Aston Villa s Marcus Rashford targets PSG hat trick as Marco Asensio returns in Champions League

LONDON – Marcus Rashford returns to Paris Saint-Germain with Aston Villa on April 9 seeking a hat-trick of wins at the home of the French champions, while Marco Asensio can hurt his parent club.

The two players have impressed since signing on loan for Unai Emery’s men in the winter transfer window, scoring a combined 11 goals in all competitions.

Villa head to Paris for their Champions League quarter-final, first-leg clash in buoyant mood on the back of seven straight wins in all competitions – they are seventh in the English Premier League and face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals later in April.

Rashford, in particular, will have a spring in his step after twice playing a pivotal role in securing victories for boyhood club Manchester United at PSG’s Parc des Princes stadium.

In 2019, in a Champions League last-16, second-leg meeting, he scored a stoppage-time penalty, ensuring that the Red Devils progressed on away goals. Two seasons later, in the group stage of the competition, Rashford again struck late to seal all three points in a 2-1 success.

This time the England winger, who has previously been linked with a move to PSG, will be wearing a different kit after leaving Old Trafford under a cloud.

The rejuvenated forward, who has provided a number of assists, scored his first Premier League goal for Villa against Brighton Hove Albion last week, three days after netting twice in the 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final win against Preston North End.

Villa boss Emery, who managed PSG from 2016 to 2018, said Rashford, also recalled by England manager Thomas Tuchel in March, was on the right track.

There is still uncertainty over whether the 27-year-old will remain at Villa Park next season, but for now he has his sights set on winning