As PSG prepare to face Real Sociedad in an exciting European clash, fans are eager to see how both teams will line up. With the stakes high, let’s break down the most recent lineup predictions and key team news for both sides.

Real Sociedad: Striving for a Strong Comeback

Real Sociedad has had a challenging run leading up to this fixture. Their squad will miss the services of several key players, including Martin Merquelanz, Álvaro Odriozola, Aihen Muñoz, and Carlos Fernandez. However, there is some good news as Ander Barrenetxea could be available for selection again. The team will also be boosted by the return of Aritz Elustondo, who is back after serving a suspension.

Real Sociedad will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation, which has been their preferred setup under coach Imanol Alguacil. Alex Remiro is expected to start in goal, with Hamari Traoré and Javi Galán taking the full-back positions. The center-back duo of Igor Zubeldia and Robin Le Normand will have their hands full trying to contain PSG’s potent attack. Martin Zubimendi will anchor the midfield, providing defensive cover, while Mikel Merino and Brais Méndez will offer additional creativity and control in the middle.

Upfront, Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal will provide width, supporting André Silva, who is expected to lead the attack. The team will need to capitalize on set-pieces and counter-attacks if they are to make any impact against the French giants. A solid defensive performance will be crucial for them to stay in the game​.

PSG: Squad Depth and Star Power

For PSG, the situation is a bit more complicated, with several important players missing through injury. Milan Skriniar, Sergio Rico, Layvin Kurzawa, Danilo Pereira, and Presnel Kimpembe will all be sidelined, adding pressure on the rest of the squad to perform. Marco Asensio is also a doubt due to a thigh injury, which could further complicate matters for manager Luis Enrique.

Nevertheless, PSG can rely on a strong squad. Gianluigi Donnarumma is expected to start in goal, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes providing pace and width as full-backs. In central defense, Marquinhos should return to the lineup alongside Lucas Hernandez, while Manuel Ugarte will take up a defensive midfield role. Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha will partner him in the middle, offering balance and creativity.

Up front, the main threat for PSG will come from Kylian Mbappé, who will likely lead the attack, supported by Ousmane Dembélé on the right and Bradley Barcola on the left. If Mbappé isn’t fit to start, Randal Kolo Muani could take his place at the forefront​.

Tactics and Key Battles

Defensive Solidity vs Attacking Prowess: Real Sociedad will need to be resolute in defense, with the likes of Zubeldia and Le Normand tasked with keeping PSG’s attackers at bay. If Mbappé and Dembélé are allowed space to run at defenders, it could be a long night for the Spanish side.

Midfield Battle: The midfield battle will be crucial. Zubimendi and Merino must work hard to neutralize the creativity of Vitinha and Zaire-Emery. Both teams will look to dominate possession, and the team that can control the midfield may have the upper hand in dictating the tempo of the game.

Wing Play and Width: With both teams deploying wide players, the battle on the flanks will be intense. Oyarzabal and Kubo need to stretch the PSG defense, while Hakimi and Mendes will be crucial in both defensive and attacking transitions for PSG​.

FAQs 

What formation will PSG use against Real Sociedad?

PSG is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation. This formation will see Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes playing as full-backs. The center-back duo will be Marquinhos and Lucas Hernandez, with Manuel Ugarte providing defensive cover in midfield. Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha will complete the midfield trio. Up front, Kylian Mbappé is likely to lead the attack, flanked by Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola on the wings​.

Who is missing from PSG’s squad?

PSG will be missing several key players for this match. Milan Skriniar, Sergio Rico, Layvin Kurzawa, Danilo Pereira, and Presnel Kimpembe are all sidelined due to injury. Additionally, Marco Asensio is a doubt after suffering a thigh injury in their previous match.

What formation will Real Sociedad use against PSG?

Real Sociedad is likely to deploy a 4-3-3 formation to face PSG. In goal, Alex Remiro will start. Hamari Traoré and Javi Galán will play as full-backs, with Igor Zubeldia and Robin Le Normand at center-back. Martin Zubimendi will anchor the midfield, supported by Mikel Merino and Brais Méndez. Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal will provide width in attack, with André Silva leading the line​.

Who is missing from Real Sociedad’s squad?

Real Sociedad will be without several players due to injury, including Martin Merquelanz, Álvaro Odriozola, Aihen Muñoz, and Carlos Fernandez. However, Ander Barrenetxea could return to the squad, and Aritz Elustondo will be available after serving a suspension​.

How will PSG approach the match tactically?

PSG is likely to play an attacking game, relying on the pace of their wingers Mbappé and Dembélé, and the creativity of midfielders like Vitinha and Zaire-Emery. The team’s strength lies in its ability to transition quickly from defense to attack, exploiting the space left by Real Sociedad’s defensive line. PSG’s full-backs, Hakimi and Mendes, will also be crucial in providing width and joining the attack​.

In Summary

The clash between PSG and Real Sociedad promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams bringing their unique strengths to the pitch. PSG’s attacking talent, led by Mbappé, will be difficult to stop, but Real Sociedad’s tactical discipline and home advantage could give them a fighting chance. With key players like Dembélé, Merino, and Silva set to feature, this match is expected to provide plenty of action and drama. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see how these two teams line up and how they execute their tactics on the European stage.

To read more, Click Here.