Preparing for Big Points in Round 17 of Fantasy MLS

If you're like me, Round 16 of FMLS was a rough one. It's not that I had a poor lineup, but sometimes even the sure things aren't sure things. Why am I not upset? - Something you're all collectively wondering. Well, it's because my lineup is pretty much set for the HUGE potential gains in Round 17. I hope you're ready for

Double Game Week Bonanza

12 of the 20 MLS clubs play twice this week which means most of the players in your lineup should be playing twice if you want to keep up with your fellow FMLS owners. If you haven't used your Wild Card, now is the perfect chance to hit the reset button to prepare. If you still want to hold off because of Gold Cup action coming up, I hope you've prepared. Here are the clubs playing Twice this week:

Colorado, Columbus, D.C. United, Montreal, LA Galaxy, New England, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia, Portland, Real Salt Lake, Seattle, and Toronto.

Players by Position worth Adding:

Goalkeepers:

Stefan Frei ($5.8), Seattle disappointed in Round 16 at home, but the league's best defense will help Frei despite 2 road games coming up.

Luis Robles ($5.5), Robles and the Red Bulls will face RSL, a club that has the 2^nd worst finishing at home, and then will play NYCFC in an "away" game. Expect the Red Bull defense and keeper to pick up some points.

Defenders:

Justin Morrow ($6.2), Morrow is cheap, in form, and a threat moving up into the offense. TFC have two matches at home and are looking to bounce back after a disappointing outing against NYCFC.

Laurent Ciman ($7.8), I added Ciman to my lineup a few weeks ago and he's continually provided solid numbers ever since. He's the rock in the back for Montreal who play an attack heavy TFC side and then a more manageable Philadelphia Union squad.

Midfielders:

Ethan Finlay ($8.5), Finlay leads the league in assists this year while having 2 goals of his own and will get his chance to add to his run against RSL and New England.

Sebastian Giovinco ($12.1), Giovinco was a flop in the last round, but has the chance to turn it around with 2 games at home including a big matchup against fellow Canadian club Montreal Impact and then a chance to prove something against the league leaders DC United.

Ignacio Piatti ($9.8), Right now, I'm taking any one over Philadelphia after their huge defeat to LA last weekend and Montreal gets the Union on the 2^nd game (tired legs!). The Impact's offense and creative force is Piatti so expect him to undo the Union and possibly Toronto earlier in the week.

Forwards:

Kei Kamara ($9.1), Fresh off a bye week, Kamara's cheap price and league leading goal tally should be enough to convince you. Partnering with the league's assist leader in Ethan Finlay should see Kamara get on the score sheet (although I wouldn't captain him).

Charlie Davies ($9.2), Davies has scored 3 goals in his past 5 games including goals in back-to-back matches. He's not too expensive (yet) and could do some damage against a less than stellar Crew SC defense.

Lamar Neagle ($8.8), or Marco Pappa ($9.2), both listed as midfielders, the two will likely play up top (or at least Neagle will) unless Chad Barrett gets healthy (in which case look to him). With Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey out, these guys will get their chance to shine against Philadelphia and Portland.

Just remember to have your lineups ready by the time mid-week action starts this Wednesday. Make sure you read up on injury reports (something that has really messed with my lineup in the past) before you make your changes, and look ahead to not just this round, but future rounds to minimize the number of transfers you have to make.

Good luck.