PSG Set to Defend Title Against Aston Villa in Super Cup Showdown
The new season opens with a traditional face-off between European champions, as Paris Saint-Germain prepares to clash with Aston Villa.
Defending Champions League titleholders PSG secured their championship by defeating Tottenham in a penalty shootout last year and now aims to retain their crown after triumphing over Arsenal in Budapest the same way.
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Aston Villa aims to disrupt PSG’s dominance over English clubs during high-stakes matches, having earned their spot in this championship after winning the Europa League title with a 3-0 victory over Freiburg.
The upcoming match features some interesting reunions, with Villa head coach Unai Emery facing the team he led to a Ligue 1 title in the 2017/18 season, while Lucas Digne returns to play against Aston Villa after rejoining PSG just last week.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Super Cup clash.
The PSG and Aston Villa Super Cup match is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, August 12, at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
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How can I watch it?
Fans in the UK can view the match on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage beginning at 7pm BST. The game will also be streamed on HBO Max.
Team news
PSG manager Luis Enrique will have an almost complete squad ready, with several key players returning from their post-World Cup break, although Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, and Achraf Hakimi may not be match-fit. Nuno Mendes is the only injury concern, having picked up a minor muscle issue while playing for Portugal. Digne might see action against his former team if Enrique decides to manage his squad carefully.
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Aston Villa faces more significant injuries, with Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi, and Leon Bailey confirmed to be unavailable. There are also uncertainties regarding the fitness of Emi Martínez, Ezri Konsa, and Ollie Watkins, while John McGinn undergoes assessment for a knee problem. New acquisition Alejandro Garnacho sustained a facial injury during a friendly against BG Pathum United but could potentially make his debut if he recovers in time.
Predicted line-ups
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Gomes, Kamara; Buendia, McGinn, Garnacho; Watkins.
PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Beraldo, Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Mbaye, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
The new season raises its curtain with a customary clash of European champions as Paris Saint-Germain take on Aston Villa.
Champions League winners PSG are the holders of the title after beating Tottenham on penalties last year, and they’ll get another shot at the crown after breaking the hearts of Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal in the same manner in Budapest.
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Villa will hope to end the Parisians’ dominance of English teams when silverware is on the line, earning their place in this showpiece occasion after cruising to the Europa League title in their 3-0 final win against Freiburg.
The match-up offers a couple of notable reunions with Villa boss Unai Emery facing the club he won a Ligue 1 title win in 2017/18 – while Lucas Digne will also line-up against the Villans after rejoining PSG just last weekend.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Super Cup clash.
The Super Cup clash between PSG and Aston Villa kicks off at 8pm BST on Wednesday 12 August at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
Advertisement
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 7pm BST. It can also be streamed on HBO Max.
Team news
PSG boss Luis Enrique has a full squad at his disposal after key names returned from their post-World Cup break, though the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Achraf Hakimi may not be fit enough to start. The only potential injury concern surrounds Nuno Mendes who suffered a muscle problem for Portugal, but that only seemed minor. Digne could feature against his former club if Enrique opts not to take any chances.
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Villa, meanwhile, have a greater injury headache, with Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi and Leon Bailey all definitely out. There are also doubts over the fitness of Emi Martínez, Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, while John McGinn is being assessed following a knee issue. New boy Alejandro Garnacho suffered a facial injury in the friendly with BG Pathum United but could make his competitive debut if he recovers in time.
Predicted line-ups
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Maatsen; Gomes, Kamara; Buendia, McGinn, Garnacho; Watkins.
PSG XI: Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Beraldo, Neves, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Mbaye, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia.
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