Palmeiras forced into drastic midfield shake-up for title showdown | OneFootball

Palmeiras are facing a challenging set of decisions in midfield ahead of their high-stakes match against Flamengo in the race for the Brazilian league title. Abel Ferreira will be forced into at least two changes to his usual central setup, with Felipe Anderson sidelined by a thigh issue and Richard Ríos serving a suspension after accumulating three yellow cards.

This reduces Palmeiras’ midfield options to Emiliano Martínez, Aníbal Moreno, and Lucas Evangelista. There’s potential for Martínez to be brought in to add extra steel, though competition for places remains open. Mauricio is also in the frame for a starting spot and could either fill the advanced midfield role left vacant by Felipe Anderson or take up a wider position as part of the front three, likely alongside Estêvão—who is coming off a scoring appearance against Ceará—and Vitor Roque.

The club will also be without head coach Abel Ferreira, who is completing a suspension, and forward Bruno Rodrigues, who continues his recovery with the medical staff but is nearing a return to full fitness.

One positive development sees Raphael Veiga back training after missing the previous match with lower back pain, putting him in contention for a place in the matchday squad. The projected starting lineup for Palmeiras could see Weverton in goal; Giay, Murilo, Gustavo Gómez, and Piquerez in defence; a midfield anchored by Emiliano Martínez, Lucas Evangelista, and Aníbal Moreno or Mauricio; and an attacking trio of Facundo Torres, Estêvão, and Vitor Roque.

Palmeiras enter this round at the top of the league table, four points clear of Flamengo after nine matches. Even with a defeat, Ferreira’s side would retain their lead at the summit. The absences and uncertainty over midfield balance, however, mean the defending champions have major decisions to make as they prepare for a critical clash with their closest rivals.

Source: Lance