MLS Fantasy 2019: Key Differentials ahead of Week 6
It will come as no surprise that the early leading points scorers for the MLS Fantasy 2019 campaign are reputable names such as Carlos Vela, Wayne Rooney & Darwin Quintero; however turning them average weeks into green arrows is dependant on the differential picks in your side. Here are a few recommended players that have low ownership going into the third game week. All aboard.
MLS Fantasy: Week 6 Deadline
For the 2019 MLS Fantasy season there is a 'Rolling Lockout', which means you can make substitutions and transfers until the second a player's game kicks off, which means you can chop and change your lineup as any Week progresses.
MLS Fantasy 2019: Differentials ahead of Week 6
Player: Fredy Montero (VAN) Fixture: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LA Galaxy Position: Forward Price: $8.6m Team Ownership: 1%
A Vancouver Whitecaps pick is a bold selection given their start to the season; however they do appear to be finding their feet under Marc dos Santos.
Vancouver were excellent in their 0-0 draw with Seattle Sounders, who prior to last weekend, had won all of their opening three MLS fixtures.
Fredy Montero’s second stint at the Whitecaps has got off to a rather lacklustre start, however they face a LA Galaxy side who, despite their own improvements, remain poor defensively. The Galaxy have an awful record on the road, losing five of their last seven matches away from the Dignity Health Sports Park, conceding an incredible 24 goals in that period.
Despite scoring just once in his first four games this season, Montero is a class act and Friday evening represents an excellent chance for the Colombian to regain his form.
His Whitecaps team-mate Hwang In-Boem is another option I like the look of this week and the South Korean is massive differential this week at just 0.87% ownership.
Player: Alexandru Mitrita (NYCFC) Fixture: New York City vs. Montreal Impact Position: Forward Price: $9.8m Team Ownership: 2.21%
New York City have made an underwhelming start to the 2019 campaign, however are massive favourites to earn all three points on the weekend when they host Montreal Impact.
NYCFC have struggled for goals this campaign, scoring just four times in their first four fixtures, which by MLS standards is low. Their opponents though play a big part in this pick though, with Montreal suffering their heaviest ever MLS loss last time out against Sporting Kansas City. Ignacio Piatti remains a doubt for Montreal, who are a completely different team without the Argentine.
Alexandru Mitrita was NYCFC’s biggest postseason signing and despite his sides winless start to the campaign, the Romanian’s form has been decent. Owned by just 2.21% of MLS managers, Mitrita is a massive differential pick this weekend and at less than $10m, he is well priced.
Player: Raul Ruidiaz (SEA) Fixture: Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake Position: Forward Price: $11m Team Ownership: 6.29%
Not technically a differential pick given his 6.29% ownership, however I’m giving myself this one as I couldn’t believe how few managers own him.
Since joining Seattle Sounders, Raul Ruidiaz has scored 13 goals in 18 MLS fixtures and for many is one of the best forwards in the division.
Seattle have made a very good start to the season, claiming 10 points from their first four games and realistically all of their attacking options are good picks for a home game against a Real Salt Lake side that can’t defend.
Brian Schmetzer has named the same XI in all four matches so far and Ruidiaz has only marginally been outscored by Victor Rodriguez (9.16%) and Nicolas Lodeiro (21.32%) despite being owned by noticeably fewer managers.
Other Week 3 Alternative Options
Sebastian Blanco (POR): San Jose vs. Portland Timbers (2.39%)
Portland Timbers may have made an awful start to the 2019 campaign; however a fixture against the division whipping boys San Jose represents an excellent chance to get off the mark. Sebastian Blanco is one of few having a good campaign for the Timbers and at just 2.39% ownership represents a massive differential pick this weekend.
Auro (TOR): FC Toronto vs. Chicago Fire (1.68%)
Unsurprisingly Alejandro Pozuelo already has ownership of over 10% in MLS teams following an incredible debut against NYCFC last time out. Going into a home game with Chicago Fire, at least one FC Toronto player is needed in team. Toronto have conceded just twice in their first three games and if you can’t get a forward option in, then a defender looks a good pick here.
Pedro Santos (CLB): Columbus Crew vs. New England Revolution (3.4%)
Columbus Crew eased past a woeful Atlanta United last weekend and they should record another comfortable home victory here. New England Revolution earned their first victory of the season last time out; however are one of the poorest sides in the East. Pedro Santos is the Crew’s highest scoring midfielder despite being well priced and having low ownership.
You can read more of our latest news from in the FPL, Premier League, and around the footballing world on our Football page by clicking here, or by clicking the image below.
For more MLS, follow @RealHypeTrain and @HypeTrainMLS on Twitter for the latest social media insight from The Hype Train.
Want to know more about The Hype Train?
The Hype Train is an entertainment website founded in 2015, specialising in the Fantasy Premier League (#FPL), providing beautiful graphics and weekly insight for hopeful players attempting to climb ranking tables. We are also occasional media reviewers, with a keen interest to review movies, live sport, and professional wrestling.
As well as providing FPL articles on our website, we are a founding Contributor to the new Fantasy Football Hub, where you can find more unique articles, including weekly Power Rankings, from The Hype Team. You can support us and read exclusive members only content for just £2 per-month by clicking here.
The Hype Train were nominated and shortlisted for the 'Best Football Blog 2016' by the Football Bloggers Association at their annual Football Blogging Awards (The FBA's), with the final presentation held at Old Trafford in Manchester.
You can follow us on Twitter, Like us on Facebook, or visit our website here at www.thehypetrain.co.uk
All aboard.
