DC United vs Charlotte FC Match Preview: Player Matchup & Predicted Starting XI
By Rylee McKinney (@rylees_roster) and Sean McGuffin (@SeanMCG704)
Charlotte FC continues their on-the-road journey tonight as they travel to Audi Field to take on DC United. The matchup comes with both sides looking to build momentum down the final stretch of the MLS Regular Season.
Charlotte enters the match sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with 40 points after 25 matches. The Crown are coming off a 3-3 draw against FC Cincinnati, a game in which Charlotte surrendered a lead twice. Despite the result, Dean Smith's side remains unbeaten in its last five matches, with wins over DC United, Atlanta United and CF Montreal during that stretch.
DC United, meanwhile, sits 11th in the Eastern Conference with 29 points. The Black-and-Red are unbeaten in their last three matches and most recently played Atlanta United to a 0-0 draw at Audi Field. DC has also shown a tendency to keep matches close, drawing 11 times this season, tied for the most in MLS.
Tonight will be the second and final regular-season meeting between the two clubs this season. Charlotte took the first matchup 3-1 at The Bank on August 22 after DC opened the scoring through Louis Munteanu before the Crown responded with three goals in 13 minutes.
One major addition for Charlotte will be the return of captain Ashley Westwood. Westwood missed the last two matches while serving a suspension for yellow-card accumulation, but he is expected to be back in contention for today's match. His return gives Charlotte back one of its most important voices in the center of the pitch as The Crown look to control the tempo on the road.
So, our matchup to watch tonight focuses on the returning Westwood against DC United's new midfielder, Kimito Nono.
Player Matchup
DC United - Midfielder - Kimito Nono
Nono has become an important piece for DC United since arriving from Kashima Antlers, providing versatility and energy on the right side. In DC’s previous meeting with Charlotte, Nono played 75 minutes and earned a 6.9 FotMob rating in the 3-1 loss.
More recently, he recorded an 8.0 rating and an assist against Columbus last week before playing all 90 minutes in DC’s 0-0 draw with Atlanta. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball will give Westwood and Charlotte another challenge to deal with Saturday.
Charlotte FC - Midfielder - Ashley Westwood
Ashley Westwood returns to Charlotte’s midfield after missing the previous match through suspension. According to FotMob, Westwood has recorded 2 goals and 3 assists across 22 MLS appearances, while completing 87.6% of his passes and creating 34 chances this season.
His ability to control possession and create from deeper areas will be important for Charlotte as The Crown look to break down DC’s midfield on the road.
Charlotte FC's Predicted Starting XI
Here is our Predicted Starting XI for tonight as Charlotte takes on DC United:
Defensive Unit
The consistency continues in the defense with Kristijan Kahlina in goal for Charlotte; in front of him will be David Schnegg, Tim Ream and Henry Kessler. The right back is the only questionable position, with a coin flip between Nathan Byrne and Will Cleary for who will start. Byrne has been on and off the starting lineup in recent matches, but the 34-year-old Englishman is trying to earn back his usual starting nod. At the moment it remains a toss-up between Byrne and the rookie Cleary.
Morrison Agyemang, Will Cleary, Tyler Miller, Harry Toffolo and Andrew Privett will be available as substitutes.
Midfield
Djibril Diani is most likely to start alongside the returning captain, Ashley Westwood. Westwood will start his first match since serving a two-game suspension for a red card and accumulated yellow cards. Westwood and Diani will play as central midfielders, with Pep Biel in his usual attacking-midfielder role. While Diani is most likely to start, it is far from a sure thing, with the final midfield starting slot still yet to be cemented between Diani, Bronico and de la Torre.
Brandt Bronico and Luca de la Torre will be available as subs.
Forward line
Striker Idan Toklomati and right winger Liel Abada both received call-ups from the Israeli national team this week. Still, before competing for international glory, both will start in attack against DC United. Allan Saint-Maximin will likely round out the attack on the left wing. This attacking line scored two of Charlotte FC’s three goals last week and has already proven to be dangerous against MLS opposition.
Archie Goodwin, Rodolfo Aloko and Tyger Smalls will be subs for tonight's match.
Predicted XI
