Paris Saint-Germain will host Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinals, marking the first-ever encounter between the two sides.
PSG, who have recently secured the Ligue 1 title without losing a single match this season, are aiming for their elusive first Champions League trophy.
The French giants have enjoyed impressive form under Luis Enrique and are determined to continue their pursuit of European glory.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa are having a fairytale season in the Champions League, making their return to the competition after over three decades.
Unai Emery’s side is undefeated since February and will be eager to extend their run in Europe’s premier competition.
PSG enters this clash with a strong pedigree, having knocked out Liverpool in the previous round. Despite a shaky start to the season, Luis Enrique has turned the team’s fortunes around, leading them to play some of the best football in Europe.
With individual talents scattered across the pitch, PSG is playing as a cohesive unit, and their collective belief in Enrique’s philosophy has them on course for an exciting European run.
However, they will be without captain Marquinhos, who is suspended for this match, as well as the injured Kang-In Lee.
On the other hand, Aston Villa’s return to the Champions League has been nothing short of extraordinary.
After a lengthy absence from the competition, Villa have impressed throughout the season, including a remarkable 8-match winning streak that has seen them surge up the Premier League table.
Unai Emery, who managed PSG from 2016 to 2018, will now look to defeat his former club and add to Villa’s incredible European journey. With an almost fully fit squad, Villa are hoping to secure their first-ever European victory in France.
Both teams come into this match with high expectations. PSG, with their formidable attacking and defensive strength, will aim to assert dominance at home.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s confidence from their strong run of form will serve them well as they aim to upset the Parisian giants.
Predicted Lineups:
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3):Donnarumma, Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho, Mendes, Vitinha, Neves, Ruíz, Barcola, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Martínez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Rashford, Watkins.
