SoRare

Compete for real prizes in the free-to-play Sorare Academy this weekend


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The Sorare Academy returns again after a turbulent Fourth of July weekend that featured an eight-goal thriller in DC, a match-winning golazo in Vancouver and several perfect 100 scores from Jamiro Monteiro, Dylan Nealis and Andre Blake. 

Our guest writer Frip will take us through the fixtures for this coming weekend. You can find him on Twitter posting regular MLS injury, transfer, and other news here.

Once you’ve read his tips below you can enter your own team for free ahead of the Friday deadline at 11am BST.


Last gameweek

A total of 15 managers secured a prize in a high-scoring Gameweek last week. Top of the leaderboard was manager Heekaa with this team:

Picking two players to hit 100 points is impressive, especially when one of them is a goalkeeper!

This Gameweek

This weekend is rivalry week. “El Tráfico” in Los Angeles, the Rocky Mountain Cup between Salt Lake and Colorado, a Cascadia Cup match-up between Portland and Seattle, and more. 

El Tráfico – LAFC vs LA Galaxy

The LA derby is the marquee match-up of the weekend. This rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in MLS, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s debut brace to an eight-goal play-off showdown, this is a match that you won’t want to miss! What better way to get excited for this one than to add some skin into the game with your Sorare Academy picks? 

LAFC go into this weekend as favourites and offer great options on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Carlos Vela is still their key figure and this is his stage to shine. In the midfield, Jose Cifuentes is a solid addition as he’s scored well in the All-Around category and has the goal/assist threat needed to reach the higher scores. Diego Palacios is my defensive pick from LAFC as he was specifically rested for this match because he is one yellow card away from a suspension. He’s a defender that can grab points on both sides of the ball. 

Dejan Joveljic and Efrain Alvarez are the players I’d want to back from the other side of LA. History has shown that this match-up is full of goals and these two are both key to the Galaxy offence. 

I-5 Derby | DC United at Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia still has one of the best defences in the league and they are hosting DC United in the I-5 derby this weekend. Goalkeeper Andre Blake is coming off a 100-point performance with a penalty save against Columbus last weekend. 

DC United currently sit bottom of the MLS form table, having lost four of their last five. This is a solid opportunity on both ends of the pitch for Kai Wagner. He has been quiet recently and this match-up is perfect for him to get back on the scoresheet again.  

New York Red Bulls at FC Cincinnati

This is the first non-rivalry game to target this weekend and it’s a good one for Cincinnati. Luciano Acosta has been nothing short of on fire in recent weeks. He’s racked up five assists and a goal in his last five games. A home game against the Red Bulls is very enticing and perhaps good enough to double up on Cincy’s offence with Brenner. The Brazilian has also found his form with five goals in as many games recently. 

San Jose Earthquakes at Toronto FC

There’s no rivalry here either, however, this game will still be one to remember as record signing Lorenzo Insigne is set to debut. The Italian has been in Toronto and training with the team for the past weeks and should be ready to go on Saturday. He’s still not 100% nailed to start just yet, so Jesus Jimenez might be a safer selection at forward. Carlos Salcedo is your best bet if you want to back the Toronto defence this weekend.

San Jose’s Jamiro Monteiro did put up a clean 100 last weekend and his 69 average is noteworthy, even if he’s on the road here. Toronto’s defence is still quite leaky, as they are tied for the sixth-most goals allowed over the last six matches. 


Columbus Crew at Chicago Fire

We’ve covered a lot of offensive firepower so far and this match-up is my defensive pick of the week. Chicago’s young goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina might be close to moving to Europe, but until anything is announced he still has a solid defence in front of him for MLS play.

The Columbus offence has been anaemic at best over the last five games where they only scored five goals. This is a prime clean sheet opportunity for Slonina and defender Rafael Czichos

Over to you!

Perhaps you fancy some of the other MLS high-flyers, like Orlando’s Mauricio Pereyra, who has the highest last-five average of any player in the league right now with 73 points per game, or someone else altogether?

Whoever you choose, make sure you submit your team before Friday’s 11am deadline – and good luck!

#ad


Adam @ Football Trader Adam has been scouting for and trading in football games for far too long and for far too many hours. He has a particular interest in the big 5 European Leagues as well as lesser known ones like the Eredivisie, Primeira Liga and even the MLS. Before he managed to somehow make a living by writing about football, he spent ~10 years as a Ministerial adviser and project/risk manager for the UK Government including the Foreign Office and MOD. When not buried in xG spreadsheets he plays too many computer games, lifts heavy things in the gym and attempts to cultivate a handsome beard.

235 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Dias or Laporte?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 8 months ago

        More importantly, what's with all the Neto love?

        Laporte

      • TheBiffas
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Dias

      • Limbo
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Laporte. More game time and threat from set pieces.

      • OLB
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        With 5 subs prob even over a season. Laporte bigger threat but Dias prob more mins.

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Pick one:

      A. White Son Grealish
      or
      B. Kulusevski Jesus Foden

      Cheers!

