Charlotte FC's predicted starting XI vs Atlanta United

By Ryan Donahue

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90

After a difficult draw last weekend to the New York Red Bulls, Charlotte is back at home again this Saturday as the side faces off against their neighbors to the south. While Atlanta United have not performed well on the road this season, having only won two of their 13 away matches, the local rivalry should bring out the best in both sides.

Charlotte, who beat Atlanta in the first match earlier this season will want to secure the three points and bragging rights to help keep momentum before heading out on the road for a difficult run of September matches.

Dean Smith noted in this week’s press conference that the majority of the team would be available except new arrival Jamie Patterson who is working to reach full fitness. Smith acknowledged Pep Biel's quality from his first debut and training and will likely utilize the midfielder against Atlanta. When asked about the characteristics of Biel and Patterson, Smith noted that both will help hold high standards in the locker room and further contribute to the culture that the club is trying to build.

Going into the match on Saturday, Smith identified being quick in transition and creating overloads as two of the key factors that he felt his side could improve on from last week’s result and that his side’s body language will be important aspects if Charlotte is to get a result over Atlanta.

With Charlotte needing to secure three points this weekend, our team evaluated how the side could line up to face Atlanta.

Defense unit

In defense, Tim Ream will partner Adilson Malanda at the heart of the back line. Smith noted that the reason for swapping Andrew Privett for Ream last week was primarily due to a few mistakes made over recent matches and felt it was a good time to switch him out with Ream providing a high degree of experience and leadership at that back. 

While Smith decided to drop Privett, he expects that Ream and Privett will likely play in future matches together or alongside Malanda as Privett had just signed a new contract with the club earlier this season. Jere Uronen and Nathan Byrne are the favorites to keep their place as the outside backs with Kristijan Kahlina in goal.

Midfield line

Across the midfield, captain Ashley Westwood will anchor the trio with Djibril Diani slightly above him and Brandt Bronico playing in the attacking midfield role. With Biel making his Charlotte debut last weekend he could start from the beginning of the match however its more likely to feature again as a substitute for either Bronico or Diani.

Forward line

The front three of Charlotte will likely remain unchanged with Liel Abada and Kerwin Vargas occupying the wings. Karol Świderski, who scored a PK at the Bank last weekend will be the favorite to start at center forward again with Patrick Agyemang likely to be the second-half substitution. Another likely substitution Smith will make is Iuri Tavares who has featured in recent matches for Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada and has demonstrated an ability to be a productive second-half player for Charlotte.

While four hours away from the opposition is considered to be a long distance for a rivalry according to Smith, Charlotte fans should expect a dense population of Atlanta supporters flooding the gates of Bank of America this weekend in what is sure to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the weekend in MLS.

Predicted starting XI