Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs Atlanta United

3 days ago

By Ryan Donahue

Charlotte FC kicks off their home opener this weekend against Atlanta United in what is expected to be a major Southeastern clash.

With both sides picking up points in the season opener and each having reinforced their squad in the winter, the fixture is expected to be as heated as ever.

Ahead of the upcoming fixture on Saturday, here’s how Charlotte FC will potentially line up to take on Atlanta.

Defensive unit

In goal, Kristijan Khalina will anchor the defense, as Charlotte’s goalkeeper displayed against Seattle that he is ready to pick up where he left off last year.

Defensively, Charlotte will likely keep the group consistent with last week. Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett are expected to start as the center-back partnership with Nathan Byrne and Tim Ream as the fullbacks. In this week’s presser, Smith expressed that he would like to find a more natural left-back option after Jere Uronen departed in the summer, however until the club can source an additional player in that position Ream seems to be favored to continue in that role.

Midfield line

Across the midfield, Ashley Westwood will lead Charlotte out Saturday afternoon, as the English veteran will continue to hold down his place in the center defensive midfield role. One change that could potentially happen in the midfield is swapping Eryk Williamson for Brandt Bronico. Williamson’s debut against Seattle was nothing to write home about. Bronico is a reliable high-work-rate midfielder and the team lacked energy last week so a swap there wouldn't be a shock. Pep Biel proved to be a bright spot for Charlotte against Seattle last weekend and is also highly likely to start at the weekend.

Forward line

Across the front line, Patrick Agyemang will lead the line as the center forward looks to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season. Agyemang’s pace and physicality will be essential to breaking down Atlanta’s backline. On the wings, Charlotte will likely start Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha or Kerwin Vargas. Dean Smith acknowledged yesterday that Zaha returned from the UK and trained with the team so fans will likely see him in some capacity from the start or off the bench. Things finally seem to be trending towards Zaha starting.

Charlotte FC could also look to give minutes to younger talents Tyger Smalls who came off the bench last weekend as well as Idan Toklomati whose impact was acknowledged by Smith during the post-match presser after the draw in Seattle.

With an expected 50,000 fans in the Bank on Saturday afternoon, the streets of Charlotte will be buzzing with fans from both sides in what many consider to be one of the best rivalries in Major League Soccer.