Pundit shares ‘definite’ Matty Cash claim as Aston Villa star tipped for axe
Noel Whelan has claimed Aston Villa star Matty Cash will be a “definite starter” if he is fit to face Nottingham Forest on Monday (10 October).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, backed Philippe Coutinho to be replaced by Emi Buendia in the line-up against the Premier League’s bottom club.
As quoted by Sky Sports (6 October), Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard revealed that Cash is back in “full training” and is “available” to face his former side on Monday.
However, the former Rangers manager insisted full-backs Ludwig Augustinsson and Lucas Digne are both some way off making their return to action.
Aston Villa have picked up four points from their last two league outings and have a big opportunity to pull even further clear of the relegation zone against Forest.
However, Whelan claimed the Midlands giants were “ineffective” against Leeds United last time out – and suggested Cash could be key to transforming them in coming fixtures.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Nottingham Forest will know everything about Matty Cash.
“They sold him to Villa, so they’ll know the quality and danger he possesses.
“I think they really need him back. They looked really ineffective down that right-hand side against Leeds United.
“He’s coming back at the right time, and he’s coming back with a point to prove against his old side.
“I think Villa need some continuity in their side. There are players not hitting the mark at the moment.
“Coutinho is one of them, and I think Buendia has a case to come into the side for Monday’s game.
“For me, Cash is a definite starter – but there are a lot of other question marks that Gerrard will need to answer for the game.”
In other news, ex-Fifa official claims referees will target Emiliano Martinez after new Aston Villa twist.