Gameweek 9 of MLS Fantasy is here, and once again, we’ve asked our experts to reveal the teams they’re backing ahead of the deadline.
In this article, several experienced managers share their current squads, along with their thinking around key decisions for the round. From captaincy choices to transfer plans and overall strategy, their insights could provide useful guidance as you prepare your own team for the upcoming Gameweek.
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- My priorities this week are clear. I need to replace Brayan Ceballos, who is ruled out with injury until after the World Cup, and move on my Vancouver players ahead of their blank Gameweek.
- San Jose caught the eye with their performance against LAFC, and the fixture this round looks favourable on paper. With that in mind, Nico Tsakiris comes into the midfield, alongside a San Jose defensive option, most likely Daniel Munie.
- There’s also a move for Diego Luna, with Real Salt Lake facing an Inter Miami side that has conceded at least two goals in six of their eight MLS matches this season. The matchup gives him clear upside.
- Up front, Lionel Messi remains difficult to ignore. His consistency keeps him in the plans, even with a tougher away fixture against Real Salt Lake. I’m also considering a one-week punt on Julian Hall given the DC United matchup, although New York Red Bulls’ recent form does add a slight concern.
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- In goal this week, I’m planning to run with just one option and take a bit of a risk on Duran Ferree, despite his poor performance last time out.
- Defensively, Rudy Camacho looks like a strong addition against a slightly weakened LA Galaxy side. Alongside him, Walker Zimmerman is under consideration if he starts, given the favourable run of fixtures ahead.
- In midfield, Nico Tsakiris stands out. He’s in good form and has a strong run of fixtures, which makes him a very appealing option.
- Up front, I’m weighing up a move for Petar Musa, who has looked sharp recently. There’s also the option of a one-week punt on Idan Toklomati, before potentially moving to Hugo Cuypers next week. I’m still considering a switch to Anders Dreyer as well.
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- It’s a quick turnaround this week, with eight teams blanking and the entire round played in a single night.
- There are no changes in goal. Despite conceding four last time out, Hugo Lloris keeps his place, while Duran Ferree remains alongside him.
- In defence, there are a couple of enforced moves. Mbekezeli Mbokazi drops out due to Chicago Fire’s blank and is replaced by Reid Roberts of San Jose. An injury to Brayan Ceballos, which will keep him out until January, means he makes way for teammate Mamadou Fofana. The rest of the defence is made up of Ryan Porteous, Mathias Laborda, and Richie Laryea.
- Midfield sees further changes. Paxton Aaronson is moved on for Nico Tsakiris, while Sebastian Berhalter also drops out due to Vancouver’s blank, with Carles Gil coming in. Guilherme, Rodrigo De Paul, and Nick Fernandez complete the midfield.
- Up front, Rafael Navarro keeps his place following strong form. With Vancouver blanking, Brian White makes way for Sergi Solans of Real Salt Lake. Lionel Messi retains his spot in the forward line.
- Captaincy will go to Guilherme this week.
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- With a blank round this week, the priority is to move on the Vancouver players. I currently own three, so they will all be transferred out, although I’ll keep Brian Schwake with Daniel already in place as cover. With so many teams not playing, having only three blanks is a manageable position.
- The likely transfers in focus on strengthening the defence. Tayvon Gray and Thaigo Martins are under consideration to double up on NYCFC, while Sergi Palencia offers a route into the LAFC defence regardless of the San Jose result. Further forward, Wilfried Zaha looks a strong option for Orlando, and Heung-Min Son stands out as an obvious inclusion this week.
- The main players making way are the Vancouver trio: Mathias Laborda, Edier Ocampo, and Brian White. The remaining transfers will likely see Evander and Osaze Urhoghide move on.
- With all matches taking place in a tight window, captaincy options are limited. There will realistically be just three viable choices to work with this round.
