The MLS season continues with six games on the schedule for Saturday evening. While that means plenty of choices when it comes to building a winning MLS fantasy roster we have already taken the time to break down the ideal combination of star talent and sleeper value plays. Here is a look at the optimal lineup for Saturday’s DraftKings MLS fantasy leagues.
GK: Tim Howard, Colorado
Salary: $4,600
The Rapids haven’t lost a game since April but they will certainly be put to the test on Saturday when they host FC Dallas with top spot in the Western Conference on the line. Colorado has held their opponents without a goal in three of their last four games and has allowed a league-low 13 goals against this season so bank on Howard to come through in the biggest game of the year for the Rapids to this point.
D: Axel Sjoberg, Colorado
Salary: $3,800
It only makes sense to take a flier on a reasonably priced defender from Colorado and Sjoberg fits the bill as a talented player capable of playing the full 90 that is still available at a very reasonable price. The fact that we can plug Sjoberg in at under $4K will allow us to spend big at more important positions elsewhere.
D: Josh Williams, Toronto FC
Salary: $3,000
Speaking of strong value plays on the back end, Toronto FC had its undefeated streak ended at three in its last outing against San Jose and will be looking to bounce back at home versus DC United on Saturday. Williams could very well be called on to play the full 90 minutes in that matchup and he is available on DraftKings for just $3K.
M: Giles Barnes, Houston
Salary: $8,000
Houston will be looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to the LA Galaxy when it hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. They are currently in last place in the Western Conference standings of the MLS. Barnes will once again be among their key players in the midfield. The veteran has been held to four goals and two assists so far this season but he has the potential to go off at any time and he should be worth investing heavily in for Saturday’s home game against the Whitecaps.
M: Justin Meram, Columbus
Salary: $6,300
Meram ranks second on the Crew in assists behind only Ethan Finlay with five and while his seven points in 19 games isn’t elite it still makes him a strong candidate to produce this weekend. Columbus will be looking for its first win since May 28th on Saturday. They are the currently in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. There is a very good chance the Crew finally breaks through versus Orlando City SC.
F: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC
Salary: $12,600
Giovinco hasn’t performed at the level most expect of him lately and he enters this week stuck on seven goals in 18 matches. However, the Italian striker is still among the elite in the MLS and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through. We believe that will happen this weekend when TFC takes on DC United and that is why we are willing to spend big on him in this spot. Toronto needs the point as they are only two points up on ninth place in the standings.
F: Cyle Larin, Orlando City SC
Salary: $8,100
Larin helped Orlando City SC secure a point in a 2-2 draw with Vancouver last week and we are banking on him adding to his goal total on Saturday against the Crew. Larin is up to nine goals and three assists in 18 appearances this season and at just $8.1K that is excellent value for a premier goal scorer in MLS fantasy.
FLEX: Jared Watts, Colorado
Salary: $3,600
With just under $4K left to spend on our final FLEX position, Watts makes a lot of sense based on the price point, matchup and talent. We don’t expect him to be involved too much at the offensive end of the pitch but a solid defensive performance will make him well worth his price tag in this final MLS fantasy spot for Saturday’s games.
