The upcoming match in Salzburg will be the teams' third meeting in a year and a half, and the rivalry has a very close history. In the 2024/25 Champions League quarterfinals, PSG won 3-1 at home, while Aston Villa gained revenge at Villa Park (3-2), ultimately losing 4-5 overall. The Parisians are undoubtedly the favorites, the reigning Champions League winners, and, according to many, "the best team in the world." However, Villa, under Unai Emery, who has lost three times in the Super Cup, including in 2015 to current PSG coach Luis Enrique, is determined to gain revenge.
The opponents' pre-match form has been mixed. PSG have been unconvincing in their recent friendlies, suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Mallorca and a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. Aston Villa's results have been more variable, but they have demonstrated good attacking potential, scoring three goals in two of their last three friendly matches. This head-to-head match, in which both teams are displaying attacking football, and statistical models indicating a high probability of a goal-scoring shootout, suggest a goalless draw in regulation time.
Considering that PSG retained their championship squad and Aston Villa lost left-back Lucas Digne back to Paris, the Parisians' status as favorites is unquestionable. However, the cup nature of the match, Emery's motivation, and Villa's experience in winning their first European Cup in 44 years make the outcome unpredictable.
