Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs San Jose Earthquakes

7 days ago

By Ryan Donahue

Charlotte FC is back again for another night in Bank of America this Saturday as the side prepares for its back-to-back weekend fixture this time against San Jose Earthquakes who are currently ranked sixth in the Western Conference after getting off to a much-improved start to the season so far.

Ahead of Charlotte’s matchup, US internationals Tim Ream and Patrick Agyemang were called into camp and will not be available for Saturday night’s selection.

Dean Smith, who this week officially confirmed his extension with the club, also acknowledged that Jahlane Forbes will not be available for selection and new left-back signing Souleyman Doumbia may not have his visa sorted in time for Saturday.

As Charlotte prepares to take on the Earthquakes here is the most likely predicted XI that Smith could put out.

Defensive unit

Kristijan Khalina has gotten off to a solid start already securing two clean sheets and is almost certain to be the man between the sticks on Saturday night. In front of Kahlina there is going to be some rotation with Ream being away. One option that might happen is Nathan Byrne switching to the left and then Nick Scardina could get his starting debut on the right.

Scardina could also get his debut on the left. Smith could also opt for a more experienced rotation by bringing in Bill Tuiloma and either starting Tuiloma on the right and rotating Byrne to the left or shifting Andrew Privett and Adilson Malanda around a bit.

Midfield line

Where Smith and Charlotte fans can expect the most stability is in the midfield with the likely trio of Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico anchoring behind Pep Biel who will look to continue to get forward and supply opportunities to the attackers. With Agyemang unavailable this weekend, Charlotte’s midfield will be vital to ensuring that the forwards are supplied with enough opportunities to create good chances throughout the match.

Forward line

Without Agyemang, Charlotte is likely to turn to prospective talent Idan Toklomati as the man to lead the line. The Israeli striker has featured in multiple matches so far this season and looks to be the trusted player to back up Agyemang. The matchup this weekend should Toklomati start would be a great opportunity to stake his claim as a reliable first-team option in Charlotte’s roster and demonstrate that the team can rely on him to find goals when Agyemang is unavailable.

Toklomati will be supported by Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha who has shown his ability to set others up and will certainly play a huge influence in how potent Charlotte’s attack looks on Saturday night. Charlotte’s other DP Liel Abada has also been called up for international duty this past week therefore Smith may resort to using seasoned winger Kerwin Vargas on the right side.

Vargas, despite having dropped down to a rotation player has demonstrated his ability to score across multiple seasons and when needed has scored important goals for Charlotte. However, if Smith chooses not to go with Vargas, the most likely alternative would be either Iuri Tavares or Tyger Smalls to take up the right side.