Atlanta United is still looking for their first win of the season, while the Columbus Crew will seek continued resurgence. How should you handle your DraftKings roster from DraftKings’ MLS Showdown game? We take a look below.
Set your DraftKings lineups here: MLS Showdown $35K Starting XI [$10K to 1st] (ATL vs CLB)
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Captain
Lucas Zelarayan ($16,800)
The sample size to analyze consistency is a bit small for Zelarayan but he still averages 20 DKFP per game, highest among both teams on this slate. That average increased after another solid performance against the New York Red Bulls, where he scored a goal before he was taken off. His position is vital, playing right behind Columbus’ only striker in midfield.
Other to consider: Ezequiel Barco ($16,200)
High-priced flex options
Ezequiel Barco ($10,800)
In two games, Atlanta has yet to score a goal. In a high-scoring league like MLS, it can prove to be lethal. After two straight losses, Atlanta’s offense will be under a brighter and harsher spotlight, led by Barco. He is classified as a midfielder on DraftKings, but he often plays as the central striker alongside two others in an attacking style of play.
Gyasi Zardes ($10,000)
Columbus’ preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 has given a lot of responsibility to Zardes. To start this MLS is Back tournament, he has been quite reliable. He opened the scoring against New York in the previous game. He was quite incisive in the box, which could be an important attribute to add to his goal-scoring confidence. He has already scored three goals in this competition.
Pedro Santos ($9,000)
Santos, the Portugese midfielder, has been a crucial cog in a fully-functioning Columbus wheel. He is coming off a fantastic 2019-20 season in which he scored 11 goals for his team. He hasn’t quite hit that same level of offensive production in the short season so far. However, he will be the playmaker from the right wing of Columbus’ rapidly-developing offense.
Other to consider: Gonzalo Martinez ($11,800).
Value flex options
Brad Guzan ($7,200)
Guzan brings plenty of experience from the English Premier League. He has been handicapped with a misfiring offense this season. Against Cincinnati, Atlanta went down to 10 men quite early in the game, too. A clean sheet now becomes imperative if Atlanta can’t score their first goal of the season.
Derrick Etienne ($4,800)
Etienne started in the previous game for Columbus, playing down the left flank. Although he didn’t do much, it’s unlikely the team will tinker with a winning combination. He has averaged just 5.1 DKFP. However, this is a punt selection because of a powerful combination of inexpensive price and offensive potency.
Others to consider: Eloy Room ($6,600)
Set your DraftKings lineups here: MLS Showdown $35K Starting XI [$10K to 1st] (ATL vs CLB)
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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.