PSG’s Akliouche starts against Aston Villa as Ballon d’Or winner Dembele is named among the substitutes

Paris Saint-Germain have handed summer signing Maghnes Akliouche his first start in attack, while Ousmane Dembele has been named on the bench for their European Super Cup final against Aston Villa on Wednesday evening.

Luis Enrique’s side are aiming to add another trophy to their collection after winning the UEFA Champions League last season and retaining the European Super Cup. Aston Villa, meanwhile, are seeking only the second European Super Cup triumph in their history, having won the competition in 1982, and are looking to continue what has been a historic campaign.

PSG will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Matvey Safonov selected in goal. Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho and Nuno Mendes make up the defensive line.

Vitinha starts in midfield alongside Warren Zaire-Emery and Joao Neves. Akliouche will make his first appearance for the club on the right side of the attack, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on the left and Desire Doue operating through the middle.

Dembele, who won the Ballon d’Or last year, begins the match among the substitutes.

Luis Enrique said at his news conference on Tuesday that most of his players were not fully ready because they had returned late from their summer holidays after taking part in the 2026 World Cup. The PSG manager has therefore opted not to start some of his most experienced attacking players in the final.

Unai Emery has chosen a more traditional 4-4-2 system for Aston Villa. Marco Bizot starts in goal, with Emiliano Martinez absent from the line-up.

Villa’s defence consists of Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen. Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes will operate in central midfield, while John McGinn and Hemings are selected on the flanks.

Emiliano Buendia and Madueke will lead the attack for the English club as they attempt to claim the trophy for a second time.

Confirmed line-ups

Paris Saint-Germain: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Joao Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaire-Emery; Maghnes Akliouche, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Aston Villa: Marco Bizot; Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen; John McGinn, Joao Gomes, Boubacar Kamara, Hemings; Emiliano Buendia, Madueke.

The final brings together the reigning Champions League winners and an Aston Villa team hoping to add another landmark achievement to their season. PSG’s decision to start Akliouche gives the new arrival an immediate opportunity on one of the biggest stages in European football, while Dembele’s presence on the bench provides Luis Enrique with a high-profile attacking option for the later stages.

Aston Villa will also be encouraged by Emery’s selection of a recognised two-man forward line as they attempt to challenge PSG’s status as the holders and secure a second European Super Cup in the club’s history.