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.
I would love to see Chuku start on the right wing instead of Sottil. I think with Joao in the line up, he can really open up more space for chuk, through his ability to hold the ball and make through passes in the final third.
If Sottil makes any kind of effort (assist , defrnce, goal) in second part of season I bet Chuku time at Milan is over….
Pulisic is more dangerous on the right, and I have seen sottil play mostly on the left.
sottil doing well and salad coming back would mean goodbye chukwueze.
Good to rest ur key players ahead of d all important midweek fixture, empoli won’t be a stroll in d park but we should get dis wrapped up b4 80mins
Sottil isn’t playing on the right, he is playing LM while Puli is playing RM.
Chuky can’t play either effectively, he plays as a winger only.
We may end up selling Leao if we stick with this formation, as he doesn’t have a place in a 4-4-2 formation. We all know he sucks at CF.
Would much and much prefer Jimenez (this kid’s versatility is crazy) over Chuk. Chuk’s time is over, the reason he’s not out was because there’s not enough time and just for the sake of depth.
Who’s ability are u referring to here? Felix or Chukwueze own? Cos if it’s the latter then we both have been watching different players then.
For sure we need rotation. I think Theo shud rest for CL.
Also Tiji, ideally Fofana but we literally have no midfielders.
Be good to see Leao and Pulisic rested and fresh for CL.
Jimenez and sottil not on the list so they ought to be worked
If match goes the way we want, I think coach will sub Theo for sure for Bartesaghi.
you forgot we have bando… he is the tank frank kessie
Sadly he still has a minor injury
I hope Reijnders sits this off resting for CL instead. It is sensible to field Musah and Fofana if Felix starts. Having Felix and Reijnders start together completely destroys any defensive balance this team can play with.
Good point.
Surprised Pulisic isn’t getting s break
It is easy. Defence with Tomori and Gabbia. Kyle Theo
Midfield… :Fofana Musah Terracciano
Pulisic Joao
Gimenez….
In second half there is opportunity for Leao and Abraham to make impact. Also Chukwueze and Sottil can be used as back up. With Bartesaghi and Jimenez to give rest for Theo or Walker
Any lineup even mentioning terraciano playing is a doomed to fail
I am finally getting excited about this squad! Winter mercato was good business
That’s a very interesting formation. I can’t wait to see it in action. I like what I see.
Good one coach
Get ready Leao. If things doesn’t work with your mentality, conceicao will kick your ass…
No more leao headache again