      1. gart888
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Between those options B.

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          A is 0.5m cheaper and is a 541 formation. B is a 442 formation.

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sometimes I hate posting these because you need full team context but just looking for a general idea of views:

      A) Kulusevski, Grealish, Elanga/5m, Jesus
      B) Bowen, Olise, Odegaard, 7.5 FWD

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A for me

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A

      3. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        B with Wilson

      4. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A. You’ll almost certainly wildcard before Bowen and Olise fixtures turn good.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Thing with Bowen is he's proved he's fixture-proof. I think having City first I making a lot of people overlook him but he scored twice against them in the second-last game of last season

          1. Runnerboy31
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Oh I think he will still do well but I think the fixtures mean he’s not worth what you are giving up elsewhere.

            Also last season somewhat came out of nowhere - I like him and hope it continues - but I’ll wait for early evidence that form is sustainable into a second season first

            1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
              • 3 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              All fair points, the former was my initial concern with him although my mind seems to have changed since. Thanks for the input

    4. svgcr
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Feeling good about this one. Thoughts?

      Mendy

      TAA - Cancelo - Chilwell - Cash

      Salah - Díaz - ASM - Neto

      Kane - Jesus

      4.0 - Andreas - 4.0 - 4.5

      Kane to Haaland for Gw2

      1. OLB
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Chilly just back from bad injury. Will be mins managed at first you would think. I’d start with James cos of that.

      2. I Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Almost identical to mine so I think it's great. Also planning to do Kane -> Haaland in GW2.

      3. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I’m a broken record but I think Mendy is being massively overvalued by people - only 7th for points per match last season. Sa, Ramsdale and Raya all beat him last year and have better defensive fixtures before the international break.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Does that mean it will be the same this season? I expect Chelsea to improve and Brentford will find it tougher. Sa could be a good shout but not interested in Ramsdale with Arsenal having so many nicely priced outfield players.

          1. Runnerboy31
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Of course they might improve - although they have lost players rather than strengthened so far.

            But there are some characteristics that plsy against Mendy. Chelsea get a lot of attacking returns from defenders which means even with a CS he very rarely gets any bonus points (3 all season last year despite 14 clean sheets). They also play a style which means he doesn’t make many saves.

      4. DavvaMC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Quite like that but agree about Mendy comments.

    5. 11 smelly shirts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A strategic question: Most team reveals I have seen so far have only fodder on the bench. Does that make sense or should have at least two playing options on our bench?

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Lots of fodder will play

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think you need 2

      3. OLB
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I’d want one. Unsure with 5 subs if I’d want two. Cheapos could come into play.

      4. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think this is on the expectation that some playing fodder will emerge in pre season.

        Maybe a Patterson at Everton for instance etc

      5. 11 smelly shirts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the comments. Without knowing yet if the 5 subs result in more 1-pointers of our starters or players being subbed from our benches it's really tricky. Guess I will go for at least two who are starting in their teams, but that will impact the team structure (i.e. not 5 at the back)

    6. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Best 4.5max defender, bar Arsenal players? Mings, Jonny or someone else?

      1. Stimps
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Justin, Botman

      2. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Mings...Villa have good games.

        1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Hahahahaha

          Ow it hurts

          Thank you

          I needed that

      3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I like Fofana, threat from setpieces and Leicester's high xGc last season was an anomaly (and not a coincidence that Fofana missed a lot of games), I expect them to be better this time around.

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Is he a threat from set pieces?

          1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Yeah, you wouldn't think it given his stature but he's good in the air, surprised he hasn't scored more

            1. No Professionals
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Don’t think he has ever scored a prem goal for them

              1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
                • 3 Years
                1 year, 8 months ago

                Ah you're right, I must be thinking of his goal in the ECL!

      4. 11 smelly shirts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        My favorites are Johnny and Justin/Castagne

    7. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Vestergaard only 4.0m...

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Amartey was ahead of him last season and he rarely played every when others were injured.

    8. bso
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      How nailed is Odegaard?

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Not as nailed as Jesus

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I see Jesus jokes aren't appreciated here 🙁

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            haha that was a good one

            1. Zimo
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Thankyou for the support 😛

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        32 starts last season and tipped to be the next captain, I don't see him getting rotated

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Isn’t he already the captain?

          1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Don't think so, think Xhaka still is

    9. Devos
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      My first draft, without really looking at the fixtures. What's your first impression?

      Mendy - Forster
      TAA - Cancelo - Chilwell - Perisic - Castagne
      Salah - Kulu - Bruno G. - Ramsey - Sambi
      Haaland - Mitrovic - Undav

      1. TanN
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Would you play 5-4-1 or 5-3-2?

        Would rather play 5-4-1 in that scenario and downgrade mitrovic to fodder then upgrade Ramsey

    10. TanN
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Poll:

      How many premiums are you starting with:

      a) 1 premium
      b) 2 premium
      c) threemiums

      1. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        2

      2. POGON 1948
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Genuinely considering 1 with full premium defence and 8.0 mids

      3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        1

      4. LarryDuff
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        2 or 1, 3mium is a no go

      5. Indpush
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        1

    11. lugs
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      liking the look of this, i feel what its missing in big hitters makes up for it in consistent performers

      Henderson
      Cancelo, Robbo, Chilwell, Jonny
      Son, Diaz, Bowen, Maddison
      Jesus, Nunez

      Fodder, Andreas, Tomiyasu, Fodder

      1. TanN
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        That is good, not convinced with Nunez, would rather see him downgraded (or opt for Vardy) then reinvest the cash such as a better GK and another solid defender like Cash or Perisic in for Jonny.

