Palmeiras line-up: Abel faces selection dilemma for clash with São Paulo

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·28 febbraio 2026

Palmeiras line-up: Abel faces selection dilemma for clash with São Paulo

Palmeiras trained on the morning of this Saturday (28th), at the Football Academy, and continued their preparations for the derby against São Paulo, at 8:30 PM on Sunday (01), at Arena Crefisa Barueri, for the semifinal of the Campeonato Paulista. After a technical session focused on crosses and finishing, the squad played a recreational match on a reduced field.

The tendency is for Abel Ferreira to repeat almost the entire lineup considered the starting eleven in 2026. The only doubt remains regarding Jhon Arias, who may take Maurício's spot.

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A probable Palmeiras lineup: Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Piquerez; Marlon Freitas, Andreas Pereira, Mauricio, and Allan; Flaco López and Vitor Roque.

Verdão is aiming to reach their 19th final in the history of the state championship (including editions without semifinals and tiebreaker matches in round-robin editions), making it the seventh consecutive final.

Allan Speaks

Midfielder Allan commented on the preparations for the Choque-Rei and the expectations for the derby with the support of the fans in Barueri.

“We know it’s a very important match, a derby, especially in a semifinal of the Campeonato Paulista. We know the greatness and importance of these games and we strive to work as hard as possible to be part of matches like this. I believe the fans will do their part, creating a beautiful atmosphere for us, and we will consequently try to play a good match and come out with the win and qualification,” said the number 40.

With 12 matches played in 2026, Allan is one of the players with the most appearances this year, alongside Marlon Freitas and Flaco López. In addition, the Academy graduate has scored three goals, already matching his tally from last year, his first season as a professional – he is the team’s second top scorer this year, behind Flaco and Vitor Roque (five goals each).

“I’m very happy with the run of games I’ve been having, happy with the numbers I’ve been achieving. It’s definitely very important to start the season like this, with goals, with great matches, and I hope to contribute even more throughout the year,” he said. “It’s different from 2025, when the squad changed a lot. This year, we’ve already managed to build more chemistry, Abel has been changing the team’s characteristics a lot in the matches. It’s important to start the season this way,” he added.