Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs Colorado Rapids

2 days ago

By Ryan Donahue

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90

Charlotte FC travels West to Colorado this weekend, heading into what will be a good test as they take on the Rapids Saturday afternoon. After a dominating display against the San Jose Earthquakes last weekend, the Crown now sits second in the Eastern Conference. In the press conference, Dean Smith also confirmed the only notable absent would be Andrew Privett, who was suspended in last weekend’s match.

The Rapids have also gotten off to a decent start, with only one loss in their first five games. Notable attention has been on Zack Steffen’s continued strong form.

If Charlotte performs to what they have set as their standard this season, the team should have more than enough firepower to get the three points and could have an opportunity to climb into first in the East. Ahead of this weekend's fixture, here’s who Charlotte fans should expect to see in the line up.

Defensive unit

In front of Kristijan Khalina, the center back pairing will most likely be a combination of Adilson Malanda and Tim Ream, who will step back into the center back role to fill the absence of Privett. With Ream stepping into the central role, Souleyman Doumbia will start at left back and Nathan Byrne will continue on the right, giving Charlotte more of the exciting pace we saw against the Earthquakes last week.

Midfield line

Charlotte fans shouldn’t expect many changes in the midfield department as Ashley Westwood, Brandt Bronico, and last weekend’s MVP Pep Biel continue to establish themselves as one of the top midfield trios in the league. Eryk Williamson is likely to come on in the second half as he continues to settle into life at Charlotte.

Forward line

With Patrick Agyemang back from the national team, Idan Toklomati will most likely drop back to the bench. Agyemang, who contributed in both US international matches, is starting to find some form, having scored in his last match for Charlotte as well. Wilfried Zaha and Liel Abada will be deployed out to the left and right wings. Abada has shown early signs of promise so far this season, and Zaha continues to settle in on the left wing.

Kerwin Vargas, who scored in his start last weekend, will likely drop back to the bench along with Toklomati but both players are very likely to make an appearance.

Away matches are never easy to get three points however this Charlotte team has the quality if they perform to secure another win this weekend and many will also be keeping an eye on Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union which will have a big impact on first through third position in the East at the end of the weekend.