MLS fantasy leagues will be introduced to the double this week when the Vancouver Whitecaps and Columbus Crew take the field for two games each. That means a star player like Pedro Morales should be in your starting XL with a chance to build around his production from the double. Here is a quick look at the best starting XL for MLS fantasy leagues this week.
GK – David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Ousted already ranks fifth among all MLS goalkeepers in fantasy points so far this season. Factor in the potential for two wins and a ton of saves in the process and he should be a lock in every starting XI. The matchup against the Galaxy could be challenging but the second matchup against the Columbus Crew could be more forgiving as they’ve scored just three goals this season.
D – Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps)
The rule of the double applies here with Vancouver and Beitashour and Waston rank first and second among defenders for the Whitecaps in terms of overall fantasy points so far this season. With twice the action, that’s twice the potential for points.
D – Ike Opara (Sporting Kansas City)
Opara was one of the biggest surprises from last week when he scored from his center back position and added bonus points for defensive plays as well. Add in a full 90 minutes played with a clean sheet and he was definitely one of the studs from Week 4. Don’t expect him to score again but SKC has a favorable matchup against the Philadelphia Union. They haven’t won a single game this season and have scored a total of three goals in four games, so the clean sheet could be a bonus again for Opara this week.
D – Hernan Grana (Columbus Crew)
Finding value among Columbus players isn’t easy even with the double they play this week but if there is one that stands out, it is their top defender Herman Grana. He leads all Crew players in fantasy points this season and should be due for a strong week with two games on the slate. It’s about the most you can make from this situation.
M – Pedro Morales (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Morales leads all MLS midfielders in fantasy points with 30 so far this season. Factor in the double this week and he is a must-have in your starting lineup.
M – Kaka (Orlando City SC)
Only Morales has tallied more fantasy points than Kaka among MLS midfielders and a Friday home date with DC United will be the perfect chance to open the week with a bang. Keep in mind that DC United has been strong this season, allowing just two goals so far.
M – Jose Villarreal (LA Galaxy)
The Galaxy don’t have an easy matchup against Vancouver but Villarreal has been very consistent so far this season and should be due for another big game against the Whitecaps. Even though the Whitecaps are in second place in the Western Conference standings, they’ve still given up four goals this season, which is the second-most in the West.
M – Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution)
Rowe led the Revolution to their first win of the season when he scored twice and added defensive points as well as a full 90 minutes played for the best fantasy performance among midfielders last week. It will be interesting to see if New England is able to break Colorado’s defensive wall as they’ve yet to allow a goal this season. If they do, Rowe should play a major role in it.
F – Octavio Rivero (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Rivero leads all Whitecaps in fantasy points through the first four games of the season and once again, with the double it’s obvious to have as many Vancouver stars as possible on your roster.
F – Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Wondolowski has almost double as many fantasy points as any other San Jose player other than goalkeeper David Bingham and he will have every opportunity to add to his total versus Real Salt Lake. RSL has allowed four goals in three games this season.
