Palmeiras hosts Bahia in decisive Brasileirão clash

Palmeiras and Bahia take the field this Thursday, 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Nubank Parque, for the 29th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The match gains prominence as several of Verdão's key players return from the international break and could strengthen Abel Ferreira's squad.

Return of National Team Call-ups

Giay, Jhon Arias, and Flaco López arrived at the club on Wednesday afternoon after friendlies with Argentina and Colombia. Gustavo Gómez, Mauricio, and Ramon Sosa had already returned on Tuesday, also via a club-chartered flight. Emiliano Martínez and Piquerez are still expected to arrive today, after playing for the Uruguayan national team in India.

Palmeiras' Standings Position

Verdão sits in second place with 57 points, three behind leaders Flamengo. The schedule is tight: six games in 15 days between October 8 and 23, including the Libertadores semifinal against Fluminense.

Key Technical Doubts

Paulinho, who has been injured since July, remains a doubt for the match. Jefte remains sidelined until next season. Abel Ferreira's coaching staff stated that they do not intend to rest the starters, but the heavy fixture list may lead to rotations.

Bahia Arrives in Good Form

Tricolor comes into the clash with the best away record and having scored in four of their last five matches against Palmeiras, including a 1-0 victory at the former Allianz Parque. Coach Rogério Ceni, under contract until 2027, has the team close to securing one of the direct spots for the Libertadores.

Probable Lineups

A suggested lineup for Palmeiras includes Carlos Miguel; Giay, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, and Arthur (Piquerez) in defense; Marlon Freitas, Lucas Evangelista, Andreas Pereira, and Felipe Anderson (Arias) in midfield; Flaco López and Vitor Roque in attack. For Bahia, Erick and Kanu may be available, while Erick Pulga and David Duarte remain doubts.

With information from OneFootball, Sports Mole.