MN: Probable Milan XI vs. Empoli – Conceicao shakes things up with debuts expected | OneFootball

This afternoon, reports suggested that only one first would be happening for AC Milan this weekend, but this has now changed, as has the system.

The game against Empoli gives Milan a fantastic opportunity to continue riding the wave, and they must take it. However, the Azzurri will not be a walkover, causing issues for Inter, Bologna and Juventus in recent games.

Despite this, Sergio Conceicao is looking to test his favoured system this weekend, and according to the latest reports from Milan News this evening, he will switch to a 4-4-2.

The defence is the first area to be shaken. Mike Maignan, Kyle Walker and Theo Hernandez retain their spots in the back line, but Malick Thiaw and Matteo Gabbia have been recalled to the starting lineup with the Portuguese looking to offer Strahinja Pavlovic and Fikayo Tomori a rest before the Champions League game in midweek.

Tijjani Reijnders will also not get the chance to make history from the off, with Conceicao instead preferring a midfield duo of Yunus Musah and Youssouf Fofana, though the report states that this decision has been made with the European tie in mind.

In the forward line, Riccardo Sottil, Joao Felix and Santiago Gimenez will all be given their first starts for the club, with Christian Pulisic operating from the left of a 4-4-2. Reports suggest Rafael Leao has a ‘small ankle issue’ so he will not be featuring from the start.

Probable AC Milan XI vs. Empoli (4-4-2): Maignan; Walker, Thiaw, Gabbia, Theo; Sottil, Musah, Fofana, Pulisic; Felix, Gimenez.

As always, our preview is available covering all the team news for Milan and Empoli, whilst also detailing the key stats and information.