MLS fantasy: 5 best value picks for Week 4
By Elliot Howey
Week 4 in the MLS kicks off with New York City traveling to New England, looking to continue their perfect winning record to the start if the season. Here are my best value picks for MLS fantasy soccer.
MLS returns this week with a reduced schedule of six matches. However, there are still plenty of games to keep you entertained. NYCFC are looking to make it four wins in four games, against New England, while DC United will be hoping to get their first win of the season when they travel to play the Columbus Crew. These are the top five value picks for MLS fantasy soccer heading into week 4.
Ishmael Tajouri, New York City FC ($6 million)
Ishmael Tajouri was handed his first start of the season against Orlando City in week 3 and repaid his manager’s faith with a goal. Tajouri’s all-around play left something to be desired, however, his job is to score goals and he duly delivered. The forward earned owners seven points against Orlando and due to a lack of game time in previous weeks. Tajouri’s price has fallen $500k going in to week 4.
New York City faces the New England Revolution United in a match-up they will be favorites to win. NYCFC have started the season well. New England has conceded on average 2 goals per game this season, while NYCFC have scored on average of 2 goals per game. Tajouri should have plenty of chances to earn owners points
Jon Kempin, Columbus Crew ($4.5 million)
Columbus Crew face DC United in week 4 looking to get back to winning ways after a 0-0 draw against Philadelphia Union in week 3. Columbus are without their No. 1 goal-keeper Zack Steffen, so back-up keeper Jon Kempin should stand in.
At $4.5 millionm Kempin looks great value, not just for the price but also his chances of keeping a clean sheet this week. Columbus have kept a clean sheet in two of their three games this season. Picking Kempin as your starting keeper this week will save you salary space, without damaging your chances of picking up that clean sheet bonus.
Ebenezer Ofori, New York City ($5.7 million)
Ebenezer Ofori should start his first game of the season against New England this week. Ofori should replace Alexander Ring, who will miss the trip to the Revs. The midfielder has only played 22 minutes for NYCFC his season and will be hoping to impress the manager and challenge for a starting spot. The midfielder, who is on loan from German side Stuttgart, offers plenty of value at $5.7 million, and should be heavily involved in the center of the pitch.
Emmanuel Boateng, LA Galaxy ($6 million)
Emmanuel Boateng should see his responsibility increased heading into week 4. LA Galaxy will be without key forward Ola Kamara for their trip to Vancouver this week, meaning Boateng will be the main focus of the Galaxy attack.
The Galaxy have a small injury crisis at the moment and the pressure will be on Boateng to step up. Boateng has managed one assists in his two appearances this season and will be hoping notch his first goal in week 4.
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Cristian Martinez, Columbus Crew ($4.5 Million)
Cristian Martinez was a value pick ahead of week 2. However, the midfielder disappointed picking up only one point. But Martinez has a chance to make it up to fantasy owners heading in to week 4. At $4.5 million, Martinez is one of the cheapest starting midfielders this week.
Columbus Crew have a favorable match up this weekend — they face DC United at home. DC have yet to win a game this season and have conceded four goals in their two away trips so far this year. If Columbus dominates the game as expected, then Martinez will have plenty of chances to earn fantasy owners points.