As we head into MLS Fantasy Gameweek 3, our panel of experts share their latest teams, transfer plans, and early-season strategy.
After an eventful couple of rounds, attention now turns to how managers are adapting – whether that means backing form players, targeting favourable fixtures, or correcting early mistakes.
- READ MORE: UCL Fantasy: Matchday 11 early Scout Picks
@dmpwright
NOTES
- Despite what looks like a favourable home matchup against San Jose Earthquakes, I plan to move on from Milan Iloski this week. The in-form Nicolás Fernández Mercau will replace him in my team. The suspended Olwethu Makhanya also drops out, with Ryan Porteous coming in as his replacement.
- With San Diego FC’s trip to Sporting Kansas City at risk due to bad weather, I may also sell one of Christopher McVey or Manu Duah. Nick Hagglund looks the most likely replacement. FC Cincinnati face a Toronto FC side that Vancouver Whitecaps comfortably beat last time out, and Nick Hagglund currently offers better value than several of his more expensive defensive counterparts.
- I still need to decide on my final two transfers. I’m considering bringing Lionel Messi back in ahead of Inter Miami’s trip to D.C. United. If we get confirmation before the deadline that San Diego FC’s match is postponed, Anders Dreyer will likely make way.
@KarbownikFF
NOTES
- After a good week last week, and now up to 5th in the world, I want to pick some better long-term plays.
- I’ve already made two moves, switching Niko Tsakiris and Édier Ocampo to Justin Che and Adri Mehmeti to save money for future moves. This also helps me target their favourable fixtures.
- My other three moves remain undecided so far, but I’m currently considering moving Heung-Min Son to Denis Bouanga, Jamar Ricketts to Manu Duah, and Pineda to Segura. This should set me up well for my longer-term plans.
@Fpl_Thomas10
NOTES
- After a strong Gameweek 2 that pushed me into the top 15, the focus now shifts to replacing some earlier punts. I also need to remove suspended players and move on those who now face a tougher run of fixtures.
- My goalkeeper setup will stay unchanged this week. I brought in Brian Schwake last round and he rotates well with Ethan Horvath over the next few gameweeks. At just $4.0, he also frees up funds for moves elsewhere.
- In defence, I’m planning several changes. One of those will see the suspended Olwethu Makhanya replaced by Frankie Westfield. He offers a cheaper route into Philadelphia Union’s defence ahead of a very favourable run of fixtures. I’m also looking to move Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Eddie Segura. Los Angeles FC have yet to concede this season and Segura carries strong bonus potential, collecting five bonus points against Houston Dynamo last time out. He also pushes forward when the match-up allows.
- Elsewhere, I’m planning to move on Jamar Ricketts, whose fixtures now turn. Joseph Rosales could also make way. Despite playing on the wing for Austin FC, Rosales has offered very little goal threat. He has produced just 0.04 xG per 90 and zero shots on target so far. The bonus returns also look unsustainable. Rudy Camacho and Justin Che currently lead my shortlist of replacements. Both offer strong bonus potential and provide cheap routes into defences with favourable fixtures ahead.
- In midfield, I’m planning to sell Niko Tsakiris for Nico Fernández. He currently plays as the number nine and looks like a key part of New York City FC’s attack. He also takes penalties and some corners. That increases both his attacking and bonus potential. Although the Kristoffer Velde pick hasn’t delivered as hoped, I’m comfortable holding him for now while I fix other areas of the squad. Looking ahead, Carles Gil and Djordje Mihailovic both stand out as strong midfield options next week.
- My front three – the “threemium” – will remain unchanged for now. Anders Dreyer, Heung-Min Son and Lionel Messi all have strong fixtures. It’s very hard to bet against them this week.
@GarethWills10
NOTES
- Gameweek 2 delivered a much better return of 110 points.
- In goal, Yohei Takaoka keeps his place between the sticks. I’ve also moved on Andrew Thomas of Seattle and brought in Roman Celentano of FC Cincinnati. He rotates well with Takaoka over the next few gameweeks.
- In defence, Noah Cobb makes way for Justin Che. New York Red Bulls have opened the season with a couple of clean sheets and have favourable fixtures ahead. Micael also drops out, replaced by Nick Hagglund. Rudy Camacho, Manu Duah and Jamar Ricketts complete the backline.
- In midfield, I’m moving Amahl Pellegrino out for Telasco Segovia. I prefer targeting Inter Miami’s attack rather than their defence. I’ve also sold Niko Tsakiris for Adri Mehmeti of the New York Red Bulls, who has produced strong returns in both opening rounds. Jeppe Tserkov, Thomas Müller and Hany Mukhtar complete the midfield.
- Up front, I’m sticking with Lionel Messi, Heung-Min Son and Diego Rossi.
- The captaincy will start with Messi, as Inter Miami play early on Saturday. If needed, there are several strong alternatives to switch to later in the round.
