As we head into MLS Fantasy Gameweek 2, our panel of experts share their latest teams, transfer plans, and early-season strategy.
After an eventful opening round, attention now turns to how managers are adapting – whether that means backing form players, targeting favourable fixtures, or correcting early mistakes.
@dmpwright
NOTES
- In hindsight, fading Anders Dreyer for Lionel Messi last week proved to be a mistake. That said, I’m more than happy to hold Messi for now, especially after how vulnerable Orlando looked defensively against the New York Red Bulls. As it stands, Son Heung-min is the most likely to make way if I bring Dreyer back in.
- Emil Forsberg also feels close to essential given the Red Bulls’ strong start to the season and another favourable fixture on the horizon. I’m also considering a move for either Wessam Abou Ali or Diego Rossi, both of whom appeal ahead of their clash with SKC, with Ayoub Jabbari the probable exit.
- I still have two transfers to finalise. One will likely turn into a short-term defensive punt to replace Teenage Hadebe, who faces a tough away trip to Minnesota this week.
@_FutboIOscar
NOTES
- Gameweek 1 ended in a disappointing 62-point return and left me with plenty of question marks heading into the next round.
- In goal, I made a late switch and brought in Yohei Takaoka for Ethan Horvath. The New York Red Bulls keeper delivered with an eight-pointer despite conceding late, so that move paid off. Brian Schwake will remain as my second goalkeeper.
- Defensively, I had a nightmare. Both Edier Ocampo and Kalani Kossa-Rienzi failed to start for Vancouver and Seattle respectively, which immediately put me on the back foot. The only real positive at the back came from Manu Duah, who produced a solid 10-point return.
- Midfield didn’t fare much better. Evander went off injured, which derailed things early, and the rest of my midfield selections combined for fewer than nine points. That simply isn’t good enough.
- Up front, there were at least some positives. Anders Dreyer and Heung Min Son both delivered goal contributions in the opening round and justified their selection. However, Ezekiel Alladoh’s red card proved costly, and he’s firmly on the chopping block ahead of Gameweek 2.
- As for transfers, I’m currently planning to move on from Kossa-Rienzi, Evander, and Alladoh. The leading replacement options include Jamar Ricketts, Hany Mukhtar or Emil Forsberg, and one of Hall, Warren Madrigal, or Bryan Ramirez.
@KarbownikFF
NOTES
- After a solid Gameweek last time out, I’m ready to use all five free transfers.
- The first move sees Duran Ferree make way for Pablo Sisniega, which keeps me invested in San Diego’s defence at a cheap price point.
- Next, I’ll switch Alex Roldan to Justin Che, who has two strong fixtures ahead and offers useful routes to bonus points. I’m also moving on from Iago Silva after a failed punt in Gameweek 1, bringing in Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has an outstanding fixture this week.
- In midfield, last week’s hero Guilherme makes way for Adri Mehmeti of the New York Red Bulls. The 16-year-old costs just 4m in the game and has already shown promise, picking up both bonus and assist points. With good fixtures coming up, he looks like excellent value.
- The final move feels obvious. Martin Ojeda comes out for Lionel Messi. Orlando looked extremely poor against a youthful NYRB side, and Messi is Messi – this one barely needs explaining.
@Fpl_Thomas10
NOTES
- After a strong Gameweek 1 that pushed me close to the top 100, the focus now shifts to fixing the weak spots. A few early punts didn’t work out. It’s time to adjust.
- I’m very happy with my goalkeeper setup. The rotation works well long term. Ethan Horvath delivered eight points last week, even with the late clean sheet wipe. That boosted my confidence. I also have Seattle defensive cover through Andrew Thomas.
- In defence, I’m close to selling Édier Ocampo for Manu Duah of San Diego. Ocampo looks like a real minutes risk due to Vancouver’s depth. He also played almost 90 minutes midweek in the CCC. Duah feels safer for starts. He offers strong defensive bonus potential. Christopher McVey has more box threat, but Duah provides steadier returns. To fund the move, I may downgrade Teenage Hadebe to a 4.0 option such as Marin or Rudy Camacho.
- In midfield, my punt on Marcel Hartel will likely become another short-term move. Emil Forsberg stands out. I also like Nicolas Fernandez from NYCFC. He plays as a number nine in Amart’s absence and takes set pieces. He’s heavily involved in attacks. However, next week looks like the better time to buy, with four straight home games ahead. Niko Tsakiris and Kristoffer Velde both have good fixtures now. Their runs turn soon, though. I may move them on after this week.
- Up front, I’m fully backing Anders Dreyer, Heung Min Son, and Lionel Messi. Many managers plan to go without Messi. Unlimited captain changes and five free transfers make that easier. Punts like Diego Rossi or Milan Iloski also look strong. Still, I’m sticking with Messi. The fixture against Orlando is too good to ignore.
@GarethWills10
NOTES
- 70 from the opening weekend wasn’t ideal, but it’s far from a disaster.
- I’m sticking with my goalkeepers after both delivered clean sheets. Yohei Takaoka and Andrew Thomas keep the gloves for Gameweek 2.
- At the back, I’ve made two changes. Jamar Ricketts replaces Jaziel Orozco, while Rudy Camacho comes in for Édier Ocampo, who played 85 minutes in the CCC on Wednesday night. Manu Duah, Noah Cobb, and Micael all retain their spots.
- In midfield, I’ve brought in Niko Tsakiris for Herman Johansson and added Amahl Pellegrino in place of Dante Sealey, completing the San Diego triple-up. Jeppe Tserkov, Thomas Müller, and Hany Mukhtar round out the midfield.
- Up front, Germain Berterame makes way for Columbus Crew striker Diego Rossi, who joins Lionel Messi and Heung Min Son in attack.
- The captain’s armband goes to Son, with Messi and Tserkov lined up as backup options.
