This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
4:00 p.m: Portland Timbers v. Los Angeles Galaxy
6:00 p.m: New York City FC v. New York Red Bulls
8:00 p.m: Sporting KC v. Atlanta United
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Jake Gleeson, POR v. LA ($5,700): Gleeson is the chalk keeper of the slate. The Galaxy have struggled all season, and though Sigi Schmid's arrival should help shore things up for Los Angeles, the side faces a tough test Sunday. If you want to save a little, then pick Sean Johnson ($5,100), who is a bit more risky but likely to earn the win and a few saves.
DEFENDER
Pele van Anholt, LA at POR ($3,700): Van Anholt made his MLS debut last week and hit value with seven fantasy points. He played in the Eredivisie for several years with SC Heerenveen and is a very athletic fullback. He comes at a very modest price, which will help him meet value Sunday.
Anton Walkes, ATL at KC ($3,400): Sunday seems to be the day to save up at the defender position. There doesn't seem to be any elite defenders in the slate, so it would be sharp to select cheap fullbacks like Walkes in order to pay up for the elite attacking options.
Roy Miller, POR v. LA ($3,300): Miller played at left-back for the New York Red Bulls for many years, and the Timbers now need him to fill in at left-back after playing the entire season at center-back. He has played left-back for the last two games, and though he has not met value in either game, he has a good chance of doing so against the Galaxy on Sunday.
MIDFIELDER
Sebastian Blanco, POR v. LA ($8,000): Blanco has really turned it on of late. It took him a couple months to really become the player the Timbers expected him to be, but now he is thriving on the right wing. He is coming up against the aged Ashley Cole, which is a favorable matchup, and the home setting only adds to the cause.
Maximiliano Moralez, NYC v. NYRB ($7,700): Moralez is a very consistent producer. He recently returned from an injury that forced him to miss some time, but he found the back of the net in his first start back. He takes corners and is the most attacking midfielder in the lineup.
Jack Harrison, NYC v. NYRB ($7,100): Harrison is coming off a rare two-game slump, but it is simply because he faced the Chicago Fire and an away game. He is certainly excited to get back on the field to help cement NYC FC as the top club in the city. NYC FC beat the Red Bulls at Red Bulla Arena in the last meeting, and a win Sunday would be another statement concerning the hierarchy in the Big Apple.
FORWARD
David Villa, NYC v. NYRB ($11,200): It is a true gamble to fade Villa at home. He is likely going to be a very chalk pick Sunday. Add to that, starting center-back Aurelien Collin (hamstring) is unlikely to play for the Red Bulls, and Villa is a no-brainer. He failed to score in the last meeting between these two teams, but it is likely the smartest choice to roster him and attempt to beat the field with the rest of your decisions.
Miguel Almiron, ATL at KC ($8,700): Almiron is a player who can blow up on any given day, but he is certainly a tournament pick for this slate. He has a fairly high floor due to his corner kick duties and ability to record peripheral stats, and his ceiling is sky high. Kansas City recently traded forward Dom Dwyer, and the club has not proven it can win on a weekly basis without him. KC will likely find it difficult to break down Atlanta's defense, which will give Almiron chances to punish his opponent on the break.
Fanendo Adi, POR v. LA ($8,500):Jelle Van Damme is out for the Galaxy on Sunday, which is a huge upgrade to Adi's outlook. Van Damme and the Nigerian have been in plenty of battles over the past two seasons, and Van Damme has shown he is up for the challenge. Adi will certainly be pleased to see Hugo Arellano instead of the Belgian beast.
