Matty Cash could have tough night for Aston Villa v Olympiacos up against Daniel Podence
Matty Cash could be in for a tough test against Olympiacos as he has a prior history of scoring against Aston Villa as he did for Wolves in January 2023.
The Villans are set to welcome the Greek outfit to Villa Park on Thursday night (2 May) in the Conference League semi-final.
After a dramatic penalty shootout win over Lille, Unai Emery now has to prepare for a different prospect in Olympiacos.
There is one threat that Villa fans will recognise as a rival star returns to the Midlands.
How can Daniel Podence cause Matty Cash and Aston Villa problems?
One of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s best players this season has been Podence who has scored 10 and assisted four [FotMob].
The Portuguese attacker joined the Thrylos in the summer from Villa’s rivals, Wolves on a season-long loan deal. He has had a positive campaign in the Greek Super League and has helped his new side to fourth in the table.
The last time he played at Villa Park, he scored as Unai Emery’s side drew with Julen Lopetegui’s in a dull affair.
He has regularly featured off the left-hand side for Olympiacos which will see him come into direct contact with Cash.
The Poland international has come under fire in recent weeks, especially after giving a penalty away against Bournemouth.
According to FotMob, he has been dribbled past on 28 occasions this campaign while having a pass completion rate of just 56.9 per cent.
Against Chelsea, he failed to win four duels which saw him register just a 43 per cent win rate throughout the 90 minutes.
Podence has registered 37 successful dribbles in 28 league appearances this season which has also seen him win three penalties.
Should Cash start against Olympiacos, the Portuguese winger will be looking to get some change out of him. It has to be an excellent performance from the Pole to keep him quiet.
In other Aston Villa news, Jhon Duran could be Aston Villa super sub in the Conference League semi-final v Olympiacos.
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