After all the ups and downs of Week 11, you can be forgiven for feeling a little burned out. (That's MLS Fantasy League for you) The good news is, there's an easy path to maximum points this week.
With some players already receiving call ups for international friendlies and World Cup qualifying, you need to prepare so your roster isn't too decimated in the coming weeks. Make sure your squad isn't overloaded with national team members.
Two teams have double duty this week, the LA Galaxy and the Philadelphia Union.
Trying to select the right Galaxy players is a bit tricky, however. Omar Gonzales ($6.1) is reliable for points but leaving the team next week, so not a good long term investment. Robbie Keane ($10.4) looks set to return from injury Wednesday, but faces the same dilemma. Todd Dunivant ($4.8) is a potential sleeper pick, but still listed as questionable (Knowing Bruce, my gut says he plays). Sean Franklin ($5.3) is the closest to an all-around safe move for a Galaxy defender.
The LA midfield looks more promising. Pick up Juninho ($8.2) if you're looking for consistent points. If you want to take a gamble, go with Mike Magee ($9.1).
And then there's Landon Donovan ($9.9), who will reportedly not be called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the upcoming crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Who knows how he will react. If you expect a pissed off Landon to start going on a tear in the league to prove a point, he's worth the risk. If you suspect Landon is a gutless weenie who will slump in the next few weeks, not so much. (Warning: History says otherwise)
There's a fair amount of fool's gold on the Philadelphia Union roster as well. Sebastian Le Toux ($7.8) hasn't been starting lately. Brian Carroll ($5.7) looks like a solid pick, until you realize he may be the blandest player in all of Fantasy League. I'm also not sure how much time Danny Cruz ($6.2) will spend on this field this week.
(Head coach John Hackworth hinted that Sebastian Le Toux and Kleberson may start on Wednesday)
Ultimately, you want to stick with the two most consistent point earners in Amobi Okugo ($7.2), and of course, Jack McInerney ($8.8). If you're banking on the Union shutting out the Fire this weekend, Raymond Gaddis ($5.0), Sheanon Williams ($4.8) and Zac MacMath ($4.9) are all good cheap options.
Team Name: Ben Fong-Torres FC (Almost Famous was on at the time)
Current rank: 797 (Up)