The European soccer season kicks off on Wednesday as reigning Champions League winners PSG take on Europa League titleholders Aston Villa at Red Bull Arena in Salzburg for the UEFA Super Cup. PSG manager Luis Enrique expressed frustration over his side’s preparation during the pre-match press conference, citing significant absences during pre-season friendlies.
“It’s hard to predict who will play. For every team, it’s important to win a European trophy, and we’ll see what kind of match both teams can deliver this Wednesday. I don’t have players. Some returned this Monday, others came back last week. We are trying to prepare in the best way possible. I don’t know what kind of physical condition my players will be in,” Enrique said.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the match:
How to Watch PSG vs. Aston Villa: TV, Streaming, and Odds
- Date: Wednesday, Aug. 12 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Red Bull Arena — Salzburg, Austria
- Live Stream: Paramount+ | TV: CBS Sports Network
- Odds: PSG -133; Draw +290; Aston Villa +350
World Cup Stars Return to Club Duty
PSG boast one of the most talent-laden squads in world football, with nearly every key starter featuring prominently at the 2026 World Cup this summer. While the majority of the squad has rejoined full training, Luis Enrique acknowledged the team remains some distance from peak form.
Achraf Hakimi was pivotal for Morocco, while Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and João Neves represented Portugal. Marquinhos started for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti, and Willian Pacho anchored the defense for Ecuador. Fabián Ruiz, meanwhile, was part of the Spain side that lifted the trophy on July 19. Among PSG’s other leading lights, French internationals Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué are available, though Bradley Barcola’s status is clouded by ongoing transfer speculation.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the sole major attacking figure who did not participate in the World Cup. Nevertheless, the Georgian remains a leading candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following a sensational season that established him as one of Europe’s most influential forwards.
Predicted Lineups
PSG XI: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Ibrahim Mbaye.
Aston Villa XI: Emiliano Martínez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara; Alejandro Garnacho, Emiliano Buendía, John McGinn; Ollie Watkins.
Prediction
Despite Luis Enrique’s candid assessment of his side’s readiness, PSG must still be regarded as the favorites for the UEFA Super Cup. Pick: PSG 3, Aston Villa 2.
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