Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs San Diego

By Ryan Donahue

*Pep Biel (16), with Ashley Westwood (8) setting up for a free kick against Nashville SC (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)*

Charlotte FC is back home at the Bank this weekend. The side kicks off against San Diego on Saturday. It will be the first time Charlotte hosts an expansion team in their inaugural season.

After last weekend's historic win in Montreal, Charlotte is sitting second in the East and undefeated through four at home. Charlotte will have a great opportunity to move back into first.

Here is how Charlotte fans can expect the team to lineup this weekend.

Defensive unit

Dean Smith acknowledged that Nathan Byrne could miss this weekend, leaving an opening on the right. With Byrne a question mark, the back four will likely be made up of Andrew Privett and Adilson Malanda as the center back pair. At left back, Tim Ream is expected to fill in the role as long as he is cleared to play. Souleyman Doumbia is the backup option if Ream isn't cleared to play or if Ream is needed in another role.

Smith could play Privett on the right if Byrne is out, with Doumbia on the left, and slide Ream into the central role. Alternatively, Smith could bring in Nick Scardina as the right-back choice.

Midfield line

As expected, the midfield trio will have few changes. Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico will almost certainly anchor the midfield as the connection from defense to attack and Charlotte’s man of the moment, Pep Biel, who scored last week’s winner, will sit in the pocket just behind the attack.

Unless there is an unexpected injury or change that requires Djibril Diani or Eryk Williamson, this midfield trio will likely be the starting three.

Forward line

Smith confirmed that Wilfried Zaha is on track to return for this weekend’s fixture, so Charlotte fans can expect him to start on the left with Liel Abada slotted on the right. Patrick Agyemang, despite a slower start to the goal scoring than expected so far this season, is expected to play in the center forward role with Idan Toklomati providing legs off the bench.

Saturday is a big night for the club as the side continues to chase the top of the table, and with Charlotte's unbeaten form at home, this weekend’s match presents a great opportunity to secure another three points.