Abel suspended as Palmeiras weigh defensive and midfield changes for São Paulo clash | OneFootball

Abel Ferreira will miss the touchline as Palmeiras face São Paulo on Saturday, with changes expected at the back and in midfield as they chase a return to the Brasileiro summit.

According to Globo.com, Abel led training on Friday but serves a three-match STJD ban for kicking a microphone against Mirassol, so assistant João Martins takes charge. The derby, in the 27th round, kicks off at 18:30 Brasília time at Nubank Parque.

Jefté, Sosa and Paulinho remain out injured. Barboza and Marlon Freitas are suspended, while Andreas Pereira returns after a ban served against LDU in midweek Libertadores action.

Abel could keep a back three by using Emiliano Martínez alongside Murilo and Gustavo Gómez, or revert to a back four and add a more attacking option such as Felipe Anderson.

A possible XI features Carlos Miguel in goal, with Giay, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo and Piquerez, Arthur is an alternative. Lucas Evangelista, Andreas Pereira, Arias and Felipe Anderson are listed, with Emiliano Martínez also in contention, plus Flaco López and Vitor Roque up front.

Palmeiras trail Flamengo by one point after the last round. Victory would take them back to first place, at least until Flamengo play Corinthians on Sunday at 17:30 Brasília time.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”