Emery sees Rashford and Watkins partnership as Villa’s next step

Unai Emery said pairing Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins in attack was Aston Villa’s next step, but not an immediate experiment.

Villa prepared to face Paris Saint-Germain in April 2025 with a 3-1 deficit from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Emery wants time to test front two

Rashford had mostly played from the left or as a central striker since joining on loan from Manchester United.

Emery said he wanted to practise with Rashford and Watkins together before committing to the partnership in a major match.

Rashford entered the tie with three recent goals, while Watkins had scored 15 during the season.

Villa prepare for every possible scenario

Emery would not reveal his starting lineup. Instead, he built a plan covering 90 minutes, extra time and a possible penalty shootout.

He said every player needed to understand both the tactical job and the emotional demands of attempting a comeback at Villa Park.

The two-goal deficit made Villa’s task harder, but Emery framed the night as an opportunity to create club history.

PSG refuse to take lead for granted

Luis Enrique said PSG expected Villa to create problems and insisted his players would not approach the second leg with overconfidence.

The PSG coach viewed Villa Park’s history and atmosphere as motivation rather than a threat.

Emery’s immediate focus remained survival in Europe. The Rashford and Watkins partnership belonged to Villa’s longer-term attacking development once there was time to build it properly.