Here are our forward picks for week 18.

If you want to see more, keep reading after the break. But please join the discussion at r/FantasyMLS, that’s where a lot of planning is made and last second decisions finalized. If you have questions, please stop by!

We’re right on the edge when it comes to forwards. Several popular picks will soon be leaving for Gold Cup and that will give a boost to a few low cost players. You can get some tips on replacement players in this week’s Starting Lineup. We’ll cover the same topic next week because it looks like everyone should be around for this week.

Forwards

I’ve already heard several people mention how picking forwards was hard this week. Several actually wish they could have 4! Most of the woes focus on one man though, Marco Di Vaio. He’s our top pick for this week, and I’m sure it does not come as a surprise. Not only is he tied for most goals scored this season, but he has scored in every Montreal home game. Sharing the title for current highest goal scorer is Jack McInerney. He’ll be leaving for the Gold Cup soon, but this week, he’s going against a Dallas defense that has allowed an average of 2 goals during away games. He had a few good chances last week that just did not connect, but we think he looks good to score before he heads out.

Even though he did not perform as well as expected last week, we are still willing to give Robbie Keane another shot. LA has a poor away record, but we think that is going to improve with the return of Omar Gonzalez. San Jose also has not lost at home over their last 6 games, but many of those have been 1-1 draws. We think this means Keane will have opportunities to take advantage of this week. Our next pick can’t really be labeled, underperforming, but his team is going through a rough spot, Federico Higuaín. He has 3 goals over the past 5 games and it’s not uncommon to see him get 2-3 bonus points as well. Those are great fantasy numbers and it’s obvious why he’s the highest point earning forward.

Finally we have the two players who seem to have the best matches this week, and both are playing away. The first is Diego Fagundez. He’s been scoring points left and right and the game against Chivas looks like a good chance (just remember the Week 19 Bye). Last is our differential pick, Camilo Sanvezzo. As he’s earned more play time, his numbers have shot up. He’s scored 6 times in the last 5 games and earned 3 assists. We do want to point out that Vancouver has been much better at home than on the road, but they are playing against DC, and their home record is nothing to write home about.

Final thoughts

• Forwards might have a good chance for goals this week

• Don’t get caught with too many Gold Cup forwards

That’s all I got. I’d love to hear your feedback, plans, and insights.

These are our picks, if you think there should be more names on this list, please leave a comment or come to r/FantasyMLS and comment on the post. You can also leave a message on our Facebook page or you can find us on Twitter @FantasyMLSTips. Keep checking back for more updates through the week for other positions. Good Luck!