Champions League: A Rested Mbappe Could Seek Havoc

Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Sociedad

Paris Saint-Germain had the luxury of resting their star player, Kylian Mbappe, during their league bout against Lille. But Luis Enrique’s gamble ultimately paid off with a 3-1 win over Les Dogues. Now, a well-rested Mbappe will lead the charge for PSG in their Champions League bout against the visiting Real Sociedad.

Despite being the Champions League 2024 odds underdogs for this match, Real Sociedad still pose a respectable threat, especially because they have their maestro, Takefusa Kubo, back from international duties.

La Real had a stellar run during the group stages, going unbeaten and ultimately winning their cluster. So it’s safe to say that their tie against the French champions deserves a spot on every marquee.

Talking Points

No excuses for Mbappe

Luis Enrique decided to err on the side of caution and opted to rest Ligue 1’s top goal scorer, Kylian Mbappe, during their league clash against Lille in hopes of priming Mbappe for their upcoming Champions League tie against Real Sociedad.

The league leaders started off their match against Lille a little shaky, as they conceded an early Yusuf Yazici goal in the 6th minute of the first half.

By then, Enrique’s decision to sit out their star player looked like it was the wrong call, but the rest of PSG rallied and showed why they’re the reigning kings of French football.

PSG came from behind to win 3-1 against Lille thanks to a combined effort from the team and an Alexsandro own goal. With this win, PSG extended their lead in the league standings by 11 points and are looking like the favourites to win the league once it’s all said and done.

Now, with a well-rested Mbappe primed and ready, they will host a threatening Real Sociedad at Parc des Princes for the first leg of their Round of 16 contests in the Champions League.

PSG had a pedestrian group stage performance, winning just two of their six games against their Group F rivals. But by intentionally giving their star Mbappe some time to rest amidst their stacked schedule, PSG could come out of the gates and produce strong Champions League 2024 results against La Real.

Kubo returns and extends his time with La Real

After a disappointing quarter final exit in the AFC Asian Cup, Japan’s Takefusa Kubo returns to his domestic club, Real Sociedad, just in time for their impending Champions League bout against French outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

The 22-year-old Japanese international will have a pivotal role in their clash against Mbappe’s PSG, as La Real’s top scorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, will likely be sidelined during the tie due to a muscle contusion.

Luckily for Imanol Alguacil, his maestro, Kubo, will likely put his frustrations from the AFC Asian Cup towards PSG’s first third.

Kubo has served as a vital player for La Real with his goal-scoring abilities and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates.

His efforts for Sociedad are apparent and are not unnoticed, as the club and the winger have agreed on a new contract that would entail Kubo’s services until 2029.

Real Sociedad’s demonstrated commitment could be enough to spark the 22-year-old and the rest of the club when they march to Parc des Princes to take on the French Champions on Wednesday.

History

This will be the first ever competitive match between the French champions and the La Liga staple, and both sides are eager to come out as the victors in their debut match.

Sociedad won Group D by going unbeaten, winning three matches and drawing the other three to garner a total of 12 points. La Real tied with Inter Milan, but Sociedad claimed the top spot by goal difference.

Meanwhile, PSG had a tougher time in the group stages, as they were clustered in the “Group of Death” with Dortmund, Milan, and Newcastle. They were able to win just two matches and tally a total of eight points. It was enough to garner them the second seed and advance to the Round of 16, where they aim to produce stronger results.

Betting Tip 

The visiting La Real will be without their leading goal scorer, Mikel Oyarzabal, during the first leg of their Round of 16 clash against PSG, which is why total goals under 2.50 at 1.91 could be a good line to consider.

But if punters want more bang for their buck, PSG’s Asian Handicap of -0.75 at 1.86 poses greater value and excitement compared to their total goal lines. A rejuvenated PSG squad could be hard to bet against, which is why I have them win by a goal or two.

A well-rested Mbappe and an absent Oyarzabal are the perfect recipe for PSG to dominate. And to put a slight handicap on the French champions doesn’t seem to be an unreasonable ask.

As for their main lines, SBOTOP has PSG as the favourites at 1.67, while Sociedad are the underdogs at 4.61 with a draw price of 3.51. I would personally go with PSG at 1.67 if forced to bet on the main lines, which is understandably so, as it goes hand in hand with my main betting tip above.

 

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