The last time Aston Villa faced PSG, they defeated the French champions 3-2, but lost on aggregate 4-5 in a fiery quarterfinal tie, setting up this game for another feisty encounter.
This time, UEFA Europa League champions, making their first UEFA Super Cup appearance since beating Barcelona, return to action in Salzburg to face a PSG side targeting consecutive Super Cups.
It's an intriguing UEFA Super Cup action on Wednesday, August 12, as Aston Villa travels to Salzburg to face a PSG side that has scored in 28 straight competitive games. Villans boss Unai Emery will be aiming to refocus his team after recent pre-season friendly reverses.
Team Form
PSG: LD (Failed to win their two pre-season matches, suffering a 3-0 defeat and a 1-1 draw).
Aston Villa: WLLWWL (Played six friendlies, winning three and suffering three losses).
Key Stats & Head-to-Head
The last meeting between PSG and Aston Villa was in a Champions League quarter-final, and it ended in a 5-4 aggregate win for PSG.
Aston Villa have a perfect Super Cup record, beating Barcelona 3-1 on aggregate in their only previous appearance.
PSG have failed to win their two pre-season matches, suffering 3-0 and 1-1 results.
Unai Emery has struggled in this competition, losing all three of his prior attempts to add the UEFA Super Cup.
What to Expect From Both Teams
PSG | Form: LD:
Luis Enrique's side enters this clash with massive ambition, looking to secure a consecutive UEFA Super Cup triumph in front of the Salzburg crowd.
With a squad featuring returning veterans like Marquinhos and dynamic wingers like Ousmane Dembele, they provide a stern test for any visiting club.
Having collected another Champions League trophy last season, this fixture against Premier League opposition is a strategic opportunity to regain match-sharpness.
Aston Villa | Form: WLLWWL:
Unai Emery's men are looking to bounce back from a recent 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich, where they concluded a busy pre-season schedule.
Despite the departures of the influential Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, the Villans still boast exciting additions such as Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Gomes.
With a Premier League opener against Brighton looming on August 23, finding their competitive rhythm in Europe this week is a top priority for the technical bench.
Predicted Lineups
PSG (possible):
Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Neves, Mbaye, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
Aston Villa (possible):
Bizot, Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen, Gomes, Kamara, Hemmings, Buendia, Garnacho, Watkins.
Matchups & Players to Watch
Alejandro Garnacho: The exciting winger could make his competitive debut for Aston Villa after joining the club during a busy pre-season.
Marquinhos: A vital cog in the PSG defensive line who will be tasked with disrupting Aston Villa's new-look attacking stars.
Brian Madjo: Arrives in great form, having netted four pre-season goals this summer, posing a constant threat from midfield.
Ousmane Dembele: The returning World Cup star will be expected to lead the line and ignite the attack for Les Parisiens.
Odds Market on MSport
PSG/Home to win = 1.83
Aston Villa/Away to win = 4.62
Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.85
Over 2.5 total goals = 1.91
This clash presents a classic clash of momentum: a dominant PSG side faces an Aston Villa team eager to secure another major European trophy before the domestic season.
With both teams using this as a vital curtain-raiser for their respective leagues, the Red Bull Arena is set for a compelling international night.