Premier League side Aston Villa have impressed mightily in the Champions League this season, outlasting domestic title favourites Liverpool in Europe’s top competition.
That laudable run will be tested immensely as they travel to the French capital to meet red-hot Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday.
PSG managed to confirm the Ligue 1 title over the weekend, and they are six matches away from an unbeaten domestic campaign. While they have not been quite as lights-out in European competition, their elimination of Liverpool previous round was a clear announcement of their title aspirations.
The French side waltzing to the league championship has allowed PSG to rest a number of key players in recent weeks, but their lack of stiff domestic competition has often been noted as a reason for their repeated European disappointment, and if anyone can take advantage of any visible rust, it’s upset specialist Unai Emery.
The Sporting News runs through the latest team news and injury updates for both sides as the match draws nearer.
PSG vs. Aston Villa lineups, predicted starting 11, team news
A big responsibility will fall on the shoulders of either Lucas Beraldo or Presnel Kimpembe to replace PSG captain Marquinhos, who is suspended for this match due to yellow card accumulation. The 21-year-old Beraldo is the likely choice having played almost 2,000 minutes this season, but Kimpembe is a more experienced option, having recently returned from a long-term injury.
Luis Enrique gave Ousmane Dembele a bit of rest over the weekend, but he should return to the front three alongside Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Then, it will either be Bradley Barcola or the more conventional centre-forward option of Goncalo Ramos.
The only injury concern for PSG was Kang-in Lee, but he has returned to training and could be an option off the bench.
PSG predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Beraldo, Pacho, L. Hernandez — Vitinha, Ruiz, Zaire-Emery — Kvaratskhelia, G. Ramos, Dembele.
Injured: Lee (ankle, doubt).
Suspended: Marquinhos (yellow accumulation).
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With January addition Donyell Malen not part of the Villa’s Champions League squad since moving from Borussia Dortmund, Marcus Rashford is set to start on the left wing. The same is true at right-back as Matty Cash will take over for impressive youngster Andres Garcia who is not part of Unai Emery’s 25-man party for this competition.
The only potential absences for Aston Villa are two players who must pass fit to be available, as both Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley are uncertain participants. Barkley has returned to training from a lengthy calf injury, but has not seen the field since early January and will need to ramp up his fitness. Ollie Watkins is managing a knee issue but should be fit to go.
Unai Emery has choices to make in multiple areas. Axel Disasi is likely the odd man out at the back, as Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings man the central partnership. Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, and John McGinn cannot all fit in midfield.
Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne — Onana, Tielemans — Rashford, Asensio, M. Rogers — Watkins.
Injured: Bailey (knock, doubt), Barkley (calf, doubt).
Suspended: None.
Ineligible: Malen (not registered), A. Garcia (not registered).
PSG vs. Aston Villa live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League quarterfinal first leg across selected areas of the world’s major regions:
| Date | Time | TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | Wed, Apr. 9 | 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT | — | Paramount+, ViX |
| Canada | Wed, Apr. 9 | 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT | — | DAZN |
| UK | Wed, Apr. 9 | 8 p.m. BST | TNT Sports 1 | discovery+ |
| Australia | Thu, Apr. 10 | 7 a.m. AEST | — | Stan Sport |
