Aston Villa vs. PSG: Champions League Quarterfinal Prediction & Preview

Aston Villa is preparing to welcome PSG for the second leg of their Champions League quarterfinal tie on Tuesday. In the first leg, PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, secured a 3-1 victory over the English team at Parc des Princes. Aston Villa faces a challenge, needing to win by at least two goals to advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since their 1982 triumph against Bayern Munich. PSG, having already clinched their domestic league title, is fully focused on European success after their semifinal exit against Borussia Dortmund last season. Luis Enrique`s primary goal since joining PSG in 2023 has been to win the Champions League, a title the club narrowly missed in 2020 when they lost to Bayern Munich in the final. To progress, PSG must overcome Aston Villa and their former coach, Unai Emery, whose tactical prowess was evident even in the first leg despite the scoreline.

Match Details and How to Watch

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

First Leg Recap

In Paris, PSG defeated Aston Villa 3-1. Despite Aston Villa initially taking the lead through Morgan Rogers in a counter-attack, PSG responded with two impressive goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Nuno Mendes sealed the victory for PSG just before the final whistle, giving them a significant advantage heading into the second leg.

PSG`s Perspective

Luis Enrique stated his respect for Aston Villa`s capabilities. He emphasized the team`s focus on overcoming the challenges posed by Aston Villa and securing a win to advance in the competition. He acknowledged the historical significance of Villa Park and viewed it as a source of motivation rather than a problem for his players.

Aston Villa`s Viewpoint

Unai Emery acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming match against PSG. He stressed the importance of tactical execution and individual player performance. While recognizing PSG`s strength demonstrated in the first leg, Emery highlighted Aston Villa`s competitive spirit and determination to use Villa Park to their advantage.

Projected Starting 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.

Key Player Spotlight

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG: After scoring a remarkable goal in the first leg, Kvaratskhelia has been a standout performer for PSG since his January arrival. His contributions are seen as crucial to PSG`s Champions League aspirations.

Intriguing Storyline

Emiliano Martinez vs PSG: Emiliano Martinez`s presence in Paris was highly anticipated due to his past interactions with French fans following Argentina`s World Cup victory over France. Despite the whistles and pressure, Martinez faced a tough PSG side and conceded three goals.

Match Prediction

Although Aston Villa has the attacking potential to trouble PSG, overcoming a two-goal deficit from the first leg appears to be a significant hurdle.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2.

Champions League Quarterfinals Schedule

Tuesday, April 15

Wednesday, April 16