This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MLS Soccer Sunday features two very even matches. In the Texas Derby, FC Dallas (-190) hosts the Houston Dynamo and is the biggest favorite on the slate. Atlanta United FC (-105) is next as New York City FC come to town. Typically, home players are given an edge in an MLS slate, but on Sunday, all are in play.
5:00 p.m. EDT
Striker Josef Martinez could return after training in full with the team on Friday. The club has done well to cope with the absence of Martinez, who led the league in scoring before suffering a quad injury just three games into the season, but his return would really bolster an already potent attack. Julian Gressel, who has thrived in an attacking midfield position, would be moved back to the defensive midfield, and Hector Villalba would return to his home on the right flank if the Venezuelan is inserted into the starting XI.
It's safe to say NYC FC does not mind playing away from home, with a tie for the most road wins in the league. The tight confines of Yankee Stadium does not quite fit the expansive style that the club plays, but when they are on the road on larger fields, their true strengths come to life. NYC FC won the first ever meeting between these two clubs 3-1 at home, which took place just three weeks ago.
Favorite Plays
Miguel Almiron, ATL v. NYC ($9,400): His price has risen over the last few weeks, but rightfully so. Coming off a hat trick in his last game, Almiron will look to continue his scoring form in the No. 10 role. Even if he fails to find the net, his four assists on the year show his ability to produce as a provider.
Yamil Asad, ATL v. NYC ($8,200): Asad consistently produces double-digit figures, and though he comes at a hefty price, his production cannot be ignored. However, to meet value he must either assist or score.
David Villa, NYC at ATL ($9,900): Villa has eight goals on the year, and he looks primed to add to that total on Sunday against an average Atlanta defense. Half of his goals have come on the road in 2017, which shows that his road matchup should not deter fantasy owners from rostering him Sunday.
Other Notables
Hector Villalba ($8,100) has had a solid year, but the impending return of Josef Martinez could take him out of the favorable center forward position. Julian Gressel ($4,400) has scored in his first two starts at right wing, and if Martinez is not in the lineup, Gressel should remain in the front four for Atlanta. He is the top value play of the day if this is the case.
Jack Harrison ($5,700) should always be on the radar due to his attacking capabilities, and on the opposite side, Rodney Wallace ($5,500) offers plenty of fantasy value with two goals and two assists in his last three games. Maxi Moralez's ($6,700) price has dropped low enough to warrant consideration as well.
8:00 p.m.
In the nightcap, FC Dallas hosts the Houston Dynamo, who have yet to earn a point away from BBVA Compass Stadium. FC Dallas had a run atop the Western Conference, but after two straight losses, the club is beginning to show signs of vulnerability. Talisman Mauro Diaz has missed every game to start the season, and the effects of his absence are really beginning to show in their lack of offensive production. New additions Roland Lamah and Cristian Colman have struggled to contribute in their early MLS careers, which has left Maximilliano Urruti as the focal point of Dallas' attack. After their first loss at home last week, FC Dallas should be happy to face a team that has struggled on the road this year.
The Dynamo have created a fortress at their home stadium in 2017, but their away record clearly indicates their struggles on the road. With five losses in as many games, the Dynamo will look to earn their first point away from BBVA Compass Stadium this season. The match should be a tight one, as FC Dallas is tied for the best defensive record in the league, while their offense has struggled to find the back of net in recent weeks. At home in the Texas Derby against Houston, FC Dallas has won five, tied five and lost three.
Favorite Plays
Maximiliano Urruti, FCD v. HOU ($8,900): Urruti was rested for Dallas' midweek game against the Chicago Fire, but he should return to the lineup Sunday. He has six goals and two assists this season and is truly the only reliable fantasy option on what is a lackluster Dallas attack.
Erick Torres, HOU at FCD ($8,200): Cubo has scored nine goals in 11 games this season, second-most in the league. However, only two of those goals have came on the road. On Sunday, he faces Walker Zimmerman and Matt Hedges, two of the best center-backs in the league.
Other Notables
Kellyn Acosta ($7,100) was listed as a defender, but now he is listed as a midfielder. Although he often takes corners and can score an occasional goal, his rise in price and change of position on DraftKings really hurts his fantasy value. Michael Barrios (($6,200) has shown signs of fantasy potential lately, but his inconsistency cannot be ignored. Romell Quioto ($7,900) and Mauro Manotas ($6,700) always have a chance to score, but on the road against a sturdy Dallas defense, the chances to find net are low.
Keeper of the Day
Jesse Gonzalez, FCD v. HOU ($5,600): The Dynamo have failed to earn a point on the road and have only scored three goals in their five away matches. On the other hand, Dallas has allowed just five goals in six games at home, and they lost their first home game last week against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Wildcard Defenders
Sometimes you have to throw darts at defenders in order to fit all the attackers you want. Here are some options to consider: DaMarcus Beasley ($3,600), A.J. DeLaGarza ($3,500), RJ Allen ($3,300), Ben Sweat ($3,800).