Aston Villa will be in action on Wednesday against the newly crowned French champions, Paris Saint-Germain. It was the French capital side's eighth title in the last decade alone. Villa manager Unai Emery was responsible for one of them back in 2018.
The Premier League side will be high on confidence after their recent 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at home. Since the winter transfer window shut, they have only lost once in all competitions. It has also seen their away form improve significantly.
The on-loan signings of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford have improved the team's prospects going forward as well. Unai Emery will be hoping his side can keep the momentum going and take advantage to Villa Park next week in the second leg.
Aston Villa's predicted lineup in the Champions League vs Paris Saint-Germain (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
The first-choice name for a few years. The Argentine World Cup hero is an undroppable name.
Right-Back: Matty Cash
Andres Garcia was picked to start against Forest. Even though he was subbed off at half-time, Cash was given a full rest. It gives an idea of how much Emery wants him at full strength against PSG, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in particular.
Centre-Back: Ezri Konsa
The England international was brought into the match last Saturday much earlier than Emery would have liked. But he is a regular in the team and should be starting in Paris.
Centre-Back: Pau Torres
The Spaniard was an unused sub. Another first-choice name in Emery's preferred XI, he is expected to return to the lineup from the start.
Left-Back: Lucas Digne
Digne should come into the team from the get-go, back in his homeland. Another player who was an unused sub in the Premier League last time. He will have a job on his hands against Paris Saint-Germain.
Central Defensive Midfield: Boubacar Kamara
Another French player in the team. He was brought on in the second half last time. A regular in the team in recent fixtures, he will have a crucial role in the middle of the pitch.
Central Defensive Midfield: Youri Tielemans
The Belgian has made the most starts this season, and he is once again expected to do that in Paris. His ability to find players up top will be crucial for Villa.
Right Attacking Midfield: Morgan Rogers
Another first name in the side. Rogers started on the left against Forest and scored a goal, but he is good enough to play anywhere across the line behind the striker.
Central Attacking Midfield: John McGinn
The Scot was a second-half substitute for Marco Asensio. Both are contenders to start on Wednesday. However, McGinn’s energy in the middle will be vital for Emery’s side and he should return to the starting XI.
Left Attacking Midfield: Jacob Ramsey
Another player who came off the bench to play in the final 30 minutes against Forest. With Rashford likely to start up top, Ramsey could come in to start from the left.
Centre-Forward: Marcus Rashford
Ollie Watkins started last time, putting to rest talks of injury concerns after missing out on England team selection. However, Rashford started the two matches before that and was on the scoresheet. He has a terrific history against PSG. His pace can be an important tool and he is expected to start.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Paris Saint-Germain: Martínez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey; Rashford.