‘Sensational’ midfielder gets nod as Parisiens’ arch nemesis starts - Aston Villa predicted XI vs PSG

The time has finally arrived for arguably Aston Villa’s most important fixture this century.

Unai Emery’s side travel to the French capital on Wednesday night to take on 12-time Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League. It’s the stuff of dreams for all in claret and blue who would never have imagined reaching this competition just three years ago, let alone the last eight against continental giants.

Villa have been through so much in the last decade but all the trials and tribulations are worth it for moments such as these. Emery’s men are undoubtedly the massive underdogs this midweek but that could play into their favour as the Parc des Princes faithful will be piling pressure on PSG, demanding them to succeed after blowing away Liverpool in the previous round.

Emery knows PSG all too well having managed the Parisiens between 2016 and 2018 but he hasn’t been back since. It awaits to be seen what kind of reception he will receive but one thing’s for sure, his focus will be on Villa and Villa only.

Having rotated heavily with eight changes for the 2-1 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Emery is bound to revert to a more customary, full-strength XI in Paris. It’s not abundantly clear what that exact XI is, though, with so many positions in all areas of the field being competed for by a now fully-fit squad.

Aston Villa predicted lineup vs PSG

Without further ado, here’s the starting XI we reckon Emery will name at the Parc des Princes.

GK - Emi Martinez: The two-time Yashin Trophy winner has a point to prove in France, a nation which has held a grudge against him ever since his World Cup final heroics in 2022. Martinez weirdly enjoys playing the arch nemesis role.

RB - Matty Cash: Selected narrowly ahead of Axel Disasi, Cash will likely come in as he’s got better pace and agility to deal with Kvaratskelia. It could be either or, though.

CB - Ezri Konsa: Ever so reliable for Villa throughout much of this season, Konsa very rarely puts on a poor performance. His versatility has been so important across a variety of competitions.

CB - Pau Torres: The Spaniard’s return to the XI resulted in a defiant clean sheet at the Amex. Pau sat out the win over Forest, almost certainly with this game in mind.

LB - Lucas Digne: It may not go down well benching Ian Maatsen after such a brilliant display at the weekend but Digne, as the more experienced and better suited defensively, will probably get the nod.

CM - Boubacar Kamara: Fully up to speed now, Kamara is arguably Villa’s most important player. No wonder Emery is so desperately trying to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

CM - Youri Tielemans: Thriving in the double pivot just as much as he was as a number 10, Tielemans has played more minutes than any other Villa player this season.

RM - Morgan Rogers: Enjoying a new role out on the right flank since Asensio’s arrival, Rogers has been in sensational form. He’s definitely in with a shout of winning the Player of the Season award and deserves to start such a big game.

LM - Marcus Rashford: Twice a scorer away at PSG as a Man Utd player, Rashford will be eager to repeat those heroics in claret and blue. He’s well rested from not starting at the weekend, too.

CAM - Marco Asensio: Eligible to face his parent club, Asensio should definitely start as he will know exactly how to take advantage of PSG’s few shortfalls. The Spaniard has been in remarkable form with eight goals in his first 10 games for Villa.

ST - Ollie Watkins: Back in the XI at the weekend but brought off on the hour mark, Watkins is now ready to play a full 90 when it matters most. He’s only scored once in the Champions League so far but he’s got a great opportunity to add to his tally in style.