PSG want to take a big step in the first leg

It’s finally time for the Champions League again! There are some very interesting matchups in the round of 16, including the game between PSG and the Basques of Real Sociedad. The home side only finished second in their group behind BVB, so they have to play at home first

The PSG vs Real Sociedad prediction of the bookmakers shows a favorite role for the home side. However, nobody should underestimate La Real, as the visitors have had a good group stage, have some technically gifted players in their squad and will want to cause problems for the financially strong French side.

Despite this, our PSG vs Real Sociedad betting tip is that the hosts will win the first leg. Depending on how this turns out, Real Sociedad could still have something to play for in the second leg. And then it will be interesting

PSG – Statistics & current form

Paris Saint-Germain are not playing an exceptionally good season in France. However, it is still enough to lead the Ligue 1 table and have a good starting position in the championship. Luis Enrique wanted to revolutionize the club and the squad, which has worked well to some extent. However, not all the cogs have clicked into place yet. Even in the 3-1 win against Lille at the weekend, there were some good moments, but also phases in which the defense was shaky and defending was generally too careless. That has to change.

Because the home game against Real Sociedad is also about creating a very good starting position for the second leg in San Sebastian. For the third time in a row, PSG could be eliminated in the round of 16 of this competition in the event of a negative result, something they are determined to avoid at all costs. That is why it will be important to maintain maximum concentration. At national level, as already mentioned, things are going very well, just as PSG want them to. Their only defeat in the league came in mid-September and they are now eleven points clear of second place.

They have won eight of their last nine competitive matches, but PSG have only kept a clean sheet twice in defense. So they do exist, the small elements that cause Luis Enrique to worry. Because at the highest level in the Champions League, one goal conceded, one moment of inattention can quickly make the difference

PSG: The second half of the group stage went badly

Why PSG finished second in the group stage and are now playing at home first is easy to explain. The second half of the group stage simply went badly. The French side failed to win three games in a row in the Champions League, a record that urgently needs to be improved. There is still room for improvement, despite the still very decent overall record over the entire season.

The PSG vs Real Sociedad odds also show that the home side are ahead in this match, according to the bookmakers. And they have also won two of their three home games in the top flight. The slight residual doubts remain, however, partly because the highly talented squad contains too many players who sometimes play well, sometimes not so well.

And yet the individual prerequisites are still very good. That’s why our prediction ahead of the PSG v Real Sociedad match is that the hosts will win the game

PSG’s predicted line-up:

Real Sociedad – Statistics & current form

Real Sociedad are currently in an absolutely acceptable seventh place in La Liga. The team still wants to improve and at least overtake Betis. At the weekend, they suffered a setback in their dress rehearsal, of all things, when they lost 1-0 at home to Osasuna. They will be keen to put this misfortune right and a good game with an equally good result against PSG would of course help.

There have been a number of absentees recently, including new signing Becker, while captain and star of the team Oyarzabal was also unavailable. Against PSG, the medical staff will try everything possible to get the convalescents back on track. But even so, there is quality available, players such as Kubo, Mendez, Merino and Zubimendi can be classified in the top category in Europe with a clear conscience.

Furthermore, Real Sociedad have yet to lose in the Champions League and won their group ahead of Inter Milan, who have been very strong this season. Of course, that can also be a bit of a boost, as the team knows what it has to do when it comes to this competition

Real Sociedad the clear underdog in the odds

Real Sociedad have conceded just two goals in their six group games in the top flight. Not a single one of them away from home! That’s an absolutely impressive figure, as they kept a clean sheet at Salzburg, Benfica and Inter. The defense is also impressive in the league, having conceded 22 goals in 24 games.

However, there are a few drawbacks in the away record. Four of the twelve league games away from home were only won, even if there were seven points internationally. Nevertheless, the PSG vs Real Sociedad betting odds clearly show that the visitors are the underdogs. The individual differences are huge, at least in some positions.

In addition, experience speaks in favor of the team from France. Due to the omens, our value tip before the PSG vs Real Sociedad match is that neither team will score. PSG will not take the risk right from the start and the Basques are a defensively strong and compact team anyway

Predicted Real Sociedad line-up:

PSG – Real Sociedad head-to-head comparison / H2H result

Both teams are facing each other for the first time in a competitive match, so no head-to-head data is available

PSG – Real Sociedad betting tip

PSG are the favorites and are currently in better form. But Real Sociedad’s group stage was anything but bad, over 180 (+X) minutes the Basques will probably be able to do something

However, PSG have a good chance in the first leg. That’s why our pre-match prediction for PSG v Real Sociedad is that the home side will win.