Aston Villa vs PSG: Battle for the semi-finals at Villa Park

After a 1-3 defeat in Paris, Aston Villa do not have much room for mistakes. But Unai Emery's team will play at home, which means with the support of the stands and with a chance for history. PSG are already close to the semi-finals, but the past of this team knows how difficult it can be to maintain even a solid advantage. Especially in away matches of the Champions League.

Atmosphere before the match

The first match ended with a score of 3:1 in favor of the Parisians. The last goal was scored by Nuno Mendes and thereby provided PSG not just with a victory, but with a comfortable lead. However, Luis Enrique and Unai Emery's past in European competition knows how easily things can go wrong. Especially if you remember the same Barca, which first lost to PSG 0:4, and then won back 6:1 - and these two coaches were on the bench then, only in different roles.

Home Form Villas

Aston Villa feels confident on its own field this European season - 4 wins and 1 draw, only 2 goals conceded and 4 clean sheets. Plus - a full stadium, frantic support and a high pace of the game, which Emery will surely offer from the first minutes.

What about PSG?

The Parisians did not start the European season very successfully on the road - with two defeats and no goals scored. But after that - 4 wins in a row, 3 of them - to zero. Henrique has assembled a fighting team, and even without Mbappe, there are enough players in the squad who can decide the episode: Dembele, Kvaratskhelia, Hakimi, Vitinha.

What the coaches say

Unai Emery, Aston Villa:

"I have experience - both positive and painful. But now it's different. This is the story of the Villa that we want to write. Yes, PSG are more experienced, but if we play accurately, cohesively and emotionally, the stadium will support us, and then everything is possible."

Luis Enrique, PSG:

"We always play to win - at home or away. Villa are an aggressive team, especially at home, but that doesn't scare us. We came to win, not to defend."

Tentative line-ups

Aston Villa: Martinez - Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne - Camara, Tielemans - Rodgers, McGinn, Rashford - Watkins
Questionable: Bailey

PSG: Donnarumma – Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes – Neves, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz – Due, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia

CasinosIncanada Prediction:

Villa will play actively and with a desire to win back. PSG - calculatingly and with an eye to quick attacks. We are waiting for a fighting game. Our prediction is 2:1 in favor of Aston Villa. This may not be enough to reach the semifinals, but the intrigue will remain until the very end.