2026-2027 UEFA Super Cup: PSG vs. Aston Villa, Probable Lineups

Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa will face off at 9 p.m. at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg in the European Super Cup, the first international trophy of the 2026–2027 season. Luis Enrique’s team is the defending champion after winning the 2025 title on penalty kicks against Tottenham. The French side is coming off a lackluster preseason: in their most recent friendlies, they drew with Manchester United and suffered a decisive loss to Mallorca. The Villans are coming off a loss last Friday against Aston Villa.

PSG, the clear favorite, can already count on its stars Dembelé and Kvaratskhelia, who will be joined in attack by Akliouche. In midfield, Vitinha will call the shots with Mayulu and Zaire-Emery on either side of him, while Hakimi and Nuno Mendes will play as fullbacks. In the heart of the defense, Pacho and Marquinhos will be the two center backs in front of Safonov.

Unai Emery will have to do without several players from his roster, starting with new signing Manzambi. Guessand, Konsa, and Watkins will also be missing. Up front will be Abraham, supported in the attacking midfield by McGinn, Barkley, and Buendia. Kamara and Gomes are the two central midfielders, while Cash and Maatsen will play on the wings.

PSG vs. Aston Villa: Probable Lineups
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN (4-3-3): Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Mayulu, Vitinha, Zaire-Emery; Akliouche, Dembelé, Kvaratskhelia. Head Coach: Luis Enrique
ASTON VILLA (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Lindelof, Pau Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Gomes; McGinn, Barkley, Buendia; Abraham. Head Coach: Emery

Tonight’s match also features a special protagonist off the field: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will officiate the game, having been appointed by UEFA in a gesture of great symbolic significance. Artan had been selected by FIFA as one of the referees for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, but he was denied entry at the U.S. border and sent back to Africa, unwittingly becoming one of the most talked-about stories of the World Cup. UEFA sought to recognize his qualities by entrusting him with this final, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Confederation of African Football. UEFA President Ceferin stated: “Soccer is meant to bring people together, and UEFA wants to show its respect for Omar and his exceptional refereeing skills.”