🧐 How Palmeiras are shaping up for the Brasileirão 'final' against Fla

This Sunday (19th), Palmeiras visits Flamengo at Maracanã at 4 PM (Brasília time), in a match valid for the 29th round of the Brasileirão, but which is seen as a "final" in the league's points system.

After all, Palmeiras holds the lead with 61 points in 27 games (19W-4D-4L), while the Rubro-Negro is in second place with 58 points and the same number of matches (17W-7D-3L).

Thus, even in case of a setback, Palmeiras will remain at the top of the league due to their advantage in the number of victories - the first tiebreaker criterion.

+ The paths to the title: what remains for Palmeiras and Flamengo in the BR

📋 Who's playing?

In terms of lineup, coach Abel Ferreira counts on the returns of defender Gustavo Gómez and right-back Khellven, both fit after missing the 5-1 victory over RB Bragantino in the last round. 

The probable starting team should be: Carlos Miguel, Giay, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez; Aníbal Moreno, Andreas Pereira, Felipe Anderson, Raphael Veiga; Flaco López and Vitor Roque. 

The main news is the absence of goalkeeper Weverton, out of action due to a fracture in the hand bone.

Besides Weverton, Lucas Evangelista (right thigh surgery) and Paulinho (right leg surgery) are only expected to return to the team in 2026.

🧐 Streak on the line

Despite all the structure and leadership, Palmeiras carries a streak: they haven't beaten Flamengo at Maracanã since 2015 — that is, almost ten years without a victory there in the duel with the Carioca rubro‑negro (5L and 4D). 

Thus, Palmeiras goes into the match with an advantage in the standings, a reinforced squad in key positions, and a real chance to take an important step towards the title. But the scenario demands extra attention — the streak and the pressure of playing as a “final” complicate things.

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

📸 Wagner Meier - 2024 Getty Images