Aston Villa vs. PSG: Match Preview and Prediction

Aston Villa is preparing to host PSG this Tuesday for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. In the first leg, PSG managed to secure a 3-1 victory at their home ground, Parc des Princes. To advance to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 1982 (the year they won their only title defeating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the final), Aston Villa needs to win by at least two goals. A two-goal lead would force extra time and potentially a penalty shootout.

PSG, having already clinched the French league title, can fully concentrate on their Champions League campaign. Last season, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Borussia Dortmund. Since taking over in the summer of 2023, coach Luis Enrique has prioritized winning the Champions League with PSG, a feat they haven`t achieved before, having lost the 2020 final to Bayern Munich under Hansi Flick. Their immediate challenge is overcoming Aston Villa and their former coach, Unai Emery. Emery`s tactical prowess was evident in the first leg, despite the final score.

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, April 15
• Location: Villa Park — Birmingham, England
• Live stream: Paramount+
• Odds: Aston Villa +230; Draw +260; PSG +110

First Leg Recap

In the first leg in Paris, PSG defeated Aston Villa 3-1. Despite Aston Villa scoring first through Morgan Rogers on a counter-attack, PSG responded with two impressive goals from Desire Doue from outside the box and a solo effort from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia early in the second half. Nuno Mendes sealed the victory for PSG with a third goal just before the final whistle, giving them a significant advantage for the second leg.

PSG`s Perspective

Luis Enrique has stated that he is not underestimating Aston Villa`s capabilities. He emphasized that the team`s objectives are to solve the challenges Aston Villa will pose and to win the match. He acknowledged the high stakes, with only one team advancing to the semi-finals. Enrique dismissed any notion of overconfidence, highlighting the team`s determination and motivation to play in a historic stadium like Villa Park.

Aston Villa`s Perspective

Unai Emery acknowledged the difficulty of facing PSG in the second leg. He emphasized the need for Aston Villa to execute their game plan effectively, focusing on individual battles on the field. He believes the players must perform at their best. While recognizing PSG`s strength and their advantage from the first leg, Emery highlighted Aston Villa`s ability to compete. He stressed the importance of using Villa Park as a fortress and believing in their chances to overturn the deficit.

Predicted Lineups

Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans; John McGinn, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers; Marcus Rashford.

PSG XI: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue.

Player to Watch

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG – Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG in January, scored a remarkable goal in the first leg. He has been a standout player and a key factor in PSG`s potential Champions League success. His integration into the team has been seamless and impactful.

Key Storyline

Emiliano Martinez vs PSG – Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa`s goalkeeper, attracted significant attention in Paris due to his past rivalry with French fans stemming from the 2022 World Cup final. Despite the whistles and jeers from fans throughout the match, Martinez remained a central figure in the game.

Match Prediction

While Aston Villa demonstrated their attacking potential in the first leg, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against PSG will be a significant challenge. It is predicted that Aston Villa might draw the match, but not secure the overall victory needed to advance.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2.

Champions League Quarterfinals Schedule

All times U.S./Eastern