PSG are a team that suffocates opponents and Aston Villa are set to learn that lesson the hard way. I think the Parisians will have too much quality for the English side in the Super Cup.
HTH - Third Clash
PSG met Aston Villa for the first time in the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals.
The Parisians came back to win 3-1 in France before blowing a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 in England.
PSG on Top of Europe
Paris Saint-Germain continued to dominate last season, winning 2-0 at Lens on the penultimate matchday to claim the Ligue 1 title. It was their fifth domestic title in a row.
Luis Enrique’s side dominated Arsenal in the Champions League final but had to do it the hard way. Conceding in the 6th minute, they took it to a penalty shootout where they prevailed.
The Parisians have played two friendlies to prepare for the new campaign, a 3-0 defeat to Mallorca followed by a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Enrique spoke about the improvement in his side and their reputation in Europe: "No one rules out Paris Saint-Germain any more. Two years ago, it was impossible to put us among the favourites - not impossible, but we were not one of the favourites."
"Now, no one would say that Paris Saint-Germain aren't the favourites. That's something we have earned, but if we're going to maintain that position, we have to work even harder."
Villa Moving Up
Aston Villa finished fourth in the Premier League last season, Ollie Watkins scoring 16 goals which was 29% of their total output.
Unai Emery’s side added the Europa League title to an impressive campaign, outplaying Freiburg in the final in Istanbul where they earned a 3-0 win.
The Villains have had a poor preseason, losing to Elche, Porto and Real Sociedad. They ended with a 2-1 deserved defeat against Bayern Munich, ending with 0.28 xG.
Emery spoke about the increased expectations in Birmingham: "I feel like the club is in a new era, with this possibility to fight for trophies."
"We’re trying to be successful through, firstly, (building) a winning team, and then aiming for the positive consequences after it: winning trophies."
Predicted Lineups & Team News
PSG (4-2-3-1) Matvey Safonov; Ilya Zabarnyi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Dro Fernández; Ibrahim Mbaye, Senny Mayulu, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
It remains to be seen how Luis Enrique will approach this one with many of his players returning from the World Cup.
Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Hernández, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Fabián Ruiz, Bradley Barcola, Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé are all fitness doubts.
Kang-in Lee, Randal Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos were sold for a combined €155m. Left-back Lucas Digne was signed from Aston Villa and Maghnes Akliouche moved from Monaco for €50m.
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1) Marco Bizot; Matty Cash, Victor Lindelöf, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara; John McGinn, Emiliano Buendía, Alejandro Garnacho; Tammy Abraham
Amadou Onana and Leon Bailey are out with Johan Manzambi recovering from a minor knee issue. Emiliano Martínez, Ezri Konsa, John McGinn, Alejandro Garnacho and Ollie Watkins are doubtful.
Villa have made some money in the transfer market with Lucas Digne, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, Donyell Malen, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers sold for over €220m.
Modou Kéba Cissé, Alejandro Garnacho, João Gomes and Johan Manzambi have come in to fill some of the gaps.