Week 11 MLS Fantasy Player Picks

The almighty double week didn't pan out the way many had hoped, with Houston disappointing and not much to love from LA, either. There were some pleasant surprises for those who took a few gambles, with David Bingham and Jordan Allen particularly impressive over their two matches in Week 10.

Despite the fact that I captained Giles Barnes, I still was able to put up a respectable 72 points, largely thanks to Clint Dempsey, Kei Kamara and Bradley Wright-Phillips. The score keeps me in the top 10 of our Beat the Bloggers league, and just inside the top 25 of the Fashionably Late league. Hopefully you're also faring well!

One important note everyone should be aware of before considering their transfers this week is that Columbus Crew SC have terminated their contract with Hernan Grana, per the wishes of the player, so he will not be taking part in any further matches in Major League Soccer this season as he's heading back home to Argentina.

For week 11, Orlando City and D.C. United will play twice, while New England Revolution and Sporting Kansas City have doubles upcoming in Week 12. You'll see that players from these teams are my primary focus for who you should bring into your teams this week with an eye on the future. DC players, in particular, should be high on your transfer list as they have double matches in Weeks 13 and 14 as well.

Here are my abbreviated player picks for this week:

Goalkeepers

Premium: Bill Hamid - United's young shot-stopper has been consistently excellent this season, and has justifiably been handed a $6.4m price tag. With three DGWs in the next four weeks, though, Hamid should be your number one goalkeeper target given DC's excellent defensive form.

Mid-Range: Bobby Shuttleworth - The Revolution have rounded back into the form that helped them to last season's final, and with a double week on the horizon, Shuttleworth could be an astute pick-up at his current $5.5m price. If you can't quite get to Hamid, Shuttleworth should be your man.

Bargain: Tim Melia - With Luis Marin disappointing in net for SKC, Melia got the start in Week 10 and may continue between the posts for Kansas City moving forward. He's cheap at $4.7m and could be a good alternative option if you're looking to invest elsewhere.

Defenders

Premium: Bobby Boswell - As I mentioned above, DC have been defensive powerhouses this season, especially at home. With Steve Birnbaum set to return from injury, Kofi Opare's time in the starting lineup may be coming to an end, so it's best to go with a surefire starter like Boswell.

Mid-Range: Brek Shea - With Kevin Molino ruled out for the long term with an injury picked up in Orlando's mid-season friendly match (why is this a thing?), Shea will be moved into midfield. Listed as a defender and playing ahead of his position, he has the opportunity to pick up both attacking and defensive points.

Bargain: London Woodberry - New England's young fullback has been a revelation since breaking into the starting eleven this season, and should have his starting spot secured. At just $5.0m, Woodberry is an inexpensive way into the Revolution's strong run of fixtures.

Midfielders

Premium: Kaka - Orlando have been hit hard with injuries this season, but have thankfully been able to count on their designated player to at least keep them in contention for points. If Orlando are going to get anything from this week, you can bet Kaka will be at the center of it. A hefty investment, for sure, but one that could pay off for you if the Brazilian is on top form.

Mid-Range: Benny Feilhaber - Sporting KC haven't had Graham Zusi available on multiple occasions this season, but Benny has stepped up to mitigate the absence of his USMNT teammate. Zusi picked up a concussion against DC United in Week 10, so Feilhaber will be the main man in midfield yet again.

Bargain: Chris Pontius - If you're looking for an affordable way into the United midfield, Pontius has been starting regularly and has been unfortunate not to score more goals. Chris Rolfe has been in better form (and is more expensive as a result), but I think Pontius will find his scoring boots soon, and could begin this week.

Forwards

Premium: Fabian Espindola - Since returning from a 6-match suspension at the beginning of the season (carried over from spitting on a referee last season), Espindola has been in great form for DC. He appears to be trying to make up for lost time, and is a great bet for the next four weeks--if he can stay out of trouble.

Mid-Range: Juan Agudelo - New England have been firing on all cylinders recently, led by Charlie Davies, but his strike partner has been a key cog in the machine as well, and comes in just a shade cheaper. Both players are good options moving forward, but I like Agudelo's chances to take the lead in the goal scoring department in the coming weeks.

Bargain: Cyle Larin - With injuries keeping other options sidelined, the 20 year-old rookie has been thrust into the starting lineup for Orlando, and has impressed given his lack of experience. Available for just $5.7m, the Canadian is a great budget option if you're looking for a cheap way into the double week.

Who are you looking at bringing in for your team this week? I am thinking hard about playing my wildcard this week to set myself up well for the next four weeks, so aside from mainstays like Dempsey and Feilhaber I'll likely be sporting a new squad before tomorrow's deadline.

The Week 11 action kicks off Wednesday evening at 8:00 p.m. EDT, so be sure to save your teams prior to the beginning of the DC-Orlando match. Good luck!