Palmeiras settle on best line-up before derby, market moves analysed

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Nosso Palestra

·6 February 2026

Palmeiras settle on best line-up before derby, market moves analysed

Palmeiras seems to have finally found its ideal team for the most anticipated moment at the start of the season: the Derby. After weeks of tests, observations, and fine-tuning by Abel Ferreira, Verdão heads into the classic with a lineup that combines defensive security, midfield intensity, and firepower up front.

The 5-1 thrashing of Vitória was not just an impressive scoreline. Above all, it confirmed that the structure chosen by the coaching staff works—and works well.

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The team that convinced Abel

The lineup currently considered ideal is:

Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez; Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Maurício, Allan; Vitor Roque and Flaco López.

This team represents the balance Abel seeks so much: quality ball distribution, a mobile midfield, and an attack that blends physical strength with aggressiveness.

Carlos Miguel has definitively claimed the starting spot in goal, inspiring confidence after Weverton’s departure. The defensive line boasts leadership with Gómez, vigor with Murilo (despite recent doubts), and depth on the flanks with Khellven and Piquerez.

In midfield, the engine runs through Andreas Pereira, the organizer, and Maurício, who gets into the box and connects the sectors. Allan brings intensity on the flanks, while Marlon Freitas, even though originally a “number eight,” plays as the holding midfielder—a role that isn’t ideal for him, but meets the squad’s needs.

Up front, Vitor Roque brings speed and high pressing, while Flaco López offers presence in the box and physical dominance.

Tests, alternatives, and observations

Before reaching this conviction, Abel rotated the squad extensively. Names like Ramón Sosa, Emiliano Martínez, Luís Pacheco, and even Bruno Fuchs were observed in the starting lineup.

Luís Pacheco, an 18-year-old midfielder, is seen as promising but still too raw to take on the holding role in big matches.
Emiliano Martínez, signed in 2025, has yet to find his rhythm. He’s more of a ball-winner, less creative—which limits the midfield’s functioning.
Bruno Fuchs performed well when called upon, especially with his ball distribution, but has yet to establish himself as an undisputed starter.

In addition, Larson from the youth academy also received minutes and special attention from the coaching staff, showing that Palmeiras continues to look within, even while active in the market.

Marlon Freitas out of his ideal position

Internally, the club acknowledges that Marlon Freitas is not playing in his best role. The natural number 8 has been playing as a deeper midfielder due to a lack of ready-made options. The solution has worked tactically, but it’s not considered definitive.

That’s why Palmeiras has turned its eyes to the market.

Danilo on the radar: a long-standing desire

Verdão is negotiating the possible return of Danilo, currently at Botafogo. NOSSO PALESTRA has learned that the São Paulo club made a formal offer of 8 million euros for 50% of the economic rights, but ran into the Rio club’s asking price: 20 million euros.

Despite the gap in values, the interest remains alive. Danilo is seen as the ideal name to bring balance, intensity, and identity to the midfield.

Defense under observation and active in the market

At the back, the situation is also being closely monitored. Murilo, who scored against Vitória, is still inconsistent in his performances. Bruno Fuchs is well-liked but hasn’t secured his spot. Because of this, Palmeiras is making moves.

The club is negotiating with Nino from Zenit. There’s an agreement with the player’s representatives, but the Russians don’t want to release him. Palmeiras even sent an emissary to try to unlock the deal.
Alexsandro from Lille is another name the club likes, although the negotiation is considered difficult.
Verdão also sounded out Igor Júlio, who returned to Brighton after a loan spell with little playing time at West Ham.

Jhon Árias: signing on the way

Meanwhile, the attack could gain even more quality. Palmeiras has a deal well underway with Jhon Árias, who should arrive as a major signing.

The Colombian would come from Wolves, in England, for around 25 million euros, to be an immediate solution and raise the technical level of the squad, especially on the wings.

What now?

Palmeiras returns to the field next Sunday (8), at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), facing Corinthians in a Campeonato Paulista match at Neo Química Arena. In the Brasileirão, Verdão returns next Thursday (12), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), against Internacional.

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