Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI against Inter Miami CF

By Rylee McKinney

Kerwin Vargas, Ashley Weswood, and Adilson Malanda (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90)

MLS play is finally back this weekend after the international break! We are back at The Bank and will take on Inter Miami CF.

Charlotte, with eight consecutive wins in a row, will be looking to break some records this weekend. Seattle Sounders FC holds the record for the longest single-season streak in MLS with nine wins. Tonight’s match can tie Charlotte with Seattle, so all eyes will be on Charlotte for this sold-out match. 

Here’s how Charlotte FC is likely to line up:

Defensive Unit

Kristijan Kahlina definitely saves, there is no doubt about that! So, Kahlina will likely hold down the back line between the posts. 

According to Dean Smith this week, Harry Tuffolo is still not available for selection as he is recovering from his hamstring injury. Nathan Byrne will likely start in the left fullback spot with Tim Ream and Adilson Malanda partnered in the center. 

Tim Ream returned to training this week after his two international friendlies with the USMNT. Starting both matches, Tim Ream earned some significant minutes with the squad, but he is still expected to start tonight. 

Also fresh from his international friendly matches, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty will likely start in the right fullback position. 

Substitutes for the back line are likely to be Nick Scardina, Andrew Privett, and Bill Tuiloma once again. Charlotte’s defensive line will have to remain uniform and on its toes against Miami’s threatening offense, so there is a chance we might see some substitutions depending on the trajectory of the match. Yet, Luis Suarez’s suspension will hopefully be an advantage for Charlotte’s defensive tactics. 

Midfield

In better news, Pep Biel is finally back for selection after a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for the past few weeks. During the midweek presser, Dean Smith acknowledged Biel’s anticipated return; however, he stressed caution over starting Biel so soon. 

So, Djibril Diani will likely start on the left side, with captain Ashley Westwood on the right side. Brandt Bronico is likely to once again start in the attacking midfielder spot. The midfield unit will be critical in stopping Miami’s forward-moving momentum, so everyone will need to be on their best behavior…I’m talking to you Westwood! 

Available substitutes will likely be Pep Biel, Eryk Williamson, and Nikola Petković. 

Forward Line

The Crown’s forward line will mirror last week’s lineup, hopefully in regard to both their positions and goals. 

On the left side will likely be Wilfried Zaha, who mentioned he would like to stay in Charlotte during this week’s presser. To his right will likely be Kerwin–tied with Benson Boone for most flips–Vargas. 

Twerking up top will likely be Idan Toklomati. Unfortunately, Toklomati’s new competition, Archie Goodwin, is feeling down unda’ and reported a tight hamstring during this week's training. 

On the bench for the forward line will likely be Liel Abada and Tyger Smalls. 

Head coach Dean Smith will also be unavailable for pitch-side selection this weekend as he earned his third yellow card against New England. Smith is only suspended for this week’s match and will be back next week against New York City FC. 

Charlotte FC will have their work cut out for them against Inter Miami’s star-studded lineup. A win tonight could earn them another step in making MLS history.

Predicted Starting XI