MLS Fantasy Strategies: Preparing for the Round 22 DGW

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Updated on August 2, 2016 2:58PM EST

With just 12 rounds to play in MLS Fantasy Manager, Round 22 gives us the opportunity to double down on Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake players with each team playing twice. This article will highlight DGW players at each position to consider when making your transfers. Double game weeks present a prime opportunity to gain ground in the standings, but before going too crazy on Salt Lake players, keep in mind they are off in Round 25.

The Round 22 transfer deadline is Wednesday, Aug 3 at 7:00 p.m. EDT

DGW Teams	Wed, Aug 3	Sat, Aug 6
Real Salt Lake	at Toronto FC	vs. Chicago Fire
Toronto FC	vs. Real Salt Lake	vs. New England Revolution

MUST HAVES

Sebastian Giovinco ($13.4m)
This one is a no-brainer. After a rare eight-game scoring slump the Atomic Ant has resumed his rightful place as the top player in the game. Giovinco bounced back by scoring four goals and adding two assists for a combined 37 points over the last two rounds. Not only is he a must-have, he's a must-captain with two favorable matchups at home.

THE OTHERS

FORWARDS

Joao Plata ($9.6m)
Plata scored a phenomenal goal over the weekend and now has a goal and an assist in his last two games. He's providing the lift Salt Lake needs with Yura Movsisyan (hip) sidelined, and while Movsisyan could return in Round 22 it's unlikely he'll be ready to play the full 90 in both games. If you're looking to load up on DGW forwards, Plata is the best complement there is to Giovinco.

Other forwards to consider: Juan Manuel Martinez (Real Salt Lake, $8.8m)

MIDFIELDERS

Javier Morales ($10.3m)
Despite having a down season, JaviMo has come alive just in time for the Round 22 DGW. He scored the game-winning goal at Philadelphia on Sunday and also has a goal and an assist over the last two games. Morales makes a good replacement for popular FC Dallas midfielder Mauro Diaz, who is off in Round 22.

Other midfielders to consider: Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC, $5.2m)

DEFENDERS

Justin Morrow ($8.0m)
Not only has Morrow been scoring goals lately, he's also adding defensive bonus points to his fantasy haul. His salary is steep for an outside back, but the returns have been there and with two home games he has a good chance at contributing to another clean sheet.

Justen Glad ($4.9m)
Much to the dismay of his fantasy owners, Glad was relegated to the bench for Sunday's game at Philadelphia in favor of Jamison Olave ($7.5m). With Glad being available off the bench, it looks as though he may have just been given a rest amidst Salt Lake's congested schedule. If he's not already in your squad and you're considering bringing him in, keep an eye out for the first round of starting lineups to drop on Wednesday before finalizing your moves.

Other defenders to consider: Drew Moor (Toronto FC, $7.8m)

GOALKEEPERS

Alex Bono ($4.6m)
Bono has a lot going for him this round: he's coming off a clean sheet, has two winnable games at home and is the cheapest starting goalkeeper available in MLS Fantasy Manager. If you didn't stash him on your bench with the universal wildcard two rounds ago, now is the time to make a move for Bono.

Other goalkeepers to consider: Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake, $6.3m)