Villa faces a significant challenge, needing to overturn a 3-1 deficit from the first encounter when the two sides clash at Villa Park. While the prospect of unleashing the two England internationals upfront might seem appealing to ignite a comeback, Emery suggested he needs more time to integrate them effectively as a traditional front two.
"The next step, if I have time, is to play them together," Emery told reporters during a news conference on Monday. "We did with Rashford playing left side, but now we are choosing more with both playing as strikers. That’s the next step. I want to practice. I want to test, but not now, with enough time."
Rashford has made a notable impact during his loan spell from Manchester United, finding the net three times in recent weeks and providing a dynamic attacking threat. Meanwhile, Watkins has been Villa's leading scorer this season with 15 goals, including a goal that sealed their comfortable 3-0 victory against Southampton on Saturday after coming off the bench.
Emery provided a positive update on Watkins' fitness, stating that he feels "fantastic." However, the Spaniard remained coy about his starting eleven for the daunting task against the French champions.
"I don’t have my idea in my mind for the starting 11, I have my idea, a plan, overall 90 minutes or extra-time or penalty shootout for the match tomorrow," Emery explained. "Every player has to know their task on the field, and they have to understand as well, how we manage the match emotionally and tactically as well, in case they are on the field to do their task."
Despite the uphill battle, Emery emphasized the importance of his players harboring unwavering belief in their ability to produce a memorable comeback and secure a coveted place in the Champions League semifinals.
"We want to write here the history with Aston Villa," the experienced manager asserted, highlighting the ambition and desire within the club to achieve something special in this European campaign.
While the Villa faithful might have hoped to see Rashford and Watkins spearheading the attack together from the outset, Emery's cautious approach suggests a more nuanced tactical plan is in store as they aim to overcome the two-goal deficit against a formidable PSG side.