A lot of you have been asking… well, actually no one has, but I’m going to share it anyway. I posted my Round 1 team shortly before the season started, and many of my predictions have gone awry. Here’s what my team look like these days:
It took a very concentrated effort and weeks of soul-searching to transfer Tatumn Milazzo off my team, but considering the difficulties currently faced by Chicago’s defenders, I had to (but I’m keeping the team name).
I’m approaching my team with two primary opinions: 1) that three forwards should always be started and 2) that Smith, Williams, and Dunn are must-have players. Beyond that, Hatch is the most cost-effective member of Rodman and the Ashleys, and anyone involved in Portland’s attack is a good option for filling slots at midfield (e.g. Sam Coffey). I won’t blame you if you consider DeMelo too expensive for your team (Savannah McCaskill and Kristie Mewis come to mind here), but DeMelo’s floor is so high (see the previous posts from today) that I’m keeping her in my XI.
At DF/GK, I’m currently focusing on OL Reign and the Spirit and taking the less expensive options from both these teams. I’m hoping that the four goals conceded by Reign last week are an aberration, considering that they are still the leaders (by far) in the NWSL in fewest xGA. Washington has also started to concede more over the last couple of weeks, but McKeown and Staab both have a relatively high level of involvement in the Spirit offense which gives some additional upside.
On the bench, I have Jess Fishlock available, primarily to rotate in for one of my four DFs depending on matchups. I may switch her with McKeown or Staab against Gotham this week once the availability reports come out. Hocking and Jacobs are low-cost, high-upside players to stash. I mentioned a few weeks ago that the difference between the premium price GKs and the lower-cost GKs is relatively small, so I’ve saved some money by bringing in Gotham’s Abby Smith (who is also the fourth highest-scoring goalie in FNWSL so far).
Who are you starting this week? Comment or tweet @MansersAnswers!