Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa have confirmed their starting line-ups for the Super Cup showdown set to take place in Salzburg on Wednesday. PSG, the current Champions League holders, aim to defend their title after triumphing over Tottenham on penalties in 2025. Meanwhile, Villa, fresh off their Europa League victory and a Premier League fourth-place finish, return to the Champions League, looking to avenge their prior quarter-final defeat to PSG.
This match holds weight in the Champions League landscape, as it showcases two clubs with solid ambitions. As reported by 101 Great Goals, both teams are poised to make their mark in European competitions, with PSG looking to extend their dominance while Aston Villa seeks to solidify their resurgence on the continental stage.
PSG’s Selection Changes Ahead of Villa Clash
Paris Saint-Germain have made three alterations to their line-up from their recent friendly against Manchester United. Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, defender Willian Pacho, and forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remain, while Maghnes Akliouche earns his debut after joining from Monaco. Notably absent from the starting XI is Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, alongside Liverpool target Bradley Barcola and returning full-back Lucas Digne, all of whom start on the bench.
PSG starting XI: Matvey Safonov, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Joao Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery, Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Aston Villa’s Youthful Line-up Without Key Players
Aston Villa, under coach Unai Emery, face challenges, missing key players due to their commitments in World Cup 2026. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defender Ezri Konsa, and forward Ollie Watkins have not travelled to Salzburg. However, John McGinn returns from injury, taking the place of Evann Guessand. The squad features promising youngsters Brian Madjo and George Hemmings, who add dynamism to the team.
Aston Villa starting XI: Marco Bizot, Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres, Victor Lindelof, Matty Cash, George Hemmings, Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes, John McGinn, Brian Madjo, Emiliano Buendia
Where to Watch the Super Cup: Coverage Details
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage will be available on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with streaming on the HBO Max app, which supports a variety of devices.
Champions League Stat Check: PSG vs Aston Villa
- PSG have a commendable record in the Super Cup, having clinched the trophy 30 times in 50 appearances. Aston Villa, on the other hand, aims to become the first Europa League winners to lift the title since Atletico Madrid in 2018.
- In their previous encounter, PSG edged Villa 5-4 on aggregate during the 2024/25 Champions League quarter-finals.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was voted the 2025/26 Champions League Player of the Season, is pivotal for PSG, while Emery looks to secure his third Super Cup title as a manager.
- Villa’s last outings against French teams have been fruitful, with three consecutive victories, including a successful Europa League campaign against Lille.
The SportiveNews view
This Super Cup clash presents a crucial moment for both Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. For PSG, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their European dominance, while Villa’s aspirations will hinge on besting their continental rivals despite key absences. The outcome could greatly influence their respective paths in this season’s Champions League.
Source: Based on reporting from 101 Great Goals. SportiveNews rewrote and analysed the story independently for football readers.
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