PSG will host Aston Villa at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie. Both teams are in great form, so this should be a good one as PSG looks to keep their dominance going and Villa looks to continue their European fairytale.
PSG
PSG came into this match off the back of winning their 13th Ligue 1 title at the weekend, and they have not lost in domestic competitions since. Luis Enrique’s side has been impressive in Europe, having knocked out Liverpool in the last 16. With 16 wins in their last 17 games across all competitions, PSG are one of the in-form teams in Europe.
But they have some problems. Marquinhos is suspended due to yellow card accumulation, and Lee Kang-in is out with an ankle injury. Gianluigi Donnarumma will be in goal, with a back four of Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho and Nuno Mendes. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will lead the line with Bradley Barcola.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa are enjoying a dream season under Unai Emery. The Villans have won seven consecutive matches across all competitions, including a dominant 6-1 aggregate victory over Club Brugge in the Round of 16. Their recent 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest has further boosted morale as they prepare for their toughest test yet.
Villa have no major injury concerns apart from Ross Barkley (knee). Leon Bailey has returned to fitness and could feature if needed. Marcus Rashford will lead the attack with support from Marco Asensio and Morgan Rogers. John McGinn will operate as a creative force in midfield alongside Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Asensio, McGinn, Rogers; Rashford.
Key Stats
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This is the first-ever competitive meeting between PSG and Aston Villa.
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PSG are unbeaten in their last 22 home matches in the UEFA Champions League.
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Aston Villa have never won away against French opposition in European competition (P5 D2 L3).
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Ousmane Dembele has scored seven goals in his last six Champions League games for PSG.
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Marco Asensio has three goals in two Champions League appearances for Aston Villa this season.
Player to Watch: Marco Asensio
Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Villa since joining on loan from PSG. With three goals in two Champions League games for Villa and eight goals overall since January, Asensio will want to prove himself against his parent club. He’s the key player for Unai Emery’s side with his creativity and finishing.
PSG vs Aston Villa Prediction
While Aston Villa’s form is impressive, PSG’s quality and home advantage make them favorites for this clash. Expect a tightly contested match with both teams creating chances, but PSG’s attacking firepower should see them edge out a narrow victory.
PSG 2-1 Aston Villa
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