PSG vs Real Sociedad Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 UEFA Champions League | Round of 16
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THE FACTS
When is PSG vs Real Sociedad on and what time does it start? PSG vs Real Sociedad will take place on Wednesday 14th February, 2024 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for PSG vs Real Sociedad? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What channel is PSG vs Real Sociedad on in the UK? PSG vs Real Sociedad will be televised live on TNT Sports in the UK
Where can I stream PSG vs Real Sociedad in the UK? PSG vs Real Sociedad can be streamed live on the discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
PSG
PSG are set to compete in the Champions League knockout stage for a 12th consecutive season. However, that all-important trophy continues to elude them and remains the primary desire of the club following years of domestic domination. It was a less than convincing campaign in what was admittedly a very tough Group F which included Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Premier League side Newcastle. However, the French champions cobbled together enough points to move on as group runners-up due to their superior head-to-head record over Milan.
Since then, PSG have brushed away all before them in France and boast an unbeaten streak of 16 games in all competitions. They’ll now be desperate to end the stigma surrounding them in the knockout stage and the importance of securing a positive result at home won’t be lost on them. The aim won’t just be to win this first-leg, but to win by at least couple of goals, giving themselves a much-needed cushion to take with them to Spain.
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad are no doubt among the biggest surprise packages to have graced this season’s Champions League so far, and arrive in the round of 16 having won Group D ahead of Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Both teams failed to taste defeat whilst compiling 12 points from six fixtures, but Real Sociedad’s superior goal difference was enough to secure top spot.
Imanol Alguacil has put together an excellent all-round unit based around a water-tight defence which is serving them wonderfully well over the course of the campaign. They also contain some very dangerous attacking players, not least Brais Mendez who has been a star within their midfield. The 27-year-old accrued three goals and one assist in five group stage appearances and is one to watch in Paris.
THE TEAM NEWS
PSG
PSG’s backline remains depleted through various injuries heading into this match. Centre-back Presnel Kimpembe and left-back Nuno Mendes are missing through Achilles and hamstring problems respectively, whilst the versatile Milan Skriniar’s dislocated ankle keeps him out of contention. Randal Kolo Muani and Bradley Barcola are fighting for a place on the left-side of what should be a three-pronged attack with Kylian Mbappe leading the line centrally having been rested at the weekend.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Danilo, Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Ruiz, Vitinha; Dembele, Mbappe, Kolo Muani
UNAVAILABLE: Kimpembe (Injured), Mendes (Injured), Skriniar (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
REAL SOCIEDAD
Real Sociedad face an anxious wait regarding the injury status of Mikel Oyarzabal and whether he will be fit to start in Paris. January signing Sheraldo Becker isn’t expected to recover from a groin injury and the former Union Berlin forward will be missed. Striker Andre Silva has scored just once in 12 appearances since joining on loan from RB Leipzig and will be desperate to make the attacking impact his side need should he be selected. Aritz Elustondo is suspended and he won’t be the only Sociedad defender missing, with Alvaro Odriozola and Kieran Tierney both out injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Remiro; Traore, Zubeldia, Le Normand, Galan; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Silva, Barrenetxea
UNAVAILABLE: Elustondo (Suspended), Odriozola (Injured), Tierney (Injured), Becker (Injured), Fernandez (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Oyarzabal (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- PSG have lost only one of their last 11 UEFA Champions League matches at home (W8 D2).
- PSG have won only four of their last 13 matches in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 (D1 L8).
- PSG have lost only two of their last 13 UEFA club competition matches at home against Spanish teams (W6 D5).
- PSG have only failed to score in two of their last 36 UEFA Champions League matches at home.
- Real Sociedad’s only previous UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie was in 2003/04, also against French opposition, on that occasion they lost 2-0 on aggregate against Lyon (1-0 home and away).
- Real Sociedad have won only two of their previous six UEFA club competition matches against French teams (D1 L3).
- Real Sociedad have kept four clean sheets in their last five UEFA Champions League matches.
- Real Sociedad have kept six clean sheets in their last seven UEFA club competition matches away from home.
THE PREDICTION
This certainly has the feel of a duel between attack and defence, specifically whether PSG can break down a well set-up, well-drilled Real Sociedad backline who conceded just twice across the group stage, less than any other side through to the round of 16. However, the offensive quality of the opposition they face here is significantly heightened, as PSG led by the mercurial Mbappe have scored at least twice in each of their last nine games in all competitions. Home advantage should work in PSG’s favour and their Spanish boss Luis Enrique will have no doubt devised a smart plan on how best to breach the defences of Sociedad. In the end, back PSG to eventually overwhelm the visitors and emerge victorious in this first-leg.
TIP: PSG TO WIN
