Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs Nashville SC

Ryan Donahue
2 days ago
2 min read

By Ryan Donahue

*Charlotte FC's lineup versus the Columbus Crew last week (Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/Topbin90)*

Charlotte FC is back on the road again this weekend, traveling west to take on Nashville SC on Saturday evening. Charlotte, who got the initial win over Nashville earlier this season, will look to recapture points after losing to both New England and Columbus in the past two weeks. Charlotte is coming off the back of their cup victory over North Carolina FC on Tuesday evening, in which the side won 4-1 to advance to the Round of 16.

Defensive unit

Charlotte’s favored central defensive partnership of Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett is likely to lock down the heart of the defense, with Tim Ream expected to occupy the left back position. With both Nathan Byrne and Souleyman Doumbia out, Nick Scardina is also likely to start at right back.

Dean Smith mentioned that Kristijan Kahlina's wife was close to giving birth, so there will be a game or two coming up where Kahlina will not be available. If needed, David Bingham looked serviceable as a fill-in after his performance on Tuesday. As of now, Kahlina should be good to go.

Midfield line

With Pep Biel back in the squad and available for selection, Smith will likely resort to his favored midfield three. Biel, who has been pivotal to linking the midfield to the attack, will slot in at the central attacking position.

Behind Biel, Charlotte’s captain and midfield engine, Ashley Westwood and Brandt Bronico will hold the central midfield position. While Smith did allude to needing to rest Westwood after dropping him midweek, Westwood is almost certain to start. If Smith feels that Biel isn’t ready for ninety minutes, he could also keep Bronico in the more attacking role with Djibril Diani filling the other midfield pivot.

Smith did speak highly of Diani, who featured midweek and grew into the game, so he could be a potential option if Smith chooses to rest or rotate Bronico for Biel; otherwise, expect him to provide minutes off the bench.

Forward line

Patrick Agyemang proved to be a difference maker in Charlotte’s Tuesday evening fixture after scoring a late header to help carry Charlotte over the line. Given Agyemang's continued strength leading the line, he will be expected to start in the central forward position. Alongside Agyemang, Wilfried Zaha, and Liel Abada will inject pace and dynamism into the offensive line, and high productivity from the forward line is going to be vital to taking points off Nashville.

Charlotte will likely continue to use Idan Toklomati and Kerwin Vargas as second-half substitutes to help bring reinforced energy to the front line later in the game.

After a few rough results in the league fixtures, Charlotte should use the built momentum over North Carolina this past week to help them get back to winning ways. Although Nashville provides a tricky match for Charlotte, the side does have quality and will need to demonstrate their ability to win matches on the road this season if they are to maintain their rank at the top of the table.