By ALAN LEDBETTER
When setting up your teams each week, it is important to think of all factors that will affect each game. Last week, it was very important to account for weather when making your player choices as three games were postponed due to the impact of Hurricane Irene. The deadline to make changes in MFLS had already passed, so many fantasy teams were stuck with players that were not playing last week.
This week, there are only two games on the MFLS schedule. Originally, Major League Soccer had this week set aside as a International FIFA date. However, due to scheduling conflicts that arose earlier in the season, these two games were pushed into this week. Be sure to see a full list of players that were called up for intentional duty this week before making your fantasy selections.
Here are a few more items to consider before setting your fantasy lineup this week:
Real Salt Lake vs. Philadelphia Union
Real Salt Lake has been underperforming compared to expectations, losing three of their last five games in MLS play. However, I always like their odds at Rio Tinto, where they have an 8-2-3 record. Your RSL players are the best plays this week; however, be aware that Alvaro Sabario, RSL's main scoring threat, will be missing due to international Duty.
Philadelphia players are not as good of plays, but are worth starting if they are on your team already since there are only two games in this MFLS week.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
This matchup is very intriguing as Kansas City, one of the hotter teams in MLS, plays Los Angeles, the Supporter Shield leader. This matchup has a good chance to see some goals scored in it. I would start all of your Kansas City and Los Angeles players.
Some of the bigger name players that will likely miss this week due to international absences are Teal Bunbury and Kei Kamara for Kansas City and Robbie Keane for Los Angeles. Landon Donovan will be playing for the United States National Team on Friday, November 2nd, but has agreed to come back to train with LA after the game. He should be available for the game vs. Kansas City on Monday.
INJURY WATCH
For injury news, check out the most updated MLS injury report. Also, don't forget to check out the latest disciplinary report for players serving suspensions.
The deadline for Week 26 is Saturday at 8:00 p.m. Be sure to change your lineups by then.
SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. I <3 MLS.................................573 points
1. La Flama Blanca..................573
3. Campione............................. 548
4. Hungate XI.............................541
5. Catfish FC..............................538
6. McGruber FC..........................532
7. Joga Bonito............................528
8. Stonebury United...................525
9. Waterbury FC….....................510
9. Hrycaldo…………….............510
LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER
Real Madrid 23 (42 points)
--------------------------Rimando(7)--------------------
--------Anibaba(4)------Loyd(0)-----Williams(0)-------
-Rosales (12)--DeRosario(0)--Shea(6)--Alhassan(1)--
---Cummings(0)-----Bravo(5)------Montero(7)----
Coach: Arena(3)
SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. Cheeky BackHeel........................479 points
2. HANDtoBALLS.............................477
3. 4evr Orange.................................475
4. Lancergolfer87............................470
5. Los Diabolitos..............................457
6. I <3 MLS.........................................440
7. TSV AC CD Generic FC SC.......439
8. FC Byrd Turgler............................431
9. fantasy football withdrawal........427
10. Sage Runners 2011..................426
LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER
Ron Burgundy’s Blazer (26 points: 3 exact, 1 correct margin, 1 correct)
-----------------------
Think you have what it takes to win the SBI division? Which teams have the best matchup this week? Who is in for the biggest fantasy week? Which players are you going to pick up?
Share your thoughts below.
