Aston Villa will play against PSG at home on Tuesday for the second leg of the Champions League quarterfinal. In the first leg, PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in Paris. Aston Villa needs to score at least two goals to advance to the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 1982, the year they won their only title by beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in the final. PSG, having already secured the French league title, is now fully focused on the Champions League, especially after being eliminated in the semifinals by Borussia Dortmund last season.

Luis Enrique was appointed in the summer of 2023 with the primary goal of winning the Champions League with PSG for the first time. They came close in 2020 but lost in the final to Bayern Munich managed by Hansi Flick. To achieve this goal, PSG must overcome Aston Villa and their coach Unai Emery, a former PSG manager. Emery`s tactical skills were evident in the first leg, despite the final score.

Match Details: Aston Villa vs. PSG

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

First Leg Recap

PSG won the first leg 3-1 in Paris. Although Aston Villa`s Morgan Rogers scored first on a counter-attack, PSG responded with two excellent goals from Desire Doue from outside the box and a solo effort from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Nuno Mendes scored late in the game to secure a 3-1 victory for PSG.

PSG`s Perspective

Luis Enrique stated that he respects Aston Villa`s potential. He emphasized that the objective is to solve the challenges Aston Villa will pose and win the match. He acknowledged the high stakes of the competition, where only one team can advance. He denied any overconfidence, expressing determination to counter Aston Villa`s threats and highlighted the motivation of playing in a historic stadium.

Aston Villa`s Perspective

Unai Emery acknowledged the difficulty of facing PSG. He stressed the importance of a strong game plan and individual player performances. Despite the first leg result, he believes Aston Villa showed their ability to compete. He aims to use Villa Park as a fortress and believes in his team`s chances, emphasizing respect for PSG while pursuing a victory at home.

Predicted 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.

Player to Watch

Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG: Kvaratskhelia scored a fantastic goal in the first leg and has been a standout signing for PSG. His contributions are crucial to PSG`s Champions League ambitions.

Key Storyline

Emiliano Martinez vs PSG: Emiliano Martinez, Aston Villa`s goalkeeper, faced significant attention from PSG fans due to his past rivalry with French fans after the 2022 World Cup final. He was heavily booed throughout the first leg match in Paris.

Match Prediction

Despite Aston Villa`s potential to create chances, overturning a 3-1 deficit against PSG will be very challenging.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2, PSG 2.