MLS Fantasy: Gameweek 17 team reveals

MLS Fantasy returns, and 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.

@dmpwright

At least two of my transfers will be in midfield this week. Marco Reus was the biggest disappointment from my Double Gameweek squad, so he’ll make way for Evander. The FC Cincinnati playmaker has produced three double-digit Fantasy returns across his last three matches, either side of the World Cup break, and looks impossible to ignore.
Carles Gil also comes into midfield to replace Hany Mukhtar. New England Revolution have a strong home fixture against Atlanta United this week before a Double Gameweek in Round 18, making Gil one of the standout picks.
I’ll also bring Mamadou Fofana into defence to take advantage of New England’s double. I originally included Antoine Griezmann when activating my Rebuild Squad token last week. I eventually switched to Son Heung-min, which proved to be the right call, but Griezmann still impressed away at San Jose Earthquakes.
With Orlando City set for four home league matches in their next five, he’ll likely replace Sam Surridge in my front line. My final transfer will likely see Jackson Ragen leave the squad. The Seattle Sounders defender is suspended for the trip to Philadelphia Union after picking up a needless second yellow card in the closing stages against Austin FC.

Week 16 brought 123 points and a red arrow, dropping me to an overall rank of 148. A late postponement of the Chicago Fire v Vancouver Whitecaps match caught me out, leaving me with just six Double Gameweek players.
There are no changes in goal. Andrew Thomas keeps his place, while I’m more than happy to hold Brian Schwake after the Nashville SC goalkeeper delivered two clean sheets in the Double Gameweek.
I don’t expect Inter Miami’s two Argentine stars to return this week, so I’ll look elsewhere in attack for one more round.
At the back, Mathías Laborda, Jeisson Palacios, Anthony Markanich and Timo Baumgartl all keep their places. My only defensive transfer sees Nouhou Tolo make way for Mamadou Fofana, with New England Revolution set for a Double Gameweek in Round 18.
In midfield, Nico Fernández, Evander and Guilherme all stay in the squad. Fernández has submitted a transfer request at New York City FC, so if he misses out again, I’ll move him on next week.
Thomas Müller also leaves the squad for the in-form Marcel Hartel, while Albert Rusnák makes way for Milan Iloski of Philadelphia Union.
Up front, Brian White and Hugo Cuypers both make way. Denis Bouanga and Kevin Kelsy come in after their recent form, while Antoine Griezmann completes my front three.
The captain’s armband will be on Evander.

My goalkeeper pairing will remain unchanged this week.
At the back, I’m considering doubling up on LAFC by bringing in Ryan Porteous, despite some concerns over rotation. I also like the look of Kai Wagner as a high-upside differential against a struggling Seattle Sounders side. However, with Olwethu Makhanya unavailable, I’m less convinced by Philadelphia Union’s defensive prospects, so DC United defenders are also firmly on my radar.
In midfield, it’s difficult to ignore Evander in a derby that looks full of goals. Carles Gil also stands out at home to Atlanta United. Both offer a reliable floor with plenty of attacking upside.
There aren’t many standout options up front. Luis Suárez is my preferred transfer, while Brian White still looks like a solid pick at home to Minnesota United.
I may also move on one of my Nashville SC players after their recent performances. They were second best against Atlanta United and fortunate to come away with a result against CF Montréal, which is enough to raise a few concerns.