Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs New York Red Bulls

By Brian Maurer

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

Charlotte FC ended their five-game skid last Saturday with a lively comeback victory in front of their home faithful. Now they are back on the road for a Wednesday night matchup against the New York Red Bulls. The Crown will be looking for their first-ever win at Red Bull Arena, and here is the lineup we predict Dean Smith will put out there to try and grab points:

Defensive unit

Kristijan Kahlina, of course, will be in goal. Ahead of him, the backline is likely to remain unchanged from last week (from left to right: Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Andrew Privett, Adilson Malanda, and Nick Scardina), although Smith did say Souleyman Doumbia is back in with the squad. Tim Ream is still out, but Smith said there is a chance he is back by this weekend's game.

Worth watching to see how quickly Doumbia slots back into the squad. Smith is probably looking to start him sooner rather than later, but there's a chance he will gradually bring him back. If he gets a run out this Wednesday, maybe he could go from the start this weekend; it all depends on how his last training went. Also, watch for Jack Neeley as the Academy graduate made his MLS debut on Saturday.

Midfield line

Charlotte's midfield trio will have to have some changes to it as Brandt Bronico is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Smith said the competition for that spot is between Djibril Diani, Eryk Williamson, and Nikola Petkovic. Diani has been getting the nod, but Williamson has had a couple of stronger performances recently.

Ashley Westwood will captain the squad as the other half of the double pivot, and Pep Biel, who is coming off a Team of the Matchday performance, will slot in as the central attacking midfielder.

Forward line

No foreseeable changes are likely up top, as Wilfried Zaha will be slotted out left, and Patrick Agyemang will be the nine. Kerwin Vargas was selected over Liel Abada this past Saturday, and there is a decent chance Smith opts to maintain that rotation again on Wednesday. Smith said he felt Abada and Vargas would be competing for that right-wing spot this season, and it looks like that competition is just starting to heat up.

Tyger Smalls has been filling in as the backup striker as Idan Toklomati is still sidelined. Iuri Tavares is another depth option who could get an opportunity as a substitute, although he's only gotten one appearance in the last seven MLS games.

Predicted Starting XI