The most dangerous player in Europe?

From a young age, Ousmane Dembele has been highly rated across Europe.

He joined Borussia Dortmund – who have built a reputation for developing talent – and thrived in the Bundesliga.

So much so that in 2017, Barcelona paid over £100million to prize him out of Germany, and replace Neymar.

He did somewhat struggle in Spain, but this season has been a completely different story.

Dembele has 32 goals and eight assists in 40 games – meaning he is running at a current tally of a contribution EVERY game.

He was superb against Liverpool, scoring the goal to send the game to penalties, which they ultimately won.

Can PSG’s star man deliver on the biggest stage once again?

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 05: Ousmane Dembele of Paris Saint-Germain looks during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and SCO Angers at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France on April 05, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Credit: Getty

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.

Alamy Live News. 3AE1N79 Birmingham, UK. 5th Apr, 2025. Marco Asensio of Aston Villa runs with the ball during the Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture credit should read: Jessica Hornby/Sportimage Credit: Sportimage Ltd/Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Credit: Jessica Hornby/Sportimage

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.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa applauds the fans after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Villa Park on April 05, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy - AVFC/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Credit: Getty

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.

Alamy Live News. 3AE0KM8 Birmingham, England, 5th April 2025. Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa runs with the ball during the Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Picture credit should read: Jessica Hornby / Sportimage This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Credit: Jessica Hornby / Sportimage

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.

PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 08: Unai Emery, head coach of Aston Villa attends a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final first leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France on April 8, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Credit: Getty

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.