Atlanta United vs Charlotte FC Match Preview: Player Matchup and Predicted Starting XI
- TopBin90 Football
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster) and Sean McGuffin
Matchday 23 has arrived, and Charlotte FC heads back on the road to Atlanta United. With a 3-1 win over DC United last week, Charlotte has a much-needed morale boost after a disappointing Leagues Cup run. Their win bumped The Crown up to 5th place in the Eastern Conference. Tonight's competitor, Atlanta United, sits toward the bottom of the table in 12th place with only 21 points. However, the Five Stripes have been building momentum heading into late August, riding a three-match winning streak.
This Eastern Conference rivalry has met twice this season so far, one US Open Cup Round of 16 match and one MLS Regular Season match. During Open Cup, Charlotte fell 2-0 to Atlanta with a heavily rotated squad.
During their regular season matchup in late July, both wingers Kerwin Vargas and Liel Abada scored for Charlotte, earning a 2-0 win.
In just a month, roster changes have been made to both squads. For Charlotte, Dean Smith brought in Allan Saint-Maximin, who has recently earned starting minutes and is showing great signs. Rumors are still circulating for Charlotte about who will fill Vargas' U-22 roster slot.
For Atlanta, defender Stian Gregersen was recently transferred to Swedish side Malmo FF. On the signings side, Atlanta extended midfielder Jay Fortune's contract to a new deal, lasting through 2030. Atlanta also added some depth to their midfield and attacking lines with MLS Next Pro players Enzo Dovlo and Andrew Jardines under Short-Term Agreements for tonight's match.
Tonight's Player Matchup honors Allan Saint-Maximin, who seems to have taken that left winger spot by storm for Charlotte. Against Saint-Maximin is Atlanta United's right back Tomas Jacob, who has scored in back-to-back games. Both players have provided their teams with a refreshing electricity, and will uniquely challenge each other.
Atlanta United - Right Back - Tomas Jacob
This 22-year-old right-back has been particularly strong for a struggling Atlanta United this season. So far this season, Jacob has recorded 133 defensive contributions and 42 tackles. But what makes Jacob special is his ability to turn on the attack despite his defender status. The young Argentinian has scored three goals and taken seven shots this season. Prior to signing on with Atlanta in January, Jacob spent time with Liga MX side Necaxa.
On the field, Jacob is a tenacious and physically imposing defender. On the discipline side, he has six yellow cards, reflecting his aggressive style of play.
Compared to most right backs in the MLS, Jacob scored highly on goals, rating, and minutes per FotMob's stats. Charlotte FC - Left Winger - Allan Saint-Maximin
Charlotte's shiny new left winger, Allan Saint-Maximin, has already brought a rare energy to the game.
During his first start with Charlotte against DC United, Saint-Maximin did not disappoint, ultimately earning a 7.18 rating on FotMob.
The French winger's footwork is exceptional, and he creates space in critical 1v1 situations to develop chances.
Saint-Maximin's career is highly decorated, spanning across seven different domestic top-flight leagues across Europe, the Middle East, North America and Mexico.
Saint-Maximin's intense attacking form will be a threat to the forward pressing Tomas Jacob. It will be important that Saint-Maximin contain the pressing space taken by Jacob, but he will also need to drive the attack for Charlotte.
Predicted Starting XI
Here is our Predicted Starting XI for tonight as Charlotte takes on Atlanta United:
Defensive Unit
The defensive unit will stay routine with Kristijan Kahlina in goal alongside David Schnegg, Tim Ream, Henry Kessler and a coin flip between Will Cleary and Nathan Byrne. We have Cleary having the slight edge over Byrne for tonight’s match in Atlanta.
Morrison Agyemang, Nathan Byrne, Tyler Miller and Andrew Privett will be available as substitutes.
Midfield
Ashley Westwood and Pep Biel will likely start in midfield as sure starters, with Luca De La Torre holding the slight edge over Brandt Bronico and Djibril Diani. With Allan Saint-Maximin almost guaranteed to start tonight, Pep Biel will likely go back to his traditional spot as an attacking midfielder.
Brandt Bronico and Djibril Diani will be available as subs.
Forward line
Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to start in tonight’s I-85 Derby, with Idan Toklomati likely to start as striker. On the right wing will likely be Rodolfo Aloko to round out the starting 11 against Atlanta.
Archie Goodwin, Liel Abada and Tyger Smalls are the most likely subs for tonight's forward line.
Predicted XI
