GdS: Predicted XIs for Empoli vs. Milan – Joao Felix to start amid formation change | OneFootball

After one draw and one win, AC Milan will be looking to continue their unbeaten run tonight, preferably with a win against Empoli. As a report claims, Sergio Conceicao will make some significant changes to the starting XI.

The derby draw gave the Rossoneri some confidence after a rather chaotic few weeks, despite the late goal conceded, and the win against Roma fueled the enthusiasm even more. As such, against Empoli tonight, Conceicao is looking for a convincing win.

According to today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), four significant changes are expected to the starting XI, in addition to a new formation. The manager is finally set to deploy the 4-4-2 from start, relying on Joao Felix and Tammy Abraham up front.

The successful pairing of Fikayo Tomori-Strahinja Pavlovic will make way for another successful pairing (prior to injuries), namely Matteo Gabbia-Malick Thiaw. In midfield, Yunus Musah will take the spot of Tijjani Reijnders and Riccardo Sottil will start on the right, with Christain Pulisic on the left.

Rafael Leao and Santiago Gimenez are both not 100%, hence why they are starting on the bench, but we will likely see them in the second half of the game. Hopefully, the (necessary) rotation won’t come back to haunt the Rossoneri.

Predicted Milan XI (4-4-2): Maignan; Walker, Gabbia, Thiaw, Hernandez; Sottil, Musah, Fofana, Pulisic; Abraham, Joao Felix.

Predicted Empoli XI (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze, Marianucci, Viti; Gyasi, Grassi, Henderson, Pezzella, Cacace, Esposito; Colombo.