Micah Richards highlights ‘key’ for Aston Villa v Paris Saint-Germain
Aston Villa have no time to rest as they prepare for a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
Unai Emery has Villa in a terrific position this season, having something to fight for in three competitions.
As Villa prepare for an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley again, they could reach that stage of the Champions League if they get past PSG.
The Villans take on the French giants in Paris on Wednesday for the first leg.
Micah Richards tells Aston Villa what they need
Aston Villa have had a great season but they have struggled with consistency at times with a lack of squad depth to handle their increased schedule.
Thankfully for Emery, he was able to add to his side during the winter transfer window with Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio joining on loan until the end of the season.
Now, despite rotation in games, the manager has his side on an excellent run, having not lost in seven games in all competitions.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Micah Richards shared what could be key for Villa, saying: “I think they have to play their normal game.
“I think they have to bide their time because I think PSG actually press really well. I think they’re going to have to counter against them really well.
“I think Rashford and Asensio will be key for that game.”
Aston Villa have to play a smart game
With the game being over two legs, Aston Villa have to be careful not to go for too much too soon against PSG and put themselves too far behind.
Given the second leg is at Villa Park, if Emery’s side can come out of the first leg with any kind of narrow scoreline, it will give them a good opportunity at home.
Emery is an experienced European manager though and, as Richards says, he is likely to play his own style of football rather than compromising too much.
Both Rashford and Asensio have been like new men since making their debuts in claret and blue and will no doubt be eager to show what they can do on a big stage.
| Player | Appearances (all competitions) | Goals | Assists |
| Marcus Rashford | 11 | 2 | 4 |
| Marco Asensio | 14 | 7 | 0 |
Although he is on loan from PSG, Asensio is allowed to play against his parent club, which will no doubt give him an extra fire in his belly.
He may have been frozen out in France but under Emery, he has proved he has the talent and if he can embarrass his parent club, it will surely be a boost, especially away from home.
There is plenty of quality in the West Midlands outfit, so Emery will be keen to rely on talent throughout the side, while there may be some who are ready to shine.