Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips
Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Match Preview
Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC clash this week in the MLS season at the BMO Field. This will be the third meeting between the two sides in the league.
The home side will go into the game after picking up their first win of the season. They defeated the New England Revolution last week away from home, with Lorenzo Insigne scoring the only goal of the game.
The home side’s manager, John Herdman, spoke to the media last week and sent a message to the fans. He said:
“I can’t wait to get in front of those fans. I feel like the team had to build trust back with the fanbase. All the fans when I went to the fan engagement night just wanted to see the effort. They wanted to see effort, that resilience, that resolve, and the fight. I think we’ve shown that over the two matches. Yes, it’s the beginning, but there was a preseason where those habits were forming. I think the fans can be proud of the work that’s gone in.”
Charlotte are also unbeaten in the league this season with a win and a loss so far. They drew 1-1 at Vancouver Whitecaps last week while winning their first match of the season at home to New York City FC.
Dean Smith, the manager of Charlotte FC, is looking forward to the game and also has a message for his fans and the opponents. He said:
“Every institution I’ve seen been successful, there has to be a group mentality and teamwork and togetherness, because if you get an institution all moving in the same direction, it’s really, really hard to stop. That’s big thing that I think has to be part of our culture.”
“Sometimes you have to be aware of the unknown. They haven’t played the game yet, so it’d be interesting to see how they are. They’re at home for their first game of the season, so they’ll certainly want to put on a show for their home crowd as well. We have to be very respectful of the opposition, but certainly not fear them.”
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Team News
John Herdman will stick with his three-at-the-back formation again. The tactics have worked well so far, and it would be surprising if he made any changes.
Brandon Servania is out for the foreseeable future after rupturing his ACL. Jordan Perruzza will join him in the treatment room after picking up a groin injury.
Richie Laryea is back in training but has yet to hit full strides. He should be out for another week or two, while Deandre Kee is also out for a similar period with a calf injury.
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Dean Smith has always relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation, and he will be going into the game again with the same. He has a couple of injury worries to deal with, but he should still have enough players for the game.
Brandt Bronico will not be available for the game this week after he picked up a thigh injury. Ben Bender had knee surgery recently and will not return until the end of March or early April.
Brandon Cambridge has not returned to full training just yet and will be out this week once again. Djibril Diani is still waiting for his visa and could be waiting to get on the pitch for another week.
Predicted Lineups
Johnson should be the one in goal again, with O’Neill, Long, and Gomis in defense. Bernadeschi and Petretta will be the wing-backs again, with Flores and Coello in the midfield.
Insigne and Osorio should be the ones in attack along with Owusu this week.
Predicted XI: Sean Johnson, Shane O’Neill, Kevin Long, Nickseon Gomis, Federico Bernardeschi, Deybi Flores, Alonso Coello, Raoul Petretta, Jonathan Osorio, Lorenzo Insigne, Prince-Osei Owusu
Kahlina has conceded just once this season and will be keeping his place this week. Byrne, Malanda, Privett, and Uronen have been solid in defense and should remain unchanged.
Urso and Westwood have done well in the heart of the midfield with Vargas, Dejaegere, and Tavares in the attacking role. Copetti is yet to score this season and will be looking to break the duck this week.
Predicted XI: Kristijan Kahlina, Nathan Byrne, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, Jere Uronen, Ashley Westwood, Júnior Urso, Kerwin Calderón Vargas, Brecht Dejaegere, Iuri Tavares, Enzo Copetti
Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Head-to-Head
Charlotte FC 3-0 Toronto FC
Toronto FC 2-2 Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC 0-1 Toronto FC
Toronto FC 4-0 Charlotte FC
Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Prediction
Toronto FC 4-2 Charlotte FC
Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Betting Tips
Toronto FC to win.
Both Teams To Score: Yes.
Over 3.5 Goals: Yes.
Odds
Toronto FC Win: 2.26
Draw: 3.77
Charlotte FC Win: 3.28
Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC Timings & Telecast
BMO Field – 9th March – 19:00 GMT
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