Schuyler Redpath
MLS Fantasy is heating up and a massive double game week is sure to produce plenty of fireworks in Round 20. We saw the highest scores of the season in Round 18’s DGW, and with some mouthwatering matchups on the schedule, it would be no surprise to see another fantasy point bonanza this week. The show starts early on Wednesday, so let’s dive right back in and look at the top plays and values for Round 20.
Get more advice on the MLS Fantasy Insider Round 20 preview podcast.
Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen stand out as the top goalkeeper options with two home games in Round 20.
Keeperoo Kaboom!: With Columbus playing in the first game of the round vs. Nashville at 6:30 pm ET on Wednesday (MLS Season Pass), it’s prime time to utilize the “Keeperoo”. To execute, plug Schulte in on your bench with an inactive GK as your starter to see how the first game plays out. If the Crew keep a shutout, do nothing, and your shutout points will automatically be added to your total. If the Crew concede and you want another bite at two potential shutouts, slot Steffen into your starting XI ahead of Colorado’s first game of the round on Thursday vs. Sporting KC (9:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
If we’re rolling with Schulte, a Crew defender makes for a strong kicker if Columbus can reel off consecutive clean sheets this week. Steven Moreira scored a goal in Round 19’s 5-1 win at New England and has scored eight or more points in three of his last four starts. Similar to the Keeperoo, utilizing Moreira off the bench makes sense to see how the early game goes and adjust your lineup from there.
* - Player is one yellow card away from suspension
Luciano Acosta leads all players with 189 total fantasy points, making him a must-have on a DGW. In FC Cincinnati’s two previous DGWs, Acosta exploded for 28 points in Round 13 and 29 points in Round 18. Consider Lucho a “light fuse and get away” player in Round 20.
* - Player is one yellow card away from suspension
With a goal or more in four straight contests, Cucho Hernández has been unstoppable since returning to the Columbus starting lineup in Round 17. While Nashville could present a challenge on the front end of the DGW, I’m expecting Hernández to feast on Toronto FC like a rack of baby back ribs on the Fourth of July. Toronto have conceded multiple goals in five straight games, setting the table for another massive point haul for Cucho.
MLS Fantasy Round 18 positional rankings
MLS Fantasy Round 17 positional rankings & Pick’em advice
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