Palmeiras seek response at Fluminense before Libertadores return in Asunción | OneFootball

Palmeiras visit Fluminense at the Maracanã on Saturday at 16:30 Brasília time, looking to steady form and protect their Brasileirão lead before a Libertadores decider. According to Globo.com, a win would also increase the pressure on second-placed Flamengo.

Recent home stumbles against Internacional and Cerro Porteño have trimmed their cushion at the top and complicated the continental tie. Counting the Copa do Brasil, they are three matches without a win.

They remain in the cup after a 3-0 first leg at Nubank Parque outweighed a 3-2 defeat in the return leg of the last 16.

Abel Ferreira accepts the issue is not only results, pointing to a lack of inspiration and ruthlessness. He asked for calm and noted there are still 90 minutes away to hit their target.

In Asunción, Palmeiras must beat Cerro at La Nueva Olla to reach the quarter-finals without penalties.

The trip to Rio carries weight too, as victory could stretch the lead from six to eight points, or nine if Flamengo slip at Mirassol on Sunday.

Ferreira has signalled he will not rotate, with the squad travelling close to full strength minus Barboza, Paulinho, Khellven and Jefté. Gustavo Gómez and Bruno Fuchs should return to the XI, and Andreas Pereira, a miss for the second leg against Cerro, will also start. In the second half he may trial alternatives for the number eight role, including Lucas Evangelista and Emiliano Martínez.

Source: Globo.com

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