Charlotte FC's predicted XI vs Orlando City

By Ryan Donahue

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90

Charlotte FC is locked into fifth in the Eastern Conference standings and will take on Orlando City in a best-out-of-three series starting this Sunday. Charlotte's squad looks to be in full health and riding a lot of momentum after capping off the regular season with a 3-0 road win in DC. "We are all good, it will be the same squad that went to DC," said Charlotte Head Coach Dean Smith on the squad's health during Friday's presser.

Smith thinks Orlando is about as tough an opponent as Charlotte could have gotten to start the playoffs. "They're the best team we could have faced because I'm a big believer that the league table never lies...it makes it a real tight match-up," said Smith on this upcoming series during Friday's press conference.

Defensive unit

At defense, Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett will likely start at center-back. Ream will likely be out left, while Nathan Byrne is out right. Goalkeeper of the Year finalist, Kristijan Kahlina will start in goal. Smith reported that goalkeeper David Bingham is healthy and will be in the squad as Kahlina's backup in Orlando.

Midfield line

In the midfield, Ashley Westwood will captain the team continuing to hold his defensive midfield role along with Junior Urso who has been a key addition to the lineup down the stretch. Brandt Bronico's recent performances will make him likely one of the first names Smith writes on the lineup card, finishing out the three in the middle.

Forward line

Smith’s offense will likely see Pep Biel on the right wing and Liel Abada on the left with Karol Swiderski at the top of the attack. Even with Patrick Agyemang having a strong performance there is little chance Smith diverts from his attacking three that are riding high into the playoffs.

There are no real surprises here, and none really down the stretch as Smith found an eleven that has started to click, now it's a matter of pushing as far as they can go in the playoffs. This a fully fit and healthy squad, riding momentum and high aspirations.

Predicted XI