Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Champions League Quarter-final Second Leg: Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain – Team Lineups and Match Preview
Aston Villa prepares to host Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final second leg clash. The Villans face an uphill battle after suffering a 3-1 defeat in the first leg in Paris. This crucial football fixture will determine which team advances to the semi-finals of this prestigious European competition. Soccer enthusiasts worldwide are keenly following this match, eager to see if Aston Villa can overturn the deficit or if PSG will maintain their advantage.
Despite trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Aston Villa fans remain hopeful.
Disciplinary Concerns for Key Players
For Aston Villa, four players are at risk of suspension for the potential semi-final first leg if they receive a yellow card tonight. These players, including key midfielder Marcus Rashford, defender Lucas Digne, anchor Boubacar Kamara, and defender Axel Disasi must exercise caution throughout the match.
In contrast, PSG has only one player walking a disciplinary tightrope. Fabián Ruiz is the sole PSG player who is currently on a yellow card and at risk of suspension.
Emery vs. Enrique: A History of Champions League Encounters
This match marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between Unai Emery and Luis Enrique in the Champions League knockout stages. Their past encounter is etched in Champions League lore, remembered for one of the most dramatic turnarounds in history. PSG, as a club, and Marquinhos, the only remaining player from that fateful squad, carry the weight of past disappointments. Similarly, Unai Emery will recall that night vividly, having been in the PSG dugout as events spectacularly unfolded. Perhaps, for all parties involved this evening, shifting focus to the present contest would be beneficial.
Unai Emery’s Pre-match Thoughts
Speaking to Amazon Prime before the game, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery conveyed a message of determination and optimism. He stated, “Good evening… we are motivated… excited… we have momentum this season… we aim to channel every ounce of energy from our supporters to the team… now is the time to concentrate on our game plan… we competed well in Paris… we are capable of competing effectively again, but we need to achieve more… We must perform both with and without possession… employ a high and low block as needed … capitalize on set pieces… dominate possession… win individual battles… this is the highest calibre of opponent we have faced this year… I am eager to observe how the players respond.”
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Team Changes for Second Leg
Aston Villa has made a solitary alteration to their starting eleven compared to the first leg. Amadou Onana enters the lineup, taking the place of Jacob Ramsey, who is named among the substitutes.
PSG manager Luis Enrique has opted for two adjustments to his starting lineup following their 3-1 victory last Wednesday. Marquinhos returns to the defence after serving a suspension, replacing Lucas Beraldo. Additionally, Bradley Barcola is included in the attack, taking the place of Désiré Doué, who was instrumental in the first leg win. Both Beraldo and Doué will begin the match on the bench.
Updated: 14.35 EDT
Confirmed Team Lineups
Aston Villa Starting XI:
Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Onana, Rogers, Tielemans, McGinn, Rashford.
Substitutes:
Olsen, Proctor, Disasi, Mings, Barkley, Watkins, Asensio, Maatsen, Bogarde, Bailey, Ramsey.
Paris Saint-Germain Starting XI:
Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Fabian, Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Substitutes:
Tenas, Safonov, Kimpembe, Goncalo Ramos, Lee, Hernandez, Mayulu, Zaire Emery, Lucas Beraldo, Mbaye, Doue.
Referee:
Jose Maria Sanchez (Spain).
Aston Villa players arrive at Villa Park ahead of the crucial Champions League match.
Updated: 14.45 EDT
Match Background: First Leg Recap
A week ago in Paris…
Following their first-leg setback, the 1982 European champions, Aston Villa, require a significant performance to secure a semi-final berth against either Arsenal or Real Madrid. While history offers a glimmer of hope—Villa has progressed in seven out of 12 European ties after losing the first leg away—PSG’s record is formidable, having advanced 13 out of 19 times in Europe after winning the first leg at home. Both teams can draw inspiration from past results. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST. The stage is set for an electrifying encounter!