£770,000-a-week quintet benched as Rashford decision made – PSG v Aston Villa Predicted XIs
PSG and Aston Villa will go head-to-head in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night as both sides look to get an edge in the tie.
Luis Enrique’s side claimed their fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title at the weekend with a 1-0 win over Angers thanks to Desire Doue’s goal, while they reached this stage of the competition thanks to a penalty shootout win over Liverpool in the last round. Unai Emery’s side on the other hand claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at the weekend, and reached this stage of the competition thanks to a dominant win over Club Brugge in the last 16.
Both sides have some decisions to make on their squad ahead of the game, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expect the teams to line up.
Paris Saint-Germain Team News
Marquinhos suspended
PSG will come into the game in high spirits after claiming their latest league title, but they will be without captain Marquinhos for the first leg after his booking in the clash against Liverpool at Anfield.
Lee Kang-In is also a doubt through injury, although he was unlikely to start the game anyway. Enrique will also have a decision to make in attack with all of Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue competing for a spot in the front three.
Enrique Drops Team News Update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Enrique shared an update ahead of the game.
“I know Aston Villa well, I have watched a lot of their games. They’re one of the best teams in Europe. I’ve known Unai Emery for a long time.
“I know the depth of his analysis. He’s one of the coaches that will cause us the most problems. He’s successful, and he shows that wherever he is.
“We will continue to see a great version of Paris Saint-Germain, with the same intensity. I’m totally convinced of the level we’ve reached so far and of what lies ahead: the best is yet to come. The day before a Champions League match, the energy is different. You see a kind of purity in the players who train. Every coach has his own style and his own way of managing a squad.
“Marquinhos will be on the bench and will be able to encourage everyone. That’s our strength: whoever is absent, the team will be ready.”
Paris Saint-Germain Predicted XI
Desire Doue to start on the bench
Enrique is likely to go with the same team that started in both legs against Liverpool, with young South American Lucas Beraldo likely to start in place of the suspended captain Marquinhos.
In attack, Desire Doue has impressed plenty in recent weeks but Barcola, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia should keep their place meaning the youngster is likely to be on the bench alongside big-earners Lucas Hernandez and Warren Zaire-Emery.
Aston Villa Team News
Leon Bailey could return
Emery was able to rest several players in the weekend clash with Nottingham Forest and he could now welcome back Jamaica international Leon Bailey to the squad.
The winger has missed the last three games with injury but recently returned to training and could be available for the first leg. Ross Barkley is also back in training, and he could return to the bench. Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen are ineligible.
Emery Drops Team News Update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Emery shared an update on Marcus Rashford.
“He’s a good guy, he’s humble, he’s a very good professional player. He’s really happy with his teammates and he’s being demanding with himself with everything that we want from him in the team.
“I think he’s playing free and comfortable, and this is the most important thing. It’s important to connect with him as a person firstly and after it to connect with him as a player.
“His process here is getting better. He’s playing in two different positions – he started here as a left winger and now he’s playing as more of a striker. How he can exploit his qualities as best as possible with us is the process we have.
“There’s still more to do and there’s still a process to do, but the most important is how he’s feeling. We’re seeing him smiling, which is the best view we can have. I’m seeing him happy and committed to everything we are doing.”
Aston Villa Predicted XI
Rashford to start
Emery is likely to revert to his more trusted team from the weekend which should see an out-of-form Ollie Watkins start up front, but Marcus Rashford could move into his favoured left-wing role as a result.
In-form Marco Asensio is on loan from PSG but is likely to start on the bench alongside big earners Amadou Onana and a returning Bailey.
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