Emery holds internal Asensio talks ahead of Aston Villa v PSG
Aston Villa could thrive off their status as underdogs at Villa Park on Tuesday night as they reunite with PSG in the Champions League.
With the Villans heading home halfway into a quarter-final tie on a 3-1 deficit against a seemingly unstoppable PSG side, Unai Emery knows he has to conjure up something historic as he renews rivalries with his former employers.
Another individual exceptionally well-acquainted with the Parisians is Marco Asensio, a player still on the books of Luis Enrique’s squad and having enjoyed a fruitful loan at Villa Park.
Asensio could take penalty v PSG
Asensio was the sole Aston Villa man out of luck on Saturday, when Emery’s side were made to wait but ultimately took a 3-0 victory home from Southampton (12 April).
The Spanish international was denied not once but twice by Aaron Ramsdale in the Saints goal, the second save followed up by John McGinn to score.
Villa could afford a chuckle about the situation but a two-goal margin of victory for the hosts on Tuesday and a penalty shootout could be required to separate the teams.
TV commentator and European football expert Ian Darke insisted Asensio would be encouraged to make amends with a spot-kick if needed.
Darke explained that a conversation will have been held between Emery, Asensio and any other potential takers ahead of the midweek showdown.
“He was out of luck Saturday from the spot. However, if it goes to penalties, Asensio probably would take one,” he exclusively told Villa News.
“Penalty takers don’t lose that belief. He’s missed a couple, but it’ll be interesting to see who takes one if there’s one in normal time. I’m sure that discussion has been had between players and Unai Emery, including Asensio.
“I’m sure he’s confident he will score his next one, but if Villa get a penalty early in the game, that could be a posing question. Whether Asensio is in the starting line-up in any case is obviously only in the knowledge of Unai Emery.”
Aston Villa balancing trio of competitions
Aston Villa are undoubtedly underdogs against Enrique’s Parisian machine, who have already wrapped up the latest of their Ligue 1 titles – having not lost a single league game to date.
Should Villa be eliminated on Tuesday, fans will stand to a man and applaud the memories their claret and blue shirts have given them throughout this season in the Champions League.
| Aston Villa – next four fixtures | Date |
| Paris Saint-Germain (H) – Champions League QF 2L | 15 April |
| Newcastle (H) – Premier League | 19 April |
| Manchester City (A) – Premier League | 22 April |
| Crystal Palace (N) – FA Cup SF | 26 April |
The mission would then automatically alter to capturing another campaign at Europe’s top table next season, which can now be achieved by finishing inside the top five of the Premier League.
The FA Cup also provides a very realistic chance of silverware, with a Wembley semi-final in prospect against Crystal Palace (26 April).