Seeking to keep their fading Champions League campaign alive, Aston Villa play host to Paris-Saint Germain at Villa Park on Tuesday night.
Unai Emery's side have left themselves with a bit of a mountain to climb after last week’s 3-1 quarter-final first leg defeat in the French capital, on a night where my Bet Builder landed.
While Villa have it all to do, they will believe that they can turn this tie on its head in front of what will be a raucous Villa Park crowd.
The Villans returned to winning ways at the weekend with a comfortable 3-0 success at Southampton in the Premier League, with two of my three St Mary’s selections landing.
As for PSG, they should arrive in the West Midlands fresher and better prepared after being afforded the weekend off by the French FA.
Luis Enrique’s side made a real statement of intent in the previous round by eliminating Premier League champions-elect Liverpool.
How the bookies view it: PSG to progress
After triumphing in last week’s first leg at the Parc des Princes, PSG are even-money (1/1) favourites on Boylesports to repeat the trick at Villa Park on Tuesday night.
Aston Villa are in must-win territory but a home win is an unfancied 23/10 (Boylesports) while the draw is also considered unlikely at 13/5 (Boylesports).
Head to head: Second leg just the second meeting
The two teams crossed paths for the first-time-ever at the Parc des Princes last midweek. Last week’s defeat means that Villa have now fallen to defeat in each of their two Champions League clashes with Ligue 1 opposition this season to date.
Players to watch: Dembele to deliver?
While Ousmane Dembele failed to get on the scoresheet against Aston Villa last Wednesday night, he did provide an assist for one of his team’s goals. With that in mind, the Frenchman stands out for a goal or an assist on Tuesday night at 10/11 (PaddyPower).
John McGinn has committed multiple fouls in each of Aston Villa’s last two Champions League home games, making a repeat here an attractive option at 10/11 on PaddyPower.
Predicted line-ups
Andres Garcia and Donyell Malen are ineligible but Villa otherwise could have a fully fit squad for Tuesday night’s second leg.
PSG captain Marquinhos will return from suspension after missing last week’s first leg in the French capital.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Rogers, McGinn, Rashford; Watkins
PSG: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Ruiz, Vitinha, Neves; Doue, Dembele, Kvaratskhelia
Anything else catch the eye?
PSG look well placed to score two or more goals on Tuesday night at 10/11 on William Hill.
Aston Villa will have to throw caution to the wind at some point here given the dynamics of the tie, but they could be left massively exposed on the counter attack by their star-studded opponents.
Emery’s side have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last eight Premier League home games, not to mention Celtic struck twice at this venue during the league phase of the Champions League back in January.
This UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Paris-Saint Germain will be played on and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Aston Villa vs Paris-Saint Germain prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
GambleAware