Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI against New York City FC
- Rylee Mckinney
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Today’s game will be a true Bronx tale as Charlotte FC meets New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. Despite an early kickoff time, today’s game can place Charlotte FC in the record books.
With their win against Inter Miami CF last week, Charlotte FC tied the Seattle Sounders with the most consecutive MLS wins, sitting at nine. A win tonight will bump Charlotte up to ten consecutive MLS wins, and could be done at Yankee Stadium, which is no doubt a historic achievement.
The Crown has a massive chance to knock this match out of the park! Here is how they are most likely to line up:
Defensive Unit
The keeper of the keys, Kristijan Kahlina, will likely start in between the posts. Kahlina’s innate expertise will be crucial for NYCFC’s attacking forward lines. Nathan Byrne will likely start on the left fullback with the young Canadian Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty on the right side.
Partnered in the middle will likely be Tim Ream and Adilson Malanda, Charlotte’s subtle dynamic duo. Both players have been essential to the defensive line in protecting Charlotte’s box each match.
As for substitutions, Nick Scardina, Andrew Privett, and Bill Tuiloma will be on the edge of the bench, hoping to earn some minutes. Unfortunately, new signing Harry Toffolo is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Per Dean Smith, Toffolo is expected to be available for selection against CF Montréal next week.
Midfield
Have some Pep in your step this week because Pep Biel is likely to be back in the starting lineup. Although he was available for selection last week against Miami, Biel has been prioritizing his recovery rather than rushing back into play. So, Biel will likely earn the start on the left side.
O Captain! My Captain! Ashley Westwood will likely start on the right side, with Mayor Brandt Bronico likely leading the charge at the attacking midfield spot.
It seems like the stars have finally aligned, and the midfield unit is once again reflecting Charlotte’s powerhouse midfield from earlier in the season.
On the bench for the midfield will likely be Djibril Diani, Eryk Williamson, and Nikola Petković.
Forward Line
Wilfried ‘What a Life!” Zaha will likely start on the left side and will be essential in creating the necessary forward momentum. On the right side will likely be Kerwin Vargas, who has earned starts in the past five matches.
Leading the charge up top will likely be Idan Toklomati. Archie Goodwin, although available for selection, has a lot of work to do in order to catch up to Toklomati. Fresh off a hat trick against Miami last week, Toklomati has Charlotte fans asking, “Patrick who?”
Likely substitutions for the forward line will be Archie Goodwin, Liel Abada, and Tyger Smalls.
Today’s match is a chance for Charlotte FC to make history! With a playoff spot already clenched, Charlotte FC could make a significant step towards the Supporters’ Shield with a win today.
Predicted Starting XI
