Charlotte FC vs Atlanta United: 1 v 1 battles to watch
By Brian Maurer
Charlotte FC is coming off a poor opening week performance in Seattle, even if they came away with a draw. The Crown will look to be far sharper and bring more energy in their home opener versus their Southern rivals Atlanta United.
Wilfried Zaha vs Matthew Edwards
Dean Smith stated that Zaha was flying back and training yesterday which raises the potential that he can get the start this weekend. If he can start he will be in line for a very plus matchup versus an inexperienced Matthew Edwards who just had his first career MLS start last week as a replacement for the injured Brooks Lennon.
If Zaha cannot go from the start then Liel Abada will likely feature on the left. Either way, left wing will be a key spot for Charlotte as they need to take advantage of the inexperienced Edwards if he is given the nod for the second straight week.
Kristijan Kahlina vs Emmanuel Latte Lath
Kristijan Kahlina saved several second-half shots last weekend. He will likely need to come up clutch again a few times this weekend. Atlanta's new MLS-record transfer Emmanuel Latte Lath had four shots total, all of which were on target and he scored a brace in his debut. Latte Lath looked extremely dangerous and capable around the box, plus his ability to keep his shots on target makes him a dangerous threat. Kahlina will need to mitigate that threat with another big-time performance in goal.
Nathan Byrne vs Saba Lobjanidze
While most of the focus in this game will be on the other side of the field where Miguel Almiron operates, the matchup between Nathan Byrne and Saba Lobjanidze could play a more pivotal role. Since Smith put Tim Ream in as his left back last season, Byrne's role became more forward-thinking along the right wing. Against Seattle last week the majority of Charlotte's attacking presence was on the right side. Atlanta primarily attacked down their left against Montreal. If both clubs have similar game plans there could be serious competition for control on that side of the field.
Almiron would often invert towards the middle and left wing from the right, Latte Lath also spent some time in the left half-space. Miranchuk was another who would drift over to combine on the left wing. This overloading led to Lobjanidze creating several opportunities. The Georgian had four key passes, two big chances created, and an assist in their home opener.
This matchup could determine who has control as both teams may aim to attack down the same side of the field. Byrne will be looking to get in behind Lobjanidze to attack Atlanta's backline. Lobjanidze will look to keep Byrne pushed back with his attacking threat in transition and with combination play in overloading sequences.
Summary
The wings look like key areas in this matchup as Atlanta United is likely missing both of their starting fullbacks. Charlotte's Zaha will need to have a big game against weaker less experienced defensive opposition. Charlotte's Byrne will need to not get caught out when he pushes forward as Almiron, Latte Lath, Lobhanidze, and co. will aim to punish Charlotte by hitting them in transition in the space the right back leaves open when he joins the attack.
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