Real Sociedad vs PSG Prediction & Betting Tips (5 March)

Real Sociedad had a very good first half at the Parc des Princes three weeks ago but never managed to consolidate their domination on the scoreboard. She was finally punished in the second act by conceding 2 goals which were detrimental to her dream of qualifying, final score, 2-0 defeat. Moreover, the Basques will approach this return match with a clear deficit of confidence. If they were able to achieve a narrow victory against Mallorca 1-2 in La Liga, Imanol Alguacil's men were then largely dominated at home by Villarreal 1-3. In the middle of last week, Real Sociedad was knocked out on penalties by Mallorca in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey, which remains a real poor performance when we look at the ranking of the 15th-placed Mallorcans. Still beaten by Sevilla FC on Saturday 3-2 in Andalusia, they have won only one of their last 9 matches in all competitions. San Sebastian players are not even part of the European top 6 in La Liga 7th.

Opposite, PSG did a lot of the work in the first leg by resisting in the first act before pressing back from the locker room to offer themselves a nice 2-0 victory. Obviously, the Ile-de-France club is well aware that qualification is far from certain since its recent setbacks in the competition have left quite a few traces on the mental level. However, Luis Enrique's men have reason to be optimistic. Rather easy in the championship, they are at the top of the ranking with 9 units ahead of their first pursuer Brest. However, after having had 3 consecutive successes in Strasbourg, Lille and Nantes, PSG was slowed down during the last 2 days with points conceded against Rennes 1-1 and Monaco last Friday 0-0. Against ASM, Mbappé's exit at half-time caused a lot of ink to flow and highlighted tensions between Luis Enrique and his captain, who will leave the club at the end of the season.

During the first leg, a host of players were withdrawn from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international and captain Oyarzabal has returned like Tierney and Becker but other players remain in the infirmary. Namely the crucial Munoz (end of season), the too often injured Odriozola (ruptured cruciate ligaments), and the replacements Carlos Fernandez (seriously injured), Martin Merquelanz (absent for a very long time) and Elustondo (glitch). In addition, the great hope Barrenetxea (3 pawns in the championship) has also joined the infirmary in recent days but could be available after returning to training at the start of the week. This evening, Oyarzabal could appear at the head of the line of 3 attackers with the Japanese Kubo (7 goals, 3 assists in La Liga) and the Russian winger, Zakharyan (1 assist in La Liga this season). Unsurprisingly, the interesting midfield trio composed of Brais Mendez, Zubimendi and Mikel Merino should be renewed. On the Parisian side, the long-term absentees Kimpembe, Rico and Skriniar will be unavailable. Note that Kurzawa is not qualified for the competition. On the other hand, left back Lucas Hernandez will be operational while his competitor for the position, Nuno Mendes, returned to the field against Rennes 10 days ago after almost a year of absence.

Packaged against Rennes and Monaco, captain Marquinhos should make his return on Tuesday. Absent at the last minute during Friday's match, Danilo also returns to the group. Hit against the Asemists, Asensio joined the infirmary. Scorer in the first leg, Mbappé was also named man of the match (4 goals in Champions). Playing less since he announced his departure to his leaders, the captain of the French selection will still be expected like his compatriots Barcola (scorer in the first leg) and Dembélé (thunderous in the first leg but not decisive). Luis Enrique could choose to place Vitinha as sentry as he did after the break in the first leg. A tactical change which had greatly modified the appearance of the meeting.