Carlo Ancelotti mulling over midfield decisions and change of formation during El Clasico

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti knows he has two competitions out of which to save Real Madrid’s season, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. With a 1-0 deficit to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-finals, he is planning a turnaround at Camp Nou.

Barcelona have a number of injuries, and while Mariano Diaz and Antonio Rudiger are both doubts, only Ferland Mendy is expected to miss the match. It means Ancelotti will be choosing between Nacho Fernandez and Eduardo Camavinga at left-back, with the latter more likely from the start.

Relevo say that the absence of Luka Modric and Fede Valverde against Real Valladolid is a sign they will start. They say the same for Dani Carvajal, while the fact David Alaba also came off points to his beginning. That makes the presence of Rodrygo Goes on the right of a three-man attack less likely, with Valverde more probably on the right.

If Modric starts, then one of Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni will likely begin with Toni Kroos in their classic line-up over the last season.

Yet there is also a potential scheme change coming down the line. Ancelotti spoke of Rodrygo’s form following the Valladolid victory, but mentioned also that the tie is very long and could be decided over 120 minutes.

It hints that perhaps both the 4-2-3-1 Ancelotti tried against Valladolid and Rodrygo will be more of a plan to change the match, rather than one to start with. Both cause concerns about stability for the Italian.

In the most recent El Clasico, his fears played out. Real Madrid looked far better with Rodrygo and then Marco Asensio on the pitch, who came inches away from a winner against Barcelona. However it was also with that formation that Los Blancos conceded late on to seal the match.

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