Attack

Start: Chris Cloutier, Chaos LC

After not playing in a game for nearly a month, Chris Cloutier didn't miss a beat last weekend in his return to the lineup for Chaos.

He netted four goals against the Redwoods and certainly wasn't shy about it, ripping eleven shots (36% SH%).

With Josh Byrne out again due to injury, Cloutier remains on attack this weekend. He'll have his partner in crime Dhane Smith at midfield - a recipe for success for Chaos, and a handful for the Whipsnakes defense.

On top of that, if the Whips start Brendan Krebs again in net tonight not only has Krebs never seen Cloutier before, he's never seen most of this Chaos team, period. At just 12 coins, Cloutier's a low-risk with the potential for a high-reward.

Sit: Logan Wisnauskas, Chrome LC

Last time Chrome faced off against the Archers, they scored a total of seven goals against Brett Dobson - Jackson Morrill accounting for five of them.

Logan Wisnauskas did manage to get one by Dobson, but ultimately the Archers' netminder seemed to have all of Chrome's number except Morrill's.

Compared to Wisnauskas's rookie campaign last year its been a tough year for the second year - a theme amongst the Chrome offense. With 38 shots taken this year, he's shooting 18%. For comparison, last year he finished the regular season with 62 shots and shot 39%.

Coming off a scoreless game versus the Whipsnakes last weekend, running into the Archers again isn't exactly an ideal situation for Wisnauskas and Chrome. I'd avoid risking it with any Chrome offensive players this weekend.

Midfield

Start: Cole Kirst, Redwoods LC

I mean, how could I not include at least one Kirst in here?

It's been a tough season so far for the Redwoods midfield as a whole, but the 2023 third-round draft pick has been a bright spot.

In four games played, Cole Kirst's scored at least three points in three of the four contests. He's been playing with confidence and having fun doing it.

The Woods matched up with the Cannons just a couple weeks ago in Dallas and there was some Kirst on Kirst crime between Cole and his brother Colin in net for the Cannons. Cole went 3-for-7 in Dallas, and carried that momentum into Baltimore for a four-goal game against Chaos.

If he can carry that energy into Denver for a much-needed team win and perhaps some revenge against the Cannons, prepare yourself for another big game from the rookie.

Sit: Tucker Dordevic, Whipsnakes LC

Tucker Dordevic ranks 8th in the league in shots on goal (32). While we've seen his shot selection improve game by game, I imagine facing Blaze Riorden for the first time has to be a "welcome to the pros" moment for every rookie.

I'd sit Dordevic for this weekend not so much because of his own game as it is because of Blaze. At 39 coins, it's too much of a risk.

Defense

Start: Gavin Adler, Atlas LC

Michael Sowers met his match when the Waterdogs met with Atlas for the first time this season.

Gavin Adler held Sowers to just 1 goal on 8 shots (12.5% SH%). He's strong, skilled, and never gives up on a play. The Bulls are hungry for victory and with previous success already against the Waterdogs' biggest offensive threat, I expect big things from Adler on Saturday.

Start: Ethan Rall, Cannons LC

If you're looking for a more cost-efficient option for your lineup, look no further than LSM Ethan Rall.

Even as a rookie, Rall's as smart as they come. His lacrosse IQ is evident in all the little things he does well. With Rall on the field, there's little room for error for an already struggling Redwoods midfield.

Rall's averaging 2 caused turnovers and 3.8 ground balls per game. He tied his season high for ground balls with 5 against the Redwoods only two weeks ago. At 11 coins, how could anyone pass on Rall in their lineup?

Faceoff

Start: Trevor Baptiste, Atlas LC

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Baptiste is the best faceoff man in the world and the Waterdogs haven't dressed a faceoff specialist since Columbus.

In games against teams without a faceoff specialist at the dot, Baptiste is averaging a 91% faceoff percentage. It might be the obvious choice, but it's the right choice. Put Baptiste in your lineup.

Goalie

Start: Brett Dobson, Archers LC

As mentioned earlier, when Chrome last faced off against the Archers, they could only get 7 goals by Brett Dobson.

In his first year as a starter in this league, the Archers' goalkeeper has quickly risen the ranks as one of the best in the game right now. He made a season-best 18 saves versus the Chrome in Charlotte (72% SV%).

While Dobson's stock has continued to rise since then, Chrome's offense continues to search for answers.

I don't want to kick a horse while it's down here, but putting Dobson in your lineup feels like a no-brainer. 39 coins is hefty for sure, but well worth it.