Flu chase top spot in Brasileirão at ground of their third title | OneFootball

Fluminense takes the field this Wednesday (25/02), at 21h30, for a true “six-point match” against Palmeiras, at Arena Barueri. The clash, valid for the 4th round of the 2026 Brazilian Championship, brings face to face the two unbeaten leaders of the competition, both with 7 points (2 wins and 1 draw). A victory would put Tricolor alone at the top of the table and provide a morale boost ahead of the decisive second leg of the Carioca semifinal against Vasco, next Sunday.

The Barueri Talisman: Remembering 2010

Playing at Arena Barueri brings back great memories for Tricolor fans. The stadium was the stage for crucial victories in the final stretch of the campaign that culminated in the 2010 Brasileirão title.

Challenges on Synthetic Turf and Zubeldía’s Strategy

Despite such memories at the São Paulo stadium, the main concern of the technical staff led by Luis Zubeldía at the moment is the synthetic pitch. The artificial surface requires extra caution, especially with players returning from transition or injury. This is the case for midfielder Hércules, who returned to training after severe pubic pain and should be preserved to avoid aggravating the issue before the derby against Vasco.

With Facundo Bernal suspended for the decisive Carioca match and Nonato doubtful (still with thigh pain), Zubeldía is carefully evaluating his options. The coach may choose to start the Uruguayan Bernal in midfield today against Palmeiras, or already field Otávio among the starters, giving the youngster some rhythm and preparing him as a likely option for the weekend, where he could pair up precisely with Hércules.

Probable Fluminense lineup: Fábio; Samuel Xavier, Jemmes, Freytes (or Ignácio), Renê (or Guilherme Arana); Martinelli, Acosta, Bernal (or Otávio); Savarino (or Soteldo), Serna, and John Kennedy.

Preparation and Recent Record

The recent history between the teams is marked by balance, with 2 wins for each side and 1 draw in the last 5 games.

Summary of the period:

After the final whistle in São Paulo, the focus of the squad and technical staff will turn 100% to Maracanã. There, on Sunday, Flu will defend the 1–0 advantage earned at Nilton Santos against Cruz-Maltino to secure their spot in the grand final of the Campeonato Carioca.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.