Charlotte FC's predicted starting XI vs Inter Miami

By Ryan Donahue

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90

Charlotte FC bounced back last weekend in what was a critical three points for Dean Smith’s side as they asserted themselves in a 4-0 victory over bottom-of-the-Eastern Conference New England Revolution.

While the win was comfortable, Charlotte needed to secure the points to help push them towards securing a playoff birth. The club currently sits five points above the playoff line and with only four games remaining in the season, every result matters.

This weekend, Charlotte is back on the road, heading south to face off against league leaders Inter Miami. Miami so far this season has the second-best home record in the league, only dropping points in five of their fifteen home matches. They have only lost twice at home and with the return of Lionel Messi, Charlotte will need to be at their best if they hope to secure a result.

Ahead of the match, we assessed how Smith will line his side up to face the league leaders. 

Defensive unit

At defense, Andrew Privett and Adilson Malanda could partner again in defense. Last week, Jere Uronen was benched with Tim Ream holding a spot out left and Privett getting to feature for the first time since being dropped from the starting eleven last month. The lineup enabled Privett to get minutes and Uronen to rest, it's up in the air how Smith will play things after the backline's success and stability against New England. On the right, Nathan Byrne who signed an extended contract with the club keeping him here through 2026 is favored to start. Kristijan Kahlina, of course, will assuredly be starting in goal.

Midfield line

The midfield setup will most likely consist of Charlotte captain Ashley Westwood who will anchor at the center of the midfield trio. Brandt Bronico and either Djibril Diani or Júnior Urso are the likely candidates to feature alongside the captain. Last week, Urso featured from the start after Smith opted to keep Pep Biel at right wing.

Forward line

Up front, Karol Świderski is expected to start at the center of the attack, with Liel Abada and Biel looking to get in behind the Miami back line from the wings. Smith will likely deploy Patrick Agyemang in the second half to run against tired Miami legs.

While the weekend fixture will be a difficult one for the Crown, the side's victory last week will have lifted the spirits in the dressing room and if Charlotte can build off the momentum, securing points in Miami could be massive for the side securing its first-ever home playoff match.

Predicted XI