Charlotte FC's predicted starting XI vs Orlando City

By Sean McGuffin - @SeanMCG704

Photo courtesy of CJ Hellner/TopBin90

Charlotte FC travels to the Sunshine State for its first midweek match of the MLS season. The Crown will take on an Orlando City side looking for its second win in league play. 

Here’s a look at what Charlotte’s starting lineup might look like tonight:

Defensive Unit

Kristijan Kahlina returns to the goal after keeping a clean sheet for 90 minutes against New York City FC. A goal in added time took away the shutout, but it was still another win with Kahlina between the posts. Tim Ream has been ruled out for tonight’s match, and Henry Kessler is questionable, making it most likely that Andrew Privett is called upon to fill in alongside Morrison Agyemang. Fullbacks Harry Toffolo and Nathan Byrne continue to be Dean Smith’s preferred options on the outside. 

The subs on the bench for the defense will likely be Tyler Miller, David Schnegg, Jack Neeley, and Henry Kessler if he’s available.

Midfield 

Captain Ashley Westwood and Pep Biel should remain in the midfield for tonight's match against Orlando. Brandt Bronico was given the starting nod in the match against NYCFC, beating both Djibril Diani and Luca de la Torre for the position. Bronico earned a yellow card just minutes into the match in Queens. De la Torre would sub in for Bronico in the 77th. Against a struggling Orlando team, Smith may look to de la Torre’s ball progression abilities to start the match and give him some more starting reps with the club. 

If de la Torre gets the nod, Djibril Diani, Brandt Bronico, and newly signed Aron John will be available as subs. 

Forward line 

Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati should return to the lineup. Toklomati scored the go-ahead goal against New York City FC, which bolsters his case to start over Archie Goodwin, who has been gaining momentum with his recent performances. Smith could also opt to rotate the striker position since the club has another game Saturday and US Open Cup action next Tuesday.

To the shock of many, Rodolfo Aloko made his first MLS start against New York City FC. The rookie played 69 minutes before being subbed out for Kerwin Vargas, who would go on to score the game-winning goal. There's a chance the rookie gets another start against a struggling Orlando City. This would allow Kerwin Vargas to return to a super sub role, coming off the bench in the late game to give the offense a boost. The chance of either Aloko or Vargas starting seems to be pretty even.

Vargas/Aloko, Goodwin, Tyger Smalls, and Liel Abada are available forwards on the bench.

Predicted Starting XI