Can Marco Asensio play tonight?
Since moving to the Midlands from Paris, Marco Asensio has been a revelation for Unai Emery’s side.
BUT – there is the obvious problem, normally loanees cannot play against their parent club.
With eight goals and one assist in 11 games, Emery would have been hoping Asensio is available.
And – he is – Asensio CAN play for Villa tonight against PSG.
In fact, there is no hard feelings between the clubs about Asensio.
PSG manager, Luis Enrique, said: “I am delighted he can play,” clearly indicating he is pleased Asensio found a place to showcase his ability.
Team news
Both sides will be at almost full strength for tonight’s clash.
However, in a HUGE blow for PSG, they will be without captain and star defender Marquinhos through suspension.
Lee Kang-in will also miss out for PSG through injury.
Enrique rested Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Bradely Barcola and Ousmane Dembele for the sides title deciding 1-0 win over Angers, so expect all to start.
Aston Villa will miss only Leon Bailey and Ross Barkley through injury.
However, Emery does have a decision to make up top.
Ollie Watkins is without a goal since March 8, whereas Rashford has three in his last three.
First time?
This is the FIRST time that PSG and Aston Villa have met in the Champions League in history.
Despite PSG having boasted players as good as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi in their history, it is Villa who hold the only Champions League title between the two.
Emery’s side qualified for the knockout stages by finishing eighth in the Champions League table, whereas PSG had to go through a qualifier.
Luis Enrique’s side ended up beating Brest, scoring 10 goals over two legs, and beat Liverpool in the round of 16.
Villa eased beyond Club Brugge, winning 6-1 over two legs.
They will need more of the same domination if they are to have any chance against the French champions.
A familiar face
Unai Emery is returning to the side he once managed tonight.
He only won the title once in two seasons, but was unlucky to come up against a Monaco side that possessed players such as Bernardo Silva, Falcao, and one Kylian Mbappe.
He was also in the dugout for Barcelona’s famous 6-1 comeback against PSG at the Camp Nou.
But – if they’re keeping count, Emery was in charge when Neymar made the switch from Barcelona.
The city of loving knockout football
Welcome to SunSport’s coverage of Villa against PSG in the Champions League quarter-final.
Aston Villa have already booked themselves into a semi-final this season, preparing for a trip to the capital at Wembley to take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The travel to another capital today, but rather than the English capital – it is the French capital.
Unai Emery is familiar with PSG, having been a manager there for two seasons.
PSG now have all their focus on winning the Champions League for the first time in their history, as they have already wrapped up the Ligue 1 title.
With Ousmane Dembele at the helm, Luis Enrique’s side have been unstoppable this season.
His side already have an English scalp, after knocking out champions elect Liverpool in the round of 16.
SunSport has you covered for all of the play-by-play action from the French capital tonight.
