Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI against CF Montréal
- Rylee Mckinney
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
By Rylee McKinney
Okay, so maybe ten wins in a row was a little ambitious... But according to Dean Smith, the squad’s goal was never to beat any MLS records; rather, the Crown’s priority number one is to be an unshakable pillar in the top four rankings.
Charlotte FC currently sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference Standings, and as the season is wrapping up, every match is going to matter.
Last week’s match against NYCFC appears to be a blip in the road for Charlotte, and they are definitely looking to brush that one off this week against CF Montréal. Here is how Charlotte FC is likely to line up:
Defensive Unit
To no one’s surprise, Kristijan Kahlina will likely earn the start in goal. Although last week was not his finest performance, Kahlina has been on top, even landing a spot on MLS's Team of the Matchday for Matchday 33 as a substitute. To his left side will likely be Nathan Byrne, who has brought a new consistency to the defensive line post-injury.
Partnered in the center will likely be Adilson Malanda and Tim Ream. During this week’s presser, Dean Smith noted that Tim Ream did feel "a spot" in his hamstring against NYCFC in the last match. However, Smith assured everyone that Ream was and is fine and that he has been in training since Wednesday.
On the right side will likely be the young Canadian Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty. When asked about Marshall-Rutty, Smith acknowledged that although he is coachable and he wants to get better every session, he still has a long way to go. But with the list of injuries to the back line slowly being carved into stone, Marshall-Rutty has been earning the start every week.
Midfield
Unfortunately, Pep Biel is not quite ready to return to the Starting XI. Biel has been recovering from a hamstring injury for the last few weeks, and per Dean Smith, the scan has come back clear. However, after less than a half of play last week, Biel reported some discomfort coming from behind his knee.
Smith noted that Biel has some tendonitis behind his knee and has some inflammation that is not “massively restricting,” but his ongoing injuries will likely grant Djibril Diani the start on the left side.
To Diani’s right will likely be Ashley Westwood, who continues to be a silent but critical force for Charlotte FC’s midfield. Leading the midfield unit will likely be Brandt Bronico at the top of the triangle.
Warming up the bench for the midfield will likely be Eryk Williamson and Nikola Petković.
Forward Line
Charlotte FC’s attacking line has been impressive over the last few matchdays, and their 3-0 win against Inter Miami proved their chemistry. On the left side will once again likely be Wilfried Zaha, looking to make some key plays in the attacking third.
Kerwin Vargas is likely to start on the right side, as he has been consistently earning the start over Liel Abada. Up top will most likely be Idan Toklomati, who seems untouchable by newcomer Archie Goodwin.
Potential substitutes for the forward line will likely be Liel Abada and Tyger Smalls.
Tonight’s match will be an interesting addition to Charlotte FC’s storyline this season. With only three games left in the regular season, the squad desperately needs to continue their winning ways ahead of the playoff season.
Predicted Starting XI
