This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:30 p.m: New England Revolution v. New York Red Bulls
7:30 p.m: Orlando City v. Toronto FC
8:30 p.m: Houston Dynamo v. Montreal Impact
10:00 p.m: Vancouver Whitecaps v. New York City FC
10:30 p.m: Portland Timbers v. Chicago Fire
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Tyler Deric, HOU v. MTL ($5,500): Whoever starts in net for the Dynamo is the chalk play of the day. Joe Willis started last week against Colorado, and didn't exactly have the best night. So, Deric will probably return to the starting XI against the Impact. Ignacio Piatti, the Impact's best attacking player, is likely out for this one with a groin injury, which gives the Dynamo an added advantage at home, where they are undefeated.
DEFENDER
Scott Sutter, ORL v. TOR ($4,600): Sutter is one of the best right-backs in the league, and his fantasy output indicates just that. It is hard to find a game in which Sutter has produced fewer than five fantasy points, and more often than not, he comes close to hitting double-digits. Toronto FC is one of the strongest defenses in the league, which means Orlando will lean on its full backs to get up the field to add an extra man in the attack.
Matt Polster, CHI at POR ($4,200): Polster, who has three assists in his last two games, is a natural center midfielder, but with the wealth of quality the team has there, head coach Veljko Paunovic has found a place for Polster at right -back. He has been exceptional there, and his fantasy stats in his DraftKings game log are proof of that.
A.J. DeLaGarza, HOU v. MTL ($3,600): DeLaGarza earned himself an assist last game, which is rare for the veteran. His game log is not the most appetizing among the rest of the defenders on the slate, but he is in a good spot to meet value with such a low price. He is a full back for the top favorite of the day, and he only needs around six fantasy points to hit value.
MIDFIELDER
Blerim Dzemaili, MTL at HOU ($8,000): Dzemaili has been outstanding since joining the Impact. At 31, he still has plenty of gas left in the tank after playing in Serie A and for the Swiss national team. He has produced in big moments over the years for Switzerland, and he has done the same for Montreal. He takes all set pieces, and his production in the run of play has been clinical. All he needs is one chance, and he can make the Dynamo pay.
Jack Harrison, NYC at VAN ($6,800): What more can one say about this kid? He is having a brilliant year for NYC FC on the right wing. He will be facing Jordan Harvey, who is a strong defender, but he does play for a team that gave up four goals last game against the Fire. Luis Solignac faced Harvey last game and was not involved in any of the four goals, which could be a sign of Harvey's effectiveness as a left-back. However, Harrison is cut from a different cloth, so Harvey has his work cut out for him.
Will Johnson, ORL v. TOR ($4,300): Johnson gets to face another former team Wednesday. He scored the game's only goal on Saturday against Real Salt Lake, where he played for five seasons, and he played for Toronto FC last year. He takes some of Orlando's corners, and he has a knack for scoring big goals, like the on Saturday.
FORWARD
David Villa, NYC at VAN ($10,300): Vancouver gave up four goals last game, and it won't get much easier this week as Villa and NYC FC come to town. Villa plays well on the road because it allows for an escape from the tight confines of Yankee Stadium. With some more breathing room Wednesday, Villa will have plenty of space to work with against the Whitecaps.
Nemanja Nikolic, CHI at POR ($8,100): Nikolic keeps raising the bar for the league. He has 16 goals in his first 18 MLS games, and he looks ready for more. The Timbers are struggling mightily to earn results, with just two points in their last five games. Liam Ridgewell, Portland's stalwart at the back, will likely miss this one, which leaves the Timbers without a solid center-back who can match up with the Hungarian. Nikolic has struck fear in all his opponents this season, and certainly the Timbers have been preparing all week for the leading goalscorer in the league.
Mauro Manotas, HOU v. MTL ($7,400): Manotas will take over the center forward spot for Erick Torres when he leaves for the Gold Cup, though the latter will be available for this one. Manotas is a very accurate shooter, posting one of the highest shot-on-goal percentages in the league, and he should have plenty of opportunities as a forward from the top favorite of the day.
