Why Unai Emery