Palmeiras team news: Abel Ferreira weighs midfield and attack calls for decisive Libertadores tie | OneFootball

Palmeiras completed their final session on Tuesday morning ahead of the Libertadores last-16 second leg at Cerro Porteño in Asunción, with Abel Ferreira weighing changes in midfield and attack.

According to Globo.com, Andreas Pereira is suspended after his first-leg dismissal, leaving Lucas Evangelista or Emiliano Martínez to deputise. Martínez is the more defensive option, which could release Marlon Freitas to attack the box more often.

Up front, Arias and Flaco López are due to be joined by either Vitor Roque, used in recent games, or Mauricio, with the Paraguayan pushing to start.

At the back, Barboza returns after being protected following a knock to join Murilo and Gustavo Gómez. Khellven is back from a thigh problem, though Allan is likely to retain his place on the wing.

Paulinho has yet to rejoin full training and is out of the travelling party as he recovers from a thigh injury. A likely XI is Carlos Miguel, then Murilo, Gustavo Gómez and Barboza, Marlon Freitas, Lucas Evangelista or Emiliano Martínez, Allan and Piquerez, plus Arias, Mauricio or Vitor Roque, and Flaco López.

The morning session centred on tactical work after a video briefing, with a focus on attacking and defending aerial balls. The squad fly to Asunción this afternoon, with kick-off at 19:00 on Wednesday at Nueva Olla. The first leg finished level, so the winners reach the quarter-finals.

Source: Globo.com

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