Ollie Watkins To Start? | 4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Against PSG | OneFootball

Aston Villa will travel to the Parc des Princes to face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the quarterfinal of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season. They beat Club Brugge 6-1 in aggregate over two legs in the Round of 16 to qualify for the quarterfinal. Unai Emerey’s side has shown great performances in the Champions League this season, and that will hold them in good stead while facing one of the best teams in the tournament. Villa don’t have to think about injuries or suspensions to their players, and they have the fully fit squad to work with. Let us take a look at the predicted lineup of Villa against PSG in the first leg.

4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Against PSG:

Defence:

Emi Martinez, a rock in goal, has been pulling off stunning saves all season—his composure under pressure will be key. Andres Garcia, stepping up at right-back, has shown pace and grit in recent outings. The center-back duo of Axel Disasi and Tyrone Mings brings muscle and experience; Mings has been a wall lately, while Disasi’s reading of the game has tightened Villa’s backline. Ian Maatsen, at left-back, has impressed with his energy and overlapping runs. This will be Aston Villa’s expected defense for this game.

Midfield:

Amadou Onana and Youri Tielemans are expected to anchor the holding roles, providing a solid base. Onana has been a revelation since returning from injury, his physicality and precise passing shining in Villa’s recent 3-0 thrashing of Club Brugge. Tielemans, meanwhile, has been a creative spark, threading balls like the one that nearly unlocked Brugge’s defense.

Out wide, Donyell Malen and Marcus Rashford are tipped to stretch PSG’s backline. Malen’s pace and shot volume, while Rashford’s resurgence, with goals in his last two outings, brings confidence. Morgan Rogers is expected to be the central attacking midfielder. He brings flair, vision, and relentless energy, consistently creating chances and driving Aston Villa’s attack forward with confidence.

Up top, Ollie Watkins, as the lone striker, has been tireless. His movement and link-up play were key in Villa’s recent wins. He will also be tasked with scoring the decisive goals.