        Would be tempted to start Tomiyasu over Jonny in any situation

        1. lugs
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          cheers mate, i'm big on Nunez tbh, Liverpool who are usually not the biggest spenders spent a lot of money on him so expect him to be the nailed focal point of the 2nd best attack in the league, i also had him in the UCL game last year and he was decent for me, Jonny & Tomi could be any 4.5's so i haven't put too much thought into them yet

    12. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Tomiyasu or White?

      1. TanN
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Tomiyasu

        More attacking, potential for the odd assist or goal (if your lucky) plus the obligatory CS points. Less nailed probably although unsure of Arsenal's fullback situation atm if I'm being perfectly honest.

        White

        More nailed, will play more minutes. Less attacking in terms of assists etc but may pop up with the obligatory headed goal that every CB scores once a season haha.

        Would prefer Tomiyasu in all honesty

        1. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Cheers!

    13. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Is there a starting 4.5 mid yet, or still to be discovered?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Andreas possibly

    14. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Best striker for the 4.5m slot?

      1. TanN
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        doesn't really matter no one will play at the 4.5m mark and even if they do it will be a bad team.

        I'm hoping this is for a bench player!?

        1. R.C
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Yes bench

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Greenwood I guess

    15. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Who is Josh Da Silva?

      1. LarryDuff
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        He's Joshua Da Silva

    16. R.C
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Raheem Sterling has agreed personal terms with Chelsea. CFC hoping to finalise fee/deal with MCFC in next 24 hours in time for Sterling to fly with Tuchel’s squad to US this weekend. Very close now

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        GW3 captain sorted

      2. POGON 1948
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        The question remains is he worth the 10.0 even if starting every match at chelsea

        1. No Professionals
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Not for me

          1. POGON 1948
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 2 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Neither. Rather have Mount for 8.0 if going there

            1. No Professionals
              • 6 Years
              1 year, 8 months ago

              Yeah sterling would have to be 9 for me to think about him. Sure he’ll be an option at some point of the season but hard to make a case from the off

      3. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Biggest impact this will have on fpl is making city attackers more attractive.

      4. snow pea in repose
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think he pretty quickly becomes the focal point of their attack- is he worth 10m?

        1. LarryDuff
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Nah been off the boil for quite some time in a far superior attack

    17. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Good to see fpl Twitter is back at its nauseating best. Desperate retweets and “essential read” comments.

    18. Khark
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      A first RMT would be great lads. See if im on the right lines...

      Ederson
      TAA, Cancelo, Trippier, Tomiyasu
      Salah, Diaz, Coutinho, Martinelli
      Haaland, Jesus

      (4.0, Andreas, Greenwood, 4.0)

      Cheers

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Ederson is a waste of money plus a waste of a City spot imo.
        I'd downgrade him to 4.5 and make Coutinho to any 8.0 of your liking.

    19. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Salah-less team. Also missing Cancelo unfortunately. But i quite like it.

      Sanchez
      Trent James Doherty Tomiyasu
      Son Diaz Mount Maddison
      Haaland Jesus

      (fodders)

      Whatcha think?

      1. CROWLEY NOT CRAWLEY
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I too have been messing with a Salah-less team. I am taking notes on yours as I hadn't tried one with Son yet.

        I think in the end we are risking going without one of the top 3 owned players, so have to be on board with that and figure out who comes in to make the difference. In yours it's likely Son/Mount/Maddison/Doherty. I will throw mine out just for additional food for thought.

        Sanchez
        Perisic, Cancelo, Chilwell, TAA, James
        Diaz, Maddison, Bruno G
        Kane, Haaland

        Balcombe, Neto, Andreas, Greenwood

        Mainly set up for running 442 or 532 depending on matchups.

    20. DavvaMC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Trying to fill my mid with 3 8mil players but this always comes back to me downgrading Cancelo to Laporte.

      Do you think it is worth not going with Cancelo?

      1. lugs
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        it could be, Laporte should do well in his own right

      2. LarryDuff
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        It'll make your life hell not going with cancelo, if you can live with that

    21. f18
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Hey guys!
      So grateful that FPL is back fresh and clean for another season.
      Without a doubt, its my favorite place to waste time lol
      Im almost done with my preliminary team but this one choice is killing me and I need your expert advice:

      A -> Wilson + Mitrovic
      B -> Mount + (fodder)

      Any insights will be much appreciated.
      Thanks.