moor.  Sure Moor is the same cost as Harvey and Harvey has a DGW but someone on the MLS Fantasy Reddit thread pointed out that Moor has been worth a whopping 9 points each of the last two games!

Budget DGW Option…

Fraser Aird ($6.5)

After a rough start to the season, Aird has started to steadily perform and with his compatriots performing so well on the defensive end, Aird has enjoyed some pretty nice fantasy output as seen in his current 5.5 form.  Aird is owned by just 3.8% of teams so he is ripe for the picking heading into a DGW.

Midfielders

Want a Revs MID? This one may surprise…

Gershon Koffie ($7.2)

The new scoring system for MLS fantasy has really helped out defensive midfielders so heading into this DGW, if you are looking at a midfielder from the Revolution, you could look to the dynamic Lee Nguyen ($11.1) but why not save nearly $4.0 and pick up Koffie.  In the last three matches, he has scored 20 points while Nguyen has put up 17.  Better production, a lock for 180 minutes, and extra cash to splash?  Sounds like a solid option to me.

Single Game Star…

Mike Grella ($8.0)

Grella (along with the rest of the Red Bulls offense) broke out in a big way last week against Orlando and I expect another solid performance at home against FC Dallas.  I have always been a big fan of Grella and think he  is worth holding down a spot on any fantasy roster especially for the price.

Stay Away From…

Any NYCFC Player not named David Villa

I know that Thomas McNamara ($7.2) and Kwadwo Poku ($7.4) have reached cult status but even with the DGW, I don’t trust anyone on that team.  McNamara’s vanishing minutes have me a bit worried and when watching Poku, I can’t help but see an athlete playing soccer and not an athletic soccer player.

Forwards

The Guy Not Named Didier Drogba…

Dominic Oduro ($7.4)

Many wondered what the Impact would do with Oduro once Drogba arrived on the scene but it looks as though he is not going anywhere.  Whether he is lined up as a second striker or as a winger, Oduro’s pace is something the Impact need and you can bet that he will log a full 180 minutes this DGW.  Oduro should be worth at least a goal or an assist, some attacking bonus points, and a nice chunk of change in your pocket to go spend on someone else.

Budget Play…

CJ Sapong ($8.2)

I know it is late in the season to be recommending Sapong but here I go anyway.  He has been worth 50 fantasy points this season and the next nearest Union player only has 29.  The entire offense points to him and against the Quakes (who are not near the team they are on the road versus at home) I expect him to bag at least one goal.

Injury Fill-In...

Alvaro Saborio ($7.7)

The oft-injured Fabian Espindola went down again this time with a hamstring injury which should see him out for 2-4 weeks.  Hamstring injuries are hard to bounce back from especially when you are on the wrong side of 30 years old.  The solution up top?  A 34-year old Costa Rican of course!  Saborio is healthy and for the price, is a fantastic addition.