Charlotte FC’s Predicted Starting XI vs Orlando City
- Brian Maurer
- 1 minute ago
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By Brian Maurer
Charlotte FC has a midweek game for the next three weeks. Four of those six games to close out May are on the road. It's a grueling schedule that could lead to some rotation as the month progresses. However, during this midweek fixture against Orlando City, there shouldn't be too much rotation. Dean Smith reported that the team is still healthy and looking to snap a three-game losing streak. Smith has also stated that three-day breaks are not too big of a concern and that that is enough time for players to recover and go again.
Here is our predicted Charlotte FC lineup for tonight's game against Orlando:
Defensive unit
Smith threw Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty on the left this past weekend for his debut start, and his forward-thinking progressive play led to Wilfried Zaha getting the most touches in a game all season. This gives reason to believe that Marshall-Rutty could get another chance against the Lions. If Marshall-Rutty is at left back, then Tim Ream will likely get the call again at center back alongside Adilson Malanda. Smith has stated he likes the balance of play better with a left footer at left center back, especially if Marshall-Rutty (a right-footer) is at left back. At right back, Nick Scardina will most likely get the call again.
There have been no reports about Kristijan Kahlina's wife going into labor, so Kahlina should be set to play.
Midfield line
Discussions between fans online have suggested a regression from Ashley Westwood, and that some fans may be interested in seeing some rotation. I wouldn't expect the captain to get benched during a pivotal road matchup, but I've been wrong plenty before. Brandt Bronico will likely play alongside Westwood, and Pep Biel will be slotted back in the 10 role. Watch for Biel's minutes as he was subbed off after 66 minutes on Saturday. Eryk Williamson was given the run out as the replacement for Biel, who may still be on a count after his hamstring injury. Djibril Diani is also likely to make a substitute appearance.
Forward line
Charlotte FC's attacking front three is likely to remain unchanged with Wilfried Zaha, Patrick Agyemang, and Liel Abada across the top. Abada is the only forward in scoring form, and Smith has been rotating in Idan Toklomati, Kerwin Vargas, and Iuri Tavares. Smith said in yesterday's presser that Tyger Smalls likely won't be available but that he hopes he will be ready to go by the weekend. Smalls is listed as questionable on the MLS Status Report.
Predicted Starting XI
