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By WILL GRIFFEE Published: 23: 24 AEST, 16 April 2025 | Updated: 23: 46 AEST, 16 April 2025 14 View comments Carlo Ancelotti is set to make significant changes to his Real Madrid side, as the 15-time Champions League winners attempt to stage a comeback against Arsenal. The Italian manager has his back against the wall and will name a new-look midfield and defence on Wednesday night. According to Diario AS, former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos will start alongside Federico Valverde in midfield. The Uruguayan is shifting position from right-back, where he played in the 3-0 defeat in the first leg of the quarter-final last week. Marca report that in his place at the back will be Lucas Vazquez, allowing Valverde to play in his more natural position and bring physicality lacked by the Spanish side. The Madrid publication claim Raul Asencio will again partner Antonio Rudiger in central defence. Carlo Ancelotti is ready to make changes to his Real Madrid side against Arsenal Dani Ceballos (right) is set to come into midfield, while Luka Modric is expected to be benched The manager has his back against the wall and must overturn a three-goal deficit Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Federico Valverde Defenders: David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, Raul Asencio, Lucas Vazquez Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois In the first leg, settled by Declan Rice's two brilliant free-kicks and Mikel Merino's curled finish, Eduardo Camavinga was given the nod alongside Luka Modric in midfield. Camavinga was sent off after two yellow cards, the second of which was a petulant booting away of the ball, meaning he is suspended for Wednesday's game. Modric, 39, found himself overrun by the Arsenal midfield and is now reported to be on the bench. The forward line of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo is anticipated to be the same, with Thibaut Courtois in goal as usual. David Alaba remains at left-back and has the tricky task of trying to keep Bukayo Saka quiet. According to Diario AS, Ancelotti's thinking that Ceballos will help provide fluidity to help launch the attacking play the hosts need to overturn the deficit. He is also said to want the option of Valverde's shooting from range against an Arsenal defence that is notoriously difficult to crack. PSG await the winner of the tie in the semi-finals after their 5-4 aggregate victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
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