Champions League Round of 16: PSG – Real Sociedad

For years Qatar led PSG have been on the hunt for the Champions League trophy but every year came short. The closest PSG came was in the 2020 covid season when Neymar and Mbappe led them to the final, which they lost to Bayern Munich. Since then, even the arrival of Lionel Messi could not inspire the French Champions to glory, and now last year 2 of the 3 star players left the club. Left is Kylian Mbappe, the star player who still does not know where he will play next year will be very eager to help his team to glory this season. 

PSG team news

PSG have some personal problems especially at the back with cenetre backs Kimpembe and Skriniar not playing for sure. Also left wing back Nuno Mendes will miss the clash due to a muscle injury. All attacking players should make it to the tie and PSG will hope that Mbappe and Dembele can find their best form to help overcome Real Sociedad to advance to the quarter final. 

Real Sociedad team news

Real Sociedad miss quite a few players with 7 players missing this wednesdays last 16 clash. Notable injuries include Scottish left back Kieran Tierney who will not feature due to an injured Thigh while Odriozola who is set to miss the clash with a knee injury. Other players set to miss the clash are Becker,Elustondo,Fernandez,Merquelanz and Munoz. ,

PSG form

The hosts have been undefeated for over 3 months after their final loss came away against AC Milan in the group stage back in November. In the French league their last defeat came in September at home to OGC Nice. However, the difference in strength between PSG and the rest of the French League makes it hard to judge the real form of the team. Even when not playing at 100% PSG are expected to easily win against most ligue 1 opposition. Their form in the CL has been qutie mixed in the group stage. They were draw in the so called group of death and a heavy defeat at Newcastle made life difficult. However, victories at home against Dortmund and AC Milan plus a narrow draw at home against Newcastle meant that a draw away from home against Dortmund on the last day was just enough for PSG to qualify. 

Real Sociedad form

For Real Sociedad this tie could not have come at a worse time. The Basque side did not manage to record a win or even score a goal in any of their last 4 matches. 3 0-0 draws including an away match against surprise Girona and a copa del rey match against Mallorca were followed by a crushing 0-1 defeat at home against Osasuna. Sociedad impressed in the Champions League group stage, outplaying last year finalists Inter Milan, Benfica and RB Salzburg but will fear their slump in form recently could come back to hurt them in this last 16 clash. 

What do the stats say?

• Real Sociedad have not scored a goal in the last 4 matches
• PSG have won 6 of their last 7 Champions League Home games
• PSG are undefeated at home in their last 17 matches

Our verdict

We think that Real Sociedad lump in form will come at the worst timing. They have real troubles scoring goals and creating chances and we believe that PSG at home have what it takes to defeat them. The Parisians form has been quite good recently and therefore a PSG AH-1 at 2.65 seems as very good value.