Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa square off under the lights at Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, kicking off their Champions League quarter-final showdown with a pivotal first-leg encounter.
The French giants earned their spot in the last eight the hard way, bouncing back in dramatic fashion against Liverpool. After suffering a rare home defeat in the first leg, PSG stunned the Reds with a memorable comeback at Anfield.
That stumble remains their only blemish across their last 17 matches—an impressive run that includes 16 victories. Truth be told, they were perhaps unfortunate not to come away with at least a draw in that opening leg.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa enter this clash riding high on a wave of momentum. Unai Emery’s side have rattled off seven straight wins since a heavy 4-1 loss to Crystal Palace, displaying consistency and confidence in recent outings.
However, the level of opposition during that stretch has been less than elite. Their narrow 2-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest last weekend stands as the most notable result of the bunch.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
PSG vs. Aston Villa live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Champions League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: Paramount+
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in English language. Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
What time does PSG vs. Aston Villa kick off?
This Champions League clash takes place at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France and kicks off on Wednesday, April 9 at 9:00 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Apr. 9 | 4:00 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Apr. 9 | 3:00 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Apr. 9 | 2:00 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Apr. 9 | 1:00 p.m. |
PSG vs. Aston Villa predicted lineups, team news
Paris Saint-Germain approach the tie with a largely clean bill of health. The only confirmed absentee is Gabriel Moscardo, sidelined by a muscle issue, while Kang-In Lee remains a question mark ahead of kickoff.
With their key stars fit and firing, Enrique’s side will be aiming to assert their dominance on home soil—but they’ll be well aware that this in-form Villa side poses a serious threat.
PSG predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes — Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz — Barcola, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Injured: Moscardo (muscle), Kang-In Lee (doubtful).
Suspended: None.
Aston Villa head into their clash at the Parc des Princes riding a wave of momentum, finding top form at just the right stage of the campaign.
One intriguing subplot sees Marco Asensio eligible to face his parent club, PSG. The Spanish playmaker, currently on loan at Villa Park, has been gradually reintroduced to action with cameo appearances against Club Brugge and is now tipped to start against the Parisians.
Ollie Watkins, who was rested against Nottingham Forest last weekend, is also expected to return to lead the line. Marcus Rashford, rediscovering his spark, is another likely name on the teamsheet from the opening whistle.
However, Leon Bailey remains a doubt and faces a late fitness test. Villa will also be without midfielder Ross Barkley, who continues to recover from a knee problem.
Aston Villa predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne — Tielemans, McGinn — Rogers, Asensio, Rashford — Watkins.
Injured: Barkley (knee), Bailey (doubt).
Suspended: None.
Champions League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Tuesday, April 8
- Arsenal vs. Real Madrid (3:00 p.m.)
- Bayern Munich vs. Inter Milan (3:00 p.m.)
Wednesday, April 9
- Barcelona vs. Borussia Dortmund (3:00 p.m.)
- Paris Saint-Germain vs. Aston Villa (3:00 p.m.)
