While there is still some time left in the 2026 summer transfer window, Aston Villa have seen their side weaken, overall, during it. However, getting another piece of silverware, before the regular season truly even starts, would be a huge morale boost. Especially if that trophy achieved with a win over one of the most powerful clubs on Earth, Paris Saint-Germain. PSG had a very trophy-filled campaign in 2025-26, so beating them in this cup clash would truly be a statement win for Villa.
UEFA Super Cup
Meeting between previous season’s UCL and UEL winners
PSG v Aston Villa
Wed. Aug. 12, 8pm Birmingham, 9pm Paris and Salzburg
Venue: Stadion Salzburg, Wals-Siezenheim, Austria
Aston Villa Preview Material: Team News Predicted Starting XI
With that in mind, Villa boss Unai Emery will look to field the strongest team he can for this one. He won’t be treating this one like a friendly, or a preseason match.
Of course, the overall strength of the Villa squad is a bit limited right now.
In addition to injuries and players sold to other teams, the players who were on post World Cup holiday leave have not fully re-integrated back into the team as of yet.
Here’s what we think the best of what’s around looks like.
Aston Villa Predicted Starting XI vs PSG (UEFA Super Cup)
Marco Bizot; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; João Gomes, Boubacar Kamara; John McGinn, Emi Buendía, Alejandro Garnacho; Ollie Watkins
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.