Atlanta United’s Giorgos Giakoumakis out for match against LAFC

“In general, in life, football players have many distractions,” Pineda said. “We have to stay focused on what matters most, which is the present, today’s training session, regeneration, rehabilitation, trying to be fit for the next match and to perform well in the next match It’s the only thing that matters for the team at the moment So there may be distractions Yes, but I think the team is mature enough to keep an eye on. the price, which is the three points behind Saturday at Benz.

Giakoumakis has suffered from various injuries since joining the club before last season. He played in 36 of the team’s 47 matches, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists.

Pineda can accompany Jamal Thiare, Daniel Rios or Nic Firmino as a striker. All three played in Tuesday’s win over Charleston in the US Open Cup. Firmino has played 120 minutes, making it unlikely he will start on Saturday. Pineda usually uses a single striker, but used Thiare and Rios as a dual striker in the second half against Nashville. Nashville used two central defenders. LAFC will likely use two as well.

“Overall, those two put in a lot of effort, a lot of grinding, pressing, chasing, running in behind, trying to stretch the Nashville backline,” Pineda said. “So it was not an easy task. But I think they did pretty well. But the problem is also the first time they play together. So there’s a little bit of confusion, about how they can work for each other and how they can create space for each other.

Pineda said attacking midfielder Thiago Almada was questionable. He joined the team’s practice for the first time Thursday since injuring his calf in Cincinnati on May 15. He has three goals and one assist this season. His availability will be determined on Friday. If he can’t play, Pineda could slide Saba Lobjanidze in from the right wing, or move Tristan Muyumba from central midfield slightly up the pitch.

Center back Derrick Williams is expected to be available after recovering from a calf injury. He joined the team’s practice session on Monday. His return is timely as Noah Cobb is out after injuring his ankle in Saturday’s draw at Nashville. Pineda said Cobb is recovering well. Winger Tyler Wolff (knee) will miss Saturday’s game.

For more Atlanta United content

Follow me on Twitter/X @DougRobersonAJC

On Facebook at Atlanta United News Now

On Instagram at DouglasDavidRoberson

Coverage of Atlanta United on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Southern Fried Soccer podcast can be found

Apple – https://apple.co/3ISD6Ve

Spotify – https://spoti.fi/3L8TN0C

Google Podcasts – https://bit.ly/32KlZW3

If you’re a first time listener, follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast…and if you like what you hear, give us a good rating so we can grow the show. If you have any questions about the MLS team, you can email Doug Roberson at [email protected]send him a private message on Twitter @dougrobersonajc or call 404-526-2527.

Stay up to date with breaking news, in-depth investigations, politics, sports, entertainment, food and more every day by becoming a subscriber to the AJC. Go to AJC.com/start for a very special offer and unlock hundreds of original articles published daily on the refreshed AJC.com site and new AJC mobile app. Plus, get access to our breaking news alerts, subscriber-only events, AJC original shows, movies and videos, newsletters and more.

Atlanta United’s 2024 schedule

February 24 Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0

March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1

March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0

March 23 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0

March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0

April 6 Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1

April 14 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2

April 20 Cincinnati 2, Atlanta United 1

April 27 Atlanta United 1, Chicago 1

May 4 Minnesota 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7 Atlanta United 3, Charlotte Independence 0 in US Open Cup

May 11 DC United 3, Atlanta United 2

May 15 Cincinnati 1, Atlanta United 0

May 18 Atlanta United 1, Nashville 1

May 21 Atlanta United 0 (5), Charleston 0 (4) in US Open Cup

May 25 vs. LAFC, 7:30 p.m.

May 29 in Miami, 7:30 p.m.

June 2 vs. Charlotte, 4:30 p.m., Fox

June 15 vs. Houston, 7:30 p.m.

June 19 at DC United, 7:30 p.m.

June 22 in Saint-Louis, 8:30 p.m.

June 29 c. Toronto, 7:30 p.m.

July 3 at New England, 7:30 p.m.

July 6 at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m.

July 13 in Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

July 17 vs. NYCFC, 7:30 p.m.

July 20 against Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

July 26 against DC United in the League Cup, 7:30 p.m.

August 4 against Santos Laguna in the League Cup, 4 p.m.

August 24 at LA Galaxy, 10:30 p.m.

August 31 in Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.

September 14 vs. Nashville, 7:30 p.m.

September 18 against Miami, 7:30 p.m.

September 21 at the Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

September 28 in Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

October 2 c. Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

October 5 against Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.

October 19 in Orlando, 6 p.m.