What a rollercoaster Round 16 was! After such a big week most fantasy goers are either licking their wounds or smiling ear to ear.
Some big points were put up with the help of our very own trio of Camilo ($8.0m), Kenny Miller ($7.9m) and Jordan Harvey ($4.5m). The only shame is none will be playing this week with Vancouver having a bye week, so we are tasked with finding alternates for this upcoming round. To further complicate this week’s equation, a number of players will be returning from international duty creating the typical "will they or won't they" play in their first game back. We've decided to steer clear of them for now in order to not be disappointed.
Landon Donovan ($10.5m), LA Galaxy – Last round Donovan had a rather uninspiring match against Portland which ended 0-0. With the Galaxy facing pressure in the standings from a recently rejuvenated Vancouver Whitecaps FC team, you know they'll be salivating at the thought of sinking their teeth into bottom of the west Chivas USA. We like both designated players Donovan and Robbie Keane ($10.5m) to lead the charge.
Sam Cronin ($6.5m), San Jose Earthquakes – Call it a big hunch, sure he did score a great goal last game but something surely has to give at San Jose. The fact their top striker Chris Wondolowski ($10.0m) hasn't scored in 5 straight games is absurd. But leave it to Cronin quietly and consistently producing and we're hoping he’ll be the difference maker against a struggling DC United side.
Team of the week (Round 17), Portland Timbers – With only a single loss this season the Timbers are flying high. So much so that you may as well throw a dart at this starting roster and you'll likley pick a fantasy winner. Donovan Ricketts ($5.1m) is showing exactly why they traded for him last season, with five clean sheets in his last seven.
On the back line our favourite is Michael Harrington ($5.3m) who’s come on strong over the last several weeks with many taking notice as the price increase tells us, but he's still worth every single penny. The Portland midfield presents a lot of strong options. Will Johnson ($9.1m) is our first pick and even though he’s gone four matches without a goal or an assist he still manages to earn points through key passes and crosses. As for forwards, spend it elsewhere. Ryan Johnson ($8.3m) is just too unpredictable for now, and building a winning team is so crucial up front. With this position being so one dimensional, if your forwards aren't scoring at will, then you're just not a happy camper.
Be sure to get all your trades in by 3:45pm PT on Saturday, and as always good luck in Round 17.
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