Oppo Research: 5 Things about Charlotte FC

In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Jorge Gonzales of Topbin90 to learn more about Charlotte FC, New York City FC's playoff opponent on Saturday afternoon. Here is your NYCFC versus Charlotte preview.

1 . Charlotte need to be more aggressive

Hudson River Blue: NYCFC was able to stifle Charlotte’s attack and limit it to a 0.43 xG. What do you think Dean Smith will change tactically so that Charlotte can be more threatening offensively on Saturday?

Jorge Gonzales: I don’t think there will be many tactical changes. The team has to stick with the same formula that helped them finish in 4th Place.

I think Charlotte needs to be more aggressive from the start and stay focused throughout the entire match. They did a lot of the basic things wrong in the first half of the first match against New York, which I think cost them the game.

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2. Zaha crucial to Charlotte's success

HRB: Liel Abada, who filled in for Wilfried Zaha, had a quiet night on Tuesday. With Zaha returning for Saturday’s game, how important will he be for Charlotte offensively?

JG: Zaha is going to be crucial for Charlotte FC’s chances of winning in New York and forcing a Game 3. He’s been in his best form during the last few games of the season and is the biggest offensive threat Charlotte FC has.

New York City vs Charlotte player ratings

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Hudson River BlueOliver Strand

3. Not the time to dwell on the past

HRB: Charlotte are still searching for its first-ever playoff win, and it has to come at Yankee Stadium, a place where The Crown had their impressive nine-game winning streak snapped in September. Does the fact that Charlotte has struggled in the Bronx recently play a role in Saturday’s game?

JG: I don’t think that will play a major role. What I think will be more on their minds is knowing that it’s win or go home. Charlotte will have to use that either as motivation or risk letting it become negative pressure.

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4. The X-Factor: Zaha

HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?

JG: The X-factor is Wilfried Zaha. He missed the first match after receiving an avoidable red card in the final game of the season. I’m betting he’ll be up for it this Saturday, knowing how much is on the line.

5. Predicted Starting XI

HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?