Unai Emery may gradually reintroduce Matty Cash into the...

Unai Emery may gradually reintroduce Matty Cash into the starting lineup for Aston Villa following two defeats by Manchester City.

his team’s goalless draw at Bournemouth.

On the one hand, the point from Sunday’s 2-2 draw puts them in the top four,

but considering Bournemouth’s difficulties this year, it might also be seen as two points lost.

However, there isn’t much time to consider the draw at Vitality Stadium since on Wednesday,

December 6, Manchester City will be visiting Villa Park.

Because of his hectic schedule, Emery will undoubtedly need to rest a few players,

Against Tottenham on Sunday, November 26, the right-back had an absolutely miserable game,

winning only two of his six duels (33%) and completing just 69% of his passes.

Then, at halftime, Emery hooked him; Cash was fortunate not to see red for a reckless

challenge on Rodrigo Bentancur. His first-half yellow card was a major factor in that decision.

But on Thursday, November 30, the full-back was given 90 minutes against Legia Warsaw,

and he performed considerably better, making two tackles, clearing two,

and winning three of his five duels while also passing with a 92% success rate, one of which was crucial.

However, Cash’s cameo against Bournemouth was limited to just 16 minutes, as Ezri Konsa,

a central defender, was selected to start at right back.

The latter excelled with a fantastic 15/15 duels won and five tackles made [Sofascore],

but Emery might just opt to rest Konsa after that demanding afternoon against the Cherries and stick

with a natural right-back from the beginning against Manchester City.

Furthermore, considering the double blow to Pep Guardiola’s team—left winger

Jeremy Doku may be sidelined for the match due to injury—it shouldn’t be exactly Cash’s baptism of fire.