CorSera: Conceicao enters new era with 4-4-2 and Joao Felix for Empoli clash | OneFootball

AC Milan are up against Empoli later today and Sergio Conceicao has opted for heavy rotation compared to the last clash. As a report highlights, the manager wants as much energy as possible without risking anything.

Milan clinched a much-needed 3-1 win against Roma on Wednesday, advancing to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, and the fans got to see some of the new signings in action. Just three days later, they are set to see them again but understandably so, Conceicao has to be a bit careful.

As reported by Corriere della Sera this morning (via MilanNews), the manager is expected to switch to a 4-4-2 formation, which is his favourite. There will be a new centre-back pairing, while Tijjani Reijnders will get some rest with Yunus Musah taking his place.

Riccardo Sottil and Joao Felix will make their full debuts, starting on the right flank and up front respectively, and Tammy Abraham should also keep his spot. Santiago Gimenez is not 100% yet and will not be rushed, although he could come off the bench.

Christian Pulisic will take the spot on the left, with Rafael Leao starting on the bench again, and that is mainly due to an ankle problem. Once again, the schedule is so tight that Milan won’t take any risks for single games, relying on what can now be called squad depth especially in attack.

That being said, Gimenez and Leao getting some rest now – along with Reijnders and the centre-backs – likely means they will start against Feyenoord.

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