Based on what my sources have told me, what I've seen this preseason and how injuries, suspensions and new additions will change the dimension of how a team lines up, I've come up with projected starting XIs for each team in MLS for opening day. I've also included a fantasy pick of my own and a few players to watch as well. On Wednesday, we'll examine the Eastern Conference and on Thursday, we'll look at the West.

Due to the FIFA fixture date on March 5 and the traveling involved, some players (e.g. Tim Cahill) may not start, but will likely be in the gameday 18. For these players it's still a little merky as to what their role will be come kickoff. The Armchair Analyst will provide you with lineups for the season in each of the team previews below, but my projections will focus solely on Round 1 and Round 2 for those who are on a bye.

CHICAGO FIRE

Projected Starting XI: 4-1-4-1 formation

FANTASY PICK: Dilly Duka ($6.5m / selected by 5.8 percent of teams) – Had four goals and three assists in 2013 and should improve upon that total in 2014. Speedy winger who can get into the attack and create his own shot or distribute the final pass, Duka provides good bang for your buck.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Juan Luis Anangonó, Mike Magee, Patrick Nyarko

2014 Preview: Hoping that Mike Magee has an MVP redux

COLUMBUS CREW

Projected Starting XI: 4-2-3-1 formation

FANTASY PICK: Federico Higuaín ($10.5m / selected by 12.6 percent of teams) – This one's pretty easy. Finished sixth overall in scoring last season and his team didn't even make the playoffs. He takes set pieces, corners, penalty kicks and will likely be among the league leaders again in both crosses and key passes

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Steve Clark, Wil Trapp, Jairo Arrieta

2014 Preview: Does a new era mean a new direction?

D.C. UNITED

Projected Starting XI: 4-4-2 formation

FANTASY PICK: Eddie Johnson ($10.0m / selected by 6.0 percent of teams) – Could miss some time due to national team duty, but D.C. expect goals from him and he's more than capable of delivering. Plus, United open the season with five home games in the first eight rounds

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Bill Hamid, Fabián Espíndola, Christian Fernández

2014 Preview: Bouncing back from record-setting futility

HOUSTON DYNAMO

Projected Starting XI: 4-4-2 formation

FANTASY PICK: David Horst ($5.5m / selected by 3.8 percent of teams) – It's not crystal clear whether Horst or Brunner will get the start alongside Taylor at center back, but if it is Horst, he'll be one of the cheapest options at his position in MLS. The Dynamo have two winnable matches at home to start so this is definitely a situation worth keeping your eye on

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Tony Cascio, Omar Cummings, Ricardo Clark

2014 Preview: All eyes on the attack as D is under construction

MONTREAL IMPACT

Projected Starting XI: 4-2-3-1 formation

FANTASY PICK: Eric Miller ($4.5m / selected by 5.0 percent of teams) – Camara will likely start the season at right back, but if Jeb Brovsky and potential signing Heath Pearce aren't ready to go by opening day, this rookie could be expedited into the lineup right off the bat. Montreal conceded the third-most goals in the Eastern Conference in 2013, so Miller shouldn't be viewed as a weekly fantasy starter. However, he could be a low-cost option worthy of occupying a spot on your bench

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Marco Di Vaio, Santiago González, Wandrille Lefèvre

2014 Preview: Fighting off Father Time for one more year

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

Projected Starting XI: 4-1-4-1 formation

FANTASY PICK: Diego Fagundez ($8.0m / selected by 28.0 percent of teams) – Had 13 goals and seven assists last season and all signs point to him doing just as good – if not better – in 2014. The departure of Juan Agudelo hurts a little, but with a core of dynamic talent surrounding him, there's a good chance he'll be in the Golden Boot race at some point throughout the season

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Lee Nguyen, Kelyn Rowe, Teal Bunbury

2014 Preview: A team in search of some middle ground

NEW YORK RED BULLS

Projected Starting XI: 4-4-2 formation

FANTASY PICK: Lloyd Sam ($6.5m / selected by 2.5 percent of teams) - Had five goals in roughly 900 minutes last season and could be looking at a full-time gig in 2014. With Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill and others pushing for him to contribute solid numbers offensively, Sam could be in for a breakout year

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Thierry Henry, Jámison Olave, Péguy Luyindula

2014 Preview: Chemistry and continuity vs. the clock

PHILADELPHIA UNION

Projected Starting XI: 4-3-3 formation

FANTASY PICK: Fábinho ($6.5m / selected by 1.5 percent of teams) – Dangerous left back who has a knack for getting down the field and contributing in the attack. Clean sheets could be hard to come by at first, but this is an offensive-minded player with the potential to earn bonus points in crosses, key passes and big chances created. Plus a goal or assist every now and then too

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Conor Casey, Sheanon Williams, Sébastien Le Toux

2014 Preview: All the pieces are in place in Chester

SPORTING KC

Projected Starting XI: 4-3-3 formation

FANTASY PICK: Aurélien Collin ($10.0m / selected by 18.1 percent of teams) – The No. 1 defender and the No. 1 overall player in all of MLS Fantasy, Collin should begin 2014 right where he left off. The defensive bonus points should remain the same and with Zusi providiing stellar service on set pieces he could just as well match his goal production from 2013

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Eric Kronberg, Graham Zusi, Claudio Bieler

2014 Preview: Available tomorrow!

TORONTO FC

Projected Starting XI: 4-4-2 formation

FANTASY PICK: Jackson ($7.5m / selected by 0.5 percent of teams) – Owned by less than 1 percent of fantasy owners, this speedy attacker could provide some serious upside if Toronto's offense gets going early on. However, their attack isn't what worries me

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Álvaro Rey, Michael Bradley, Jermain Defoe

2014 Preview: Building a brand new superclub at BMO Field

FANTASY PRIMER