Charlotte FC will look to get back in the win column when they square off against Atlanta United this weekend.

Dean Smith’s team were unable to capture three points last time out against New York Red Bulls, settling for a 1-1 draw at home. Elias Manoel struck late on in the first half to cancel out Karol Swiderski’s penalty attempt to deny Charlotte from their first outright win since July 13 against FC Cincinnati.

Smith will likely stick to his guns and use his 4-2-3-1 setup with Tim Ream in the backline and Swiderski leading the line. With no new injuries in the squad, Smith could pick a similar starting lineup to the one that took the pitch in the draw vs Red Bulls.

Here’s how the Crown could lineup against Atlanta.

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GK: Kristijan Kahlina – Kahlina remains one of the most underrated shot-stoppers starts in MLS, looking to keep his 10th clean sheet of 2024.

RB: Nathan Byrne – The former Derby County full-back keeps his place at right-back as he nears 70 appearances for Charlotte.

CB: Adilson Malanda – The 22-year-old defender has impressed for the majority of the campaign and will aim to continue his positive recent run of form.

CB: Tim Ream – One of the newest Charlotte recruits starts in the heart of defense alongside Malanda.

LB: Jere Uronen – The Finland international has sparked this term with four assists playing at left-back.

DM: Ashley Westwood – Charlotte’s club captain has been in excellent form as of late and will look to keep the momentum rolling against Atlanta.

DM: Djibril Diani – The former Caen player has shined in the middle of the park for Charlotte, starting 19 of his 21 appearances.

RM: Kerwin Vargas – Vargas has made strides in his third season with Charlotte and will be fully focused on adding to his five goals in MLS play.

AM: Brandt Bronico – The 29-year-old attacking midfielder hasn’t been among the goals this season but will look to change that starting against the Five Stripes.

LM: Liel Abada – The ex-Celtic winger has given Charlotte a fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the future as he continues to adjust in his first season in MLS.

ST: Karol Swiderski – The Poland international has returned from his loan spell in Serie A in good form with two goals in four matches for the Crown.

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