MLS Fantasy: 5 best value picks for week 3
By Elliot Howey
Week 3 in the MLS kicks off with DC United hosting Houston Dynamo on Saturday. Here are the best value picks in MLS fantasy soccer this week.
We are in for another intriguing week in the MLS. In-form Columbus Crew travels to Philadelphia Union looking to maintain their 100 percent win ratio. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Whitecaps have a tough away match against an Atlanta side full of confidence after an impressive victory in week 2.
These are the top five value picks for MLS fantasy heading into the weekend.
1. Anthony Fontana, Philadelphia Union ($5 Million)
The Philadelphia Union midfielder was one of the standout performers from week 1. Anthony Fontana scored on this senior debut for the Union in their 2-0 win over New England Revolution. The midfielder earned fantasy owners eight points in week 1 and he should go into week 3 with his confidence sky high.
Philadelphia faces an in-form Columbus Crew side, who have a 100 percent win ratio this season. Fontana was heavily involved in the game against New England creating two chances, taking 3 shots and scoring a goal. The rookie should start the game ahead of new signing Borek Dockal, who isn’t quite ready to start the game, but will play some part of the match against the Crew. However, this game gives an opportunity to Fontana to show the manager he should be the first choice.
2. Luis Solignac, Chicago Fire ($6.7 Million)
Luis Solignac didn’t have the best of games for Chicago in week 2. The forward missed a great chance for the home side, when his header from four yards out went wide. However, Solignac did contribute to Chicago’s offense creating one chance and having 2 shots. Also the forward played the full 90, showing the faith the coach has in him to bag a goal for his side.
Solignac earned fantasy owners 2 points last week, which was a poor return for the opportunities he had in the game. However, Chicago has a favorable matchup this week as they travel to Minnesota and you can expect Solignac and Chicago to have plenty of opportunities against United, who have let in an average of two goals per game.
3. Daniel Salloi, Sporting Kansas City ($5.5 Million)
The young midfielder was a constant threat to Chicago’s defense in week 2. Daniel Salloi laid on two assists for his team in last week’s 4-3 win. Salloi started for the first time this season after finding himself on the bench in Sporting Kansas City’s opening match.
SKC host San Jose Earthquake, who are coming into this week’s game off the back of a bye week. However, San Jose did win their first game of the season against Minnesota United 3-2. Though San Jose performance will give SKC confidence heading into the match as Minnesota controlled the possession and manage to 15 attempts at San Jose goal.
At $5.5 million, Salloi should be heavily involved in the match and have plenty of opportunities to add to his total of nine fantasy points this year.
4. Carlos Gruezo, FC Dallas ($6.7 Million)
Carlos Gruezo’s value has dropped since week one by 300 thousand, which makes the winger a little more attractive to fantasy managers. Gruezo and FC Dallas face Seattle Sounders in week 3 at home, hoping to pick up their first win of the season. FCD will fancy their chances of taking all three points against a Seattle side who seem to have a small injury crisis at the moment.
The Sounders head into the game after losing 3-0 to Mexican side Chivas in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday. The defeat was made even worse by the fact Seattle lost Will Bruin and Chris Marshall to injury in the first half. FC Dallas and Gruezo will be hoping to capitalize on a tired and weakened Sounders side this week.
5. Chris Mueller, Orlando City ($4 Million)
Orlando will be once again left to rely on rookie Chris Mueller. Orlando has limited options in attack with Dom Dwyer and Stefano Phino currently injured. Mueller looks likely to start and will be one of the cheapest attacking starters in week 3 and looks great value. Orlando faces a tough trip to New York City, who has been impressive so far this season.
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Mueller and Orlando may find their attacking chances limited this week. However, at $4 million, there is no real risk with having Mueller in your squad, even placing Mueller on your bench will be a smart choice this week.