PSG vs Real Sociedad predicted XIs: Confirmed team news and probable lineups
Paris Saint-Germain just about made it through to the last 16 of the Champions League this season after finishing second in Group F but the French giants will now be confident of getting the better of Spanish side Real Sociedad.
PSG are preparing for their 12th successive year in the knockout phase of Europe’s premier club competition but they will be keen to improve on their recent record when reaching this stage, having suffered elimination in the last 16 in the last two years.
In contrast, this is the first time in 20 years that Sociedad, who topped Group D, have made it this far in the Champions League.
The experienced hosts are favourites to win the first leg against La Real, who approach the trip to Paris without a goal in any of their last four matches.
Is this Mbappé’s final chance to bring a Champions League trophy to Paris?
You’d be hard pushed to find a transfer saga in the entire history of football that has stretched on quite as long as the protracted rumours surround Kylian Mbappé’s potential move to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain.
The French superstar has reportedly reiterated a desire to play for the Spanish giants at some stage in his career and according to some reports, that dream could become a reality for the 25 year old this summer as his contract at Parc des Princes comes to an end.
“If they had offered us 10 billion, we would have accepted. It’s the system,” Fayza Lamari, Mbappé’s mother and agent said when last asked about the potential of a renewal at PSG – but all hope is not lost for the Parisiens if they wish to keep their star player.
The latest reports from Marca suggest that los Blancos have hit something of a stumbling block in their pursuit of Mbappé’s signature, which could open the door for other clubs or could lead to the forward remaining at PSG.
Should he decide to leave his hometown for pastures new, then this season will represent the final chance for one of the world’s great players to deliver the club a first ever Champions League trophy as European club football’s greatest prize continues to elude them.
PSG vs Real Sociedad team news
PSG are still without injured quintet Presnel Kimpembe, Milan Skriniar, Sergio Rico, Nuno Mendes and Layvin Kurzawa.
Star striker Kylian Mbappe was rested for the weekend 3-1 win over Lille but should return to the starting line-up, while Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi are amongst others pushing for recalls.
Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal has missed the last two games with a muscle injury but is hoping to be fit for the first leg.
Sheraldo Becker, Kieran Tierney, Alvaro Odriozola, Carlos Fernandez and Aihen Munoz are all sidelined with injuries for the visitors.
PSG vs Real Sociedad Predicted XIs
PSG (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Danilo, Marquinhos, Hernandez; Urgate, Zaire-Emery; Dembele, Asensio, Kolo Muani; Mbappe.
Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Remiro; Galan, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Traore; Merino, Zubimendi, Mendez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
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