After what can only be described as an indifferent start to the fantasy season, my squad kicked it into high gear last week, only held back by all the clubs who captained Sydney Leroux and my own unfortunate decision to captain Lori Chalupny over Alex Morgan. I’m in touching distance of the Top 100 overall and hoping to make another big move forward this week with four double gamer teams.
Round four also probably revealed that double gamers aren’t necessarily automatic plays either. The Red Stars didn’t really deliver much value, other than Zakiya Bywaters, Alyssa Mautz, and to a lesser extent, Lori Chalupny. Avoiding Chicago players this week seems like a pretty good bet though, even with home advantage against Portland.
Given the above, I’d be wary of springing for too many Seattle Reign players. The club’s come up empty for the most part fantasy-wise, and given the double game status of three other clubs, I’d steer clear unless I’m desperate for some non-allocated options.
Obviously, you probably want to put the maximum of five Portland players into your lineup, with Alex Morgan probably a must have. The question is whether you’re comfortable doubling up with Christine Sinclair on the frontline as well. She’s worth the allocation spot, but I’m generally not a fan of putting two players from the same side at the same position in your fantasy lineup, especially in attack. Few of the other double game options up front are consistent though, so it might be worth looking into.
Among the single gamers, it’s really hard to look beyond Boston’s Heather O’Reilly and Sydney Leroux, who both have had banner fantasy seasons thus far. Washington’s a good matchup for the Breakers, so you’ll probably want at least one or two Boston players in your lineup if you aren’t going strictly with double gamers.
One last note. Player positions will be adjusted after round five. A total list of changes will be forthcoming, but one definite change will be FCKC’s Merritt Mathias switched to defender, making for another good attacking full-back option for fantasy owners.
Round Five Team Rankings
1. POR
2. WSH
3. SBFC
4. BOS
5. FCKC
6. WNY
7. SEA
8. CHI
Double Gamers
GK
LeBlanc (POR) – Yeah, she might not be forced into a ton of saves, and the Portland defense wobbles occasionally, but you have to figure she’s good for at least one clean sheet this weekend. Only question is if you can afford to burn an allocated spot on a GK.
Harris (WSH) – The good? Seattle. The bad? Boston. Clean sheet a possibility against Seattle, but sometimes shaky defense could be exposed against Breakers, meaning she could be in for a busy and potentially damaging fantasy day.
Cameron (SBFC) – Enabler deluxe if you want to use an allocation further forward. Be wary though, as her form appears to be eroding based on recent evidence, and Loyden’s return looks to be coming sooner rather than later.
Betos (SEA) – For the truly brave. Stops a ton of shots but playing on a side looking increasingly bereft of confidence.
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