Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa: UEFA Super Cup Preview, Team News, and Lineups

On Wednesday evening, Paris Saint-Germain aim to secure back-to-back UEFA Super Cup titles as they face off against Europa League champions Aston Villa. This match continues a recent trend of PSG meeting English opponents in this annual fixture, setting the stage for an intriguing clash at Salzburg's Red Bull Arena.

Match Background

Last year, PSG edged out Tottenham Hotspur after a dramatic comeback and penalty shootout victory, marking a successful defense of the Champions League trophy. With Luis Enrique at the helm, the Parisians have collected twelve trophies since his arrival, including last season’s UEFA Super Cup and Champions League wins.

PSG's pre-season has been mixed, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Mallorca but drawing 1-1 with Manchester United. Despite a lack of full match fitness, they remain confident, having scored in 28 consecutive competitive games since their January derby loss.

Their encounters with Aston Villa in the past suggest an entertaining encounter; PSG narrowly won a wild 5-4 aggregate quarter-final during their first Champions League triumph.

Aston Villa’s Journey

Aston Villa reached new heights by winning the Europa League last season, beating Freiburg convincingly in Istanbul to claim their first major trophy in three decades. Though they've lost key players like Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, the club has quickly reinforced with signings such as Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Gomes, and Johan Manzambi.

The Villans have experienced ups and downs in pre-season, winning three friendlies and losing three, including a 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich. Their competitive campaign kicks off with this match before opening their Premier League season against Brighton on August 23.

Manager Unai Emery, noted for Europa League success, has yet to win a UEFA Super Cup despite three attempts, including a narrow 5-4 defeat to Luis Enrique’s Barcelona while managing Sevilla. Aston Villa boasts a perfect Super Cup record from their sole previous appearance, beating Barcelona in 1982.

Pre-Season Form

• Paris Saint-Germain: Loss, Draw
• Aston Villa: Win, Loss, Loss, Win, Win, Loss

Team News

PSG will field several returning stars from World Cup breaks including Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, and captain Marquinhos. Others like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Lucas Hernandez, and Warren Zaire-Emery could feature depending on their fitness.

Departures this summer include Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani, and Lee Kang-in. New arrivals are Maghnes Akliouche and Lucas Digne, with Ferran Torres expected soon. Liverpool target Bradley Barcola’s status remains uncertain.

Aston Villa may see debuts for Garnacho and Joao Gomes, but Johan Manzambi is sidelined due to a knee injury. Captain John McGinn’s fitness is doubtful following a recent injury, joining Amadou Onana and Manzambi on the sidelines. Ezri Konsa, Ollie Watkins, and Emi Martinez remain out. Positive notes include Boubacar Kamara’s return and Brian Madjo’s impressive pre-season form with four goals.

Predicted Lineups

• Paris Saint-Germain: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Mayulu; Akliouche, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
• Aston Villa: Bizot; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Gomes, Kamara; Hemmings, Buendia, Garnacho; Abraham

Prediction

We think Paris Saint-Germain will edge Aston Villa 2-0. PSG have a chance to join the ranks of Ajax, AC Milan, and Real Madrid as teams to retain the UEFA Super Cup. Their recent dominance and Luis Enrique’s relentless pursuit of trophies contrast with Villa’s ongoing rebuilding process under Unai Emery.