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With Copa America and the Euro 2016 getting started in the coming days, there are only six matches this time around before a two week break:
Philadelphia Union v. Columbus Crew SC
D.C. United v. Seattle Sounders
Portland Timbers v. San Jose Earthquakes
New York City FC v. Real Salt Lake
LA Galaxy v. Sporting Kansas City
That means byes for the remaining 8 teams in the league, so plan accordingly when making your transfers this week to field as close to a full team with as few points deducted as possible. Here are the recommendations to help you do just that:
Goalkeepers
Nick Rimando - While changing keepers isn't usually advised, Rimando could be a good long-term option if neither of your GKs is set to start this week. RSL have a favorable schedule and Rimando is one of the league's best between the pipes.
Matt Jones - With Andre Blake joining up with his native Jamaica team for Copa America, Jones will get the nod in goal for the Union, and is a solid bargain option if you need to make a change but are light on funds.
Defenders
Daniel Steres - One of the best bargains this season, Steres represents great value for LA's favorable upcoming run. If he's not already in your team, this is a great time to pick him up.
Kofi Opare - With Steve Birnbaum in the USMNT squad, Opare has returned to the starting fold for United and is a bargain compared to his teammates across the back line. He was a consistent producer when he played last season and has the potential to put up big numbers on his day.
Keegan Rosenberry - Philadelphia have a double week on the horizon, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up a few Union players in preparation. Rosenberry has been a regular starter and puts up solid numbers relative to cost.
Walker Zimmerman - Dallas are miles ahead of their Texas rivals Houston and should be looked to as a good place to invest, but we saw last season that the rivalry can result in the most unexpected results. Still, the cost isn't prohibitive for the potential returns, especially with Zimmerman putting up 31 points in the past four weeks.
Midfielders
Federico Higuain - One of the most productive midfielders, Higuain should be in your thoughts for this week and the upcoming schedule. If you're strapped for cash, though, Justin Meram is another solid option from Columbus for a bit less.
Steven Gerrard - Finally settling into the Galaxy squad, Stevie G has delivered solid, if unspectacular, results over the past four game weeks. With the strikers in form, a big haul could be on the cards in the near future.
Tranquillo Barnetta - The Swiss midfielder didn't make the cut for Euro 2016, but has been a strong addition to the Union side this season. While he hasn't contributed as many goals or assists as he would probably like, we've seen the quality is there, and the shaky Columbus defense could be a good place for him to show his class.
Diego Valeri - You most likely already have the Portland powerhouse in your team and he's definitely worth holding onto if you already have him. However, given the Timbers' inconsistent form he may be a bit too pricy to bring in if you missed out earlier in the campaign.
Forwards
Gio Dos Santos / Mike Magee - As mentioned previously, LA's strike force are in top form heading into week 13, even without the service of Robbie Keane. GDS has been on a points-scoring tear of late, though Magee still holds the lead in points scored for a lower outlay. Both are excellent options.
David Villa - Playing the hot hand (foot?) is never a bad thing, though in the case of the NYCFC striker it comes with a steep price tag. If you don't already have the Spanish striker it may be challenging to bring him in and field a full squad this week, but it's hard to ignore the form he's in.
Jordan Morris - The rookie can count himself a bit unlucky not to have been selected to Jurgen Klinsmann's Copa America roster, but has every opportunity to prove his coach and his doubters wrong for his club side this round. While he has been a bit off-form in the past few weeks, we've seen he has the potential to put together a run of goalscoring performances as well.
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How is your team coming together this week? Have I missed anyone you are considering transferring in? Good luck!