Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Key events
Marquinhos’s suspension means there are no thirtysomethings in the Paris Saint-Germain XI. No galacticos either. The players may be younger, but the team is all growns up
“I realise PSG may well hand out a good tonking tonight, but Villa’s bench is looking strong at least!” says Rob Knap. “Is it the strongest bench among the eight teams in the quarter finals? I’m not sure on what basis you can measure that really – so I suspect some people reading this who have seen a lot of, say, Hector Fort and Pablo Torre might disagree with that idea.”
It looked very strong when most of them started against Forest on Saturday – they were brilliant, especially in the first half.
Villa keeper Emi Martinez is warming up to a chorus of boos. I half expected him to come out in his Argentina 2022 goalkeeping jersey.
Tonight’s other game is a big one. Simon Burnton has all the build-up.
Players at Risk of Suspension
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Paris Saint-Germain: Fabian Ruiz.
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Aston Villa: Lucas Digne, Boubacar Kamara, Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi.
Both teams arrive in formidable form. Aston Villa boasts a winning streak of seven games. PSG has triumphed in 16 of their last 17 matches; their streak was only halted by an exceptional performance from Alisson.
Luis Enrique and Unai Emery were the opposing managers when Barcelona famously overturned a 4-0 deficit to defeat PSG in an astounding Champions League match.
Marco Asensio begins on the bench for Aston Villa. It is anticipated he will feature at some point, potentially aiming to replicate Fernando Morientes’ impactful performance against his former club, Real Madrid, in 2004.
Confirmed Team Lineups: Rashford Leads Villa Attack
Marcus Rashford is selected to lead the attack, taking the forward position ahead of Ollie Watkins, a notable choice by Unai Emery. Watkins, since recovering from a knee issue, has appeared slightly off-form. The remainder of the Aston Villa composition is largely anticipated; Emery, having rested several key players against Nottingham Forest during the weekend, reverts to the starting XI that decisively defeated Brighton a week prior.
Lucas Beraldo steps in for PSG’s captain, Marquinhos, who is serving a suspension. This constitutes one of two alterations from the team that secured victory at Anfield. Desire Doue, who emerged from the substitutes’ bench to convert the decisive penalty, replaces Bradley Barcola in the starting lineup.
Starting XI and Substitutes
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3)
Donnarumma; Hakimi, Lucas Beraldo, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Substitutes: Safonov, Tenas, Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, L Hernandez, Mayulu, Barcola, Zaire-Emery, Mbaye.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Pau Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey; Rashford.
Substitutes: Olsen, Proctor, Mings, Disasi, Maatsen, Bogarde, Onana, Barkley, Asensio, Watkins.
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy).
Match Preview: PSG Host Aston Villa in Champions League Quarter-Final
Tomorrow marks six years since a memorable Aston Villa victory. Playing with ten men, they rallied from behind to secure a 2-1 win against Rotherham, propelling them to fifth position in the Championship. Jack Grealish netted the decisive goal, Tyrone Mings received a red card, and Dean Smith, then Villa manager, lauded John McGinn’s exceptional performance, remarking, “John McGinn was so good I thought there were two of him.” That same week, Paris Saint-Germain, under Thomas Tuchel’s management, extended their lead at the Ligue 1 summit to 20 points, while also holding a game in hand.
Since then, Mings, McGinn, and Aston Villa’s vast fanbase have experienced an extraordinary journey, particularly since Unai Emery’s arrival in 2022. Tonight, they reach a significant milestone, competing against PSG in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, the Champions League.
Historically, this occasion feels almost dreamlike; Aston Villa’s first European Cup quarter-final since 1983. However, their presence here is entirely justified. Emery has cultivated an exceptional squad that has demonstrated its capacity to overcome Europe’s elite. Recent victories against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich underscore their status as dangerous underdogs in this year’s Champions League campaign.
Unai Emery’s return to PSG, where he previously managed from 2016 to 2018, adds an intriguing dimension to this fixture. Furthermore, Marco Asensio’s potential appearance against his parent club heightens the narrative. PSG’s improved composure is also noteworthy; their displays against Liverpool in the previous round earned widespread respect, challenging earlier perceptions of the club as inconsistent contenders.
Domestically, PSG remains undefeated and recently clinched the Ligue 1 title with six matches remaining. Their European journey began with more challenges; PSG accumulated only four points from their initial five group stage games. However, a thrilling comeback triumph over Manchester City served as a turning point, propelling them into serious contention, and indeed, making them one of the favorites to win the Champions League.
Adding to the anticipation, Emi Martinez has brought his distinctive baseball cap to Paris. This Champions League quarter-final promises to be captivating.
Kick-off: 8pm.