MLS Fantasy Round 20 Positional Rankings

An Expert's Guide to Maximizing Your MLS Fantasy Lineup

As we approach Round 20 of the MLS season, fantasy managers are meticulously analyzing stats, form, and fixtures to optimize their squads. With crucial points on the line, having a detailed understanding of the best players by position can make all the difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top players you should consider for each position in your MLS Fantasy team.

Selecting the right goalkeeper is fundamental in fantasy football, as a clean sheet can yield substantial points. For Round 20, consider the following top picks:

1. Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union) — A consistent performer with a solid defense in front of him, Blake is known for his shot-stopping prowess and ability to command his area.
2. Sean Johnson (Toronto FC) — Despite Toronto's struggles, Johnson remains a top keeper, often racking up save points even in tough fixtures.
3. Steve Clark (Houston Dynamo) — Clark's experience and form make him a reliable choice, especially in home games where Houston tends to be stronger defensively.

Defenders

Defenders who can contribute both defensively and offensively are gold in fantasy leagues. Here are the standout options:

1. Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) — Known for his aerial ability and threat from set-pieces, Zimmerman also anchors a robust Nashville defense.
2. Anton Tinnerholm (New York City FC) — Tinnerholm offers attacking returns from his wing-back position, regularly contributing assists and even goals.
3. Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union) — Another strong offensive contributor, Wagner's crosses and set-piece duties add significant fantasy value.

Midfielders

Midfield is where you can find a blend of goals, assists, and defensive contributions. The top midfielders for Round 20 are:

1. Carles Gil (New England Revolution) — A creative maestro, Gil's vision and passing ability often translate into multiple assists and key passes per game.
2. Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) — Mukhtar has been in scintillating form, combining goals and assists to make him a must-have in any fantasy lineup.
3. Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati) — Acosta's playmaking and knack for finding the back of the net make him a high-ceiling pick for any fantasy manager.

Forwards

Forwards are the primary source of goals in fantasy football, and picking the right ones can significantly boost your points tally. Here are the top forward options:

1. Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) — When fit, Ruidiaz is a prolific scorer and a consistent threat in the box.
2. Gonzalo Higuain (Inter Miami) — The experienced striker has been in great form, using his positioning and finishing skills to rack up goals.
3. Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC) — A dynamic forward, Vela's ability to score and create makes him a top-tier fantasy asset.

Bonus Tips

1. Captaincy Choices: Consider captaining a player with a favorable fixture and high involvement in their team's attacking play. Midfielders like Carles Gil or forwards like Raul Ruidiaz are prime candidates.
2. Fixture Analysis: Always look at the upcoming fixtures. Teams with a strong home record or facing weaker opposition are more likely to keep clean sheets or score multiple goals.
3. Form vs. Fixture: Balance current form with fixture difficulty. A player in red-hot form can still perform against tougher opponents, but don't ignore favorable fixtures for differential picks.

Conclusion

Navigating MLS Fantasy can be challenging, but with informed choices and strategic planning, you can maximize your points in Round 20. Keep a close eye on team news, injuries, and fixture congestion, and use this positional guide to bolster your fantasy lineup. May your team score big and climb the ranks!

Navigating MLS Fantasy can be challenging, but with informed choices and strategic planning, you can maximize your points in Round 20. Focus on selecting reliable goalkeepers like Andre Blake, who consistently perform well even under pressure. In defense, prioritize players such as Walker Zimmerman, who offer both defensive solidity and offensive threat. Midfield maestros like Carles Gil and Hany Mukhtar can provide a wealth of assists and goals, making them indispensable for your lineup. Up front, forwards like Raul Ruidiaz and Gonzalo Higuain are proven goal-scorers who can make a significant impact on your fantasy score.

Remember to balance form and fixtures, captain high-involvement players, and keep an eye on team news to adjust your lineup accordingly. By leveraging these insights and carefully managing your selections, you can boost your fantasy team's performance and climb the rankings. Good luck, and may your team score big in Round 20!