On 9 April 2025, Paris Saint-Germain will host Aston Villa in the first leg of UEFA Champions League quarter-final at the Parc des Princes.
The French side, fresh off an undefeated domestic season and fresh from clinching the Ligue 1 title, take on an Aston Villa side who are on a run of 7 consecutive wins in all competitions .
There’s no head-to-head record to speak of as this encounter marks the first-ever competitive meeting between PSG and Aston Villa.
Paris Saint-Germain Form Guide and Predictions
PSG have been almost untouchable this season in Ligue 1, sealing the title with an unbeaten run.
Under Luis Enrique—who recently extended his contract and insists, “In football, favourites do not exist. Every team that reaches the quarter-finals has earned their place on the field”—the French giants have integrated a wealth of talent.
The team’s attacking department is spearheaded by Ousmane Dembélé, who has recorded 32 goals in all competitions, and supported by Bradley Barcola, whose 13 goals in 28 matches complement his creative play.
“We work for every ball, every tackle, every pass. On the European stage, you cannot afford to let up—even a minute’s lapse can cost you the game,” Enrique remarked in a recent pre-match briefing.
Options such as Gonçalo Ramos and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have also added extra firepower, while midfield maestros like Fabián Ruiz and Joao Neves maintain the team’s fluid passing game.
Even though captain Marquinhos is suspended and Lee Kang-in is sidelined with injury, PSG’s depth is evident in players like Willian Pacho and the versatile Vitinha, whose contributions go beyond goal tallies to solid defensive actions and transitional play.
Aston Villa Form Guide and Predictions
Aston Villa, on the other side, have carved out an impressive run of seven consecutive wins in all competitions under Unai Emery. The West Midlands outfit are 7th in the Premier League, just a point behind Man City.
The former PSG boss—back in Paris for this tie with a personal connection—stated in a recent press conference, “It’s very special for me to return to Paris. I know the quality of this club from my past, and I have come here with the responsibility to get the best out of my players. We are determined to fight until the final whistle.”
Emery’s side is built on a blend of clinical finishing and robust defending. Striker Ollie Watkins leads the attack with dynamic movement and a Premier League tally that makes him one of Villa’s most feared finishers. The 29-year-old has racked up 14 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances in the 24/25 season so far.
Morgan Rogers’s creativity has been critical in linking play—his knack for key passes and shots on target consistently troubles opponents.
Additionally, John McGinn has emerged as a midfield dynamo, contributing both defensively and in the build-up, complementing the work of stalwart defenders such as Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.
Betting Predictions
Scoreline prediction: PSG 3-1 Aston Villa
- PSG to win by at least two goals: Red & Blues dominate at the Parc des Princes, and their impressive domestic form suggests they should overcome Emery’s side by a comfortable margin despite Villa’s resilience away from home.
- Over 2.5 or 3.5 Goals: Both PSG and Villa have been involved in games with high goal totals this season.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Villans have shown consistent scoring – even in away fixtures – and while PSG have a potent attack, they are prone to defensive lapses at times.
- Ousmane Dembele as First Goalscorer: With his current form and recent Champions League output, the former Barcelona star is a strong candidate to open the scoring.
Always gamble responsibly and consider all factors before placing a bet.
