PSG looks for Super Cup success over Villa for first of six possible trophies this season

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to face Aston Villa in the UEFA Super Cup match on Wednesday, with the French club looking to add to its growing trophy haul this season. The match, scheduled for 9 p.m. local time in Salzburg, Austria, will be the first of six possible trophies for PSG in the current season. The primary objective for the Parisian side is to secure its third consecutive Champions League title, solidifying its reputation as one of the elite club teams in soccer history.

PSG has set its sights on a second consecutive Super Cup win, following their victory over Tottenham last year in a penalty shootout. Villa won the trophy in 1983 after defeating Barcelona in a two-legged affair. Current manager Unai Emery has suffered a run of three straight losses in the Super Cup, with the first two defeats coming to Sevilla and Villarreal.

The game will be officiated by Omar Artan, a Somali official who was barred from officiating at the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to vetting concerns. Despite the controversy, UEFA selected Artan, who was recognized as the best referee in Africa during the previous season, to oversee the Super Cup clash. The decision reflects UEFA's growing distance from FIFA, as the European governing body continues to push for changes within the organization, including calls to oust FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Villa will be without new signing Johan Manzambi, who is sidelined with a knee injury, as well as key players Emi Martinez, Ollie Watkins, and Ezri Konsa, who are still recovering from the World Cup. PSG coach Luis Enrique will have to decide whether to include France internationals Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and Bradley Barcola, as well as Spain's World Cup-winning midfielder Fabián Ruiz, who returned to training only on Monday.

The French side could also consider fielding left back Lucas Digne, who recently transferred from Villa.