The MLS playoff race will heat up again this weekend with several key games on the schedule that will have an impact on the outlook of the postseason push heading in to the final stretch. With six games on the schedule we have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to building a perfect lineup. Here is a look at the optimal lineup for Saturday’s DraftKings MLS Fantasy Leagues.
GK: Jake Gleeson, Portland
Salary: $4,000
Portland has won three of its last four games to move in to fifth in the Western conference standings but still has a lot of work to do in order to clinch a playoff spot this season. The Timbers can’t afford to let their foot off the gas pedal this weekend with a favorable matchup versus a Houston side that sits at the bottom of the West standings. That makes Gleeson a smart MLS fantasy pick with the clean sheet bonus definitely in play as well.
D: Matt Besler, Sporting KC
Salary: $3,900
Sporting KC holds the sixth and final playoff spot in the West right now– five points up on the Seattle Sounders. They should be able to extend that lead over Seattle with a win over a San Jose side that is winless over its last five games and that makes Besler a smart value play at just $3.9K.
D: Bobby Boswell, DC United
Salary: $3,900
Boswell is another intriguing option on the back end at less than $4K, especially considering his impressive performance in last week’s draw with DC United. Boswell scored a goal in that game and was all over the pitch in his own end helping DC United to earn a point against Chicago. Boswell should be active at both ends of the pitch again this week and that makes him a smart MLS fantasy value play.
M: Diego Valeri, Portland
Salary: $11,400
Valeri has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the MLS all season and Portland will once again be leaning on him to deliver in a favorable matchup against a Houston side that currently sits last in the Western conference standings. There is a very good chance that Valeri adds to his season totals with 12 goals and seven assists already, so he is definitely worth the price at $11.4K in DraftKings tournaments.
M: Sean Davis, New York Red Bulls
Salary: $5,300
Davis doesn’t have the same numbers as Valeri but he has shown flashes of his ability this season and at $5.3K he could be the perfect value play to compliment the Timbers’ midfielder in our DraftKings lineup. Davis should benefit from a favorable matchup against the Montreal Impact and the fact that he will share the field with the current MLS goals leader helps as well playing behind Bradley Wright-Phillips.
F: Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls
Salary: $11,600
Wright-Phillips has separated himself at the top of the MLS goal scoring leaders chart with 20 goals, including five game-winning markers this season. He is the most expensive option in our lineup but with that type of production there is no way we could pass on him as the top forward pick on our board for MLS fantasy.
F: Michael Barrios, FC Dallas
Salary: $6,400
Barrios is another intriguing value option as a forward that has shown flashes when given the opportunity in the FC Dallas lineup this season. FC Dallas has already clinched a playoff spot, which should lead to Barrios getting more playing time down the final stretch. With a team-leading nine goals and two assists this season, Barrios is definitely worth having in our lineup at just $6.4K.
FLEX: Ike Opara, Sporting KC
Salary: $3,500
There is no way we would be able to afford some of the top options on the board like Valeri and Wright-Phillips if we didn’t have strong value options at the defender positions to balance our salary cap. Opara is another excellent value play whose production should exceed his price tag, so he is a very smart option as a FLEX play for this Saturday’s DraftKings MLS fantasy tournaments.
