Predicted Starting XI for Charlotte FC vs New York City FC
- Rylee Mckinney
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
By: Rylee McKinney
What a summer it has been for the once 1st place Eastern Conference leaders! Charlotte FC will play at The Bank this Saturday against the 7th-place NYCFC, hoping to earn three points.
The lineup will welcome back some well-missed faces as Gold Cup international duty has commenced and penalty suspensions have been served. After their 2-2 draw against Orlando City SC last week, the team inches closer to breaking their losing streak.
Charlotte FC desperately needs a morale boost, meaning a win tonight is crucial. Here is how they are most likely to line up:
Defensive Unit
Tim Ream has finally returned after the USMNT’s loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final last week. So, Ream is likely to start in the left-back position, which has been kept warm by Souleyman Doumbia the last few weeks.
With Ream back at home, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty will most likely play on the right side. Partnered in the fullback positions will likely be Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett. However, with a hip flexor injury during the Chicago Fire FC match two weeks ago, Privett’s start might be withheld depending on his recovery status.
Bill Tuiloma, who scored last week against Orlando, might just be the threat to Privett’s start. His performance as of late might guarantee him some serious minutes.
Additionally, Mikah Thomas and Jack Neeley might serve as some trusty substitutes depending on how the match plays out.
As for injuries, Souleyman Doumbia will likely sit this week as he is still recovering from an ongoing hamstring issue. Nathan Byrne will also be out again but is expected to resume training with the team in the upcoming weeks.
Midfield
As the squad shifts back to normal, this week’s midfield will resume its regular scheduled programming… just kidding. Smith found some success last week with his alternative midfield, and so he will likely replicate it this week. Moreover, Pep Biel, earning a goal last week, will likely push up again into the attacking line.
As a result, Djibril Diani will likely start again on the left side with captain Ashley Westwood on his right. Brandt Bronico will then assume the attacking midfielder position.
Substitutes for the midfield will likely be Eryk Williamson and Pep Biel–who could fall back into his usual position if necessary.
Forward Line
The headline of the last few weeks has been focused on Patrick Agyemang. With an impending move to Derby County, Agyemang is currently in England finalizing the deal.
In the absence of Agyemang, Idan Toklomati will likely become the starting forward for Charlotte pending any new signings in the summer transfer window.
Wilfried Zaha will luckily return this week after a one-game suspension for a yellow card accumulation. Zaha will likely sit in the left attacking position and hopefully can create some waves on offense once again.
During the midweek press conference, coach Dean Smith commented on Liel Abada’s performance against Chicago: “I didn’t think he was great to Chicago. Um, you know, solely that.” Smith added that competition for starting attacking positions is ramping up.
So, Abada will likely sit on the bench this start, and Pep Biel will start on the right side. Abada will likely be Biel’s substitute, but Kerwin Vargas could also be a strong contender. Tyger Smalls will be a third option on the bench for Dean Smith.
Charlotte FC will have a tough match ahead of them this Saturday. Their downward spiral in the standings desperately needs a lifeline, and this match might just be that very lifeline.
Predicted Starting XI
