Palmeiras and São Paulo prepare for Choque-Rei derby

Palmeiras and São Paulo are preparing for the 'Choque-Rei' derby in the Campeonato Brasileiro, while both clubs manage heavy schedules involving continental competitions.

São Paulo manager Dorival Júnior faces a tactical dilemma, balancing the need for points in the domestic league to avoid the relegation zone against the necessity of preserving players for a decisive Copa Sul-Americana match against Boca Juniors. Potential squad rotations may involve players like Calleri, who is suspended for the continental fixture, while others like Luciano may be rested due to fatigue.

Palmeiras enters the derby following a 1-0 victory over LDU Quito in the Copa Libertadores. However, the team must manage squad depth as they prepare for the second leg in Ecuador. Key players like Marlon Freitas and Barboza are serving suspensions, while defender Gustavo Gómez is also unavailable for the upcoming Libertadores return leg, impacting the defensive setup for manager Abel Ferreira.