Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Thu 16 April 2026 13:44, UK

Aston Villa won’t be able to rely on Matty Cash for their Thursday clash with Bologna.

The Italian outfit are readying up for the second leg of the Europa League quarter final at Villa Park.

Vincenzo Italiano’s side have gone three without victory against the Villans and will have a challenge to do so in B6.

Unai Emery isn’t holding back and understands that a semi-final place isn’t a guarantee, even with the Villans holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg.

Villa need to be professional to seal victory over Bologna, but there will be worries over Cash for more reasons than one.

Concern 1: Matty Cash was poor last time out vs Bologna

The Poland international has been one of the best players in claret and blue this season, despite a difficult spell in previous years.

He has been missed while out injured and has come straight back into the side, proving his importance to the B6 outfit right now.

That wasn’t truly on show last time out against Bologna, even with the Midlands side securing a massive win at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Cash was torn apart by Jonathan Rowe, and his stats reflect his struggles in dealing with the England under-21 international.

The 28-year-old was dribbled past once and committed two fouls, while also losing out on four of his attempted duels.

That isn’t helped by his 0% accuracy on long balls and his failure to create chances, as he struggled for impact in Italy.

Cash went on to struggle against Nottingham Forest after that, but there is also a worry over the threat of suspension in the Midlands.

Concern 2: Cash at risk of suspension for Aston Villa

His struggles against Rowe are one thing, and that is only going to cause more issues with him, one yellow card away from suspension.

If the right-back picks up a yellow card in the second leg against Bologna, he will miss the first leg of the semi-final if Villa get there.

Himself, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn, Victor Lindelof and Lucas Digne are all under threat, but after his shocker last week, Cash is one of the biggest concerns of the five.

Emery has remained staunch in his belief that he won’t leave players out due to their suspension potential, so the Poland ace is likely to start at Villa Park.

He just has to be careful that he isn’t booked while also looking to step up his performance level after poor showings in the past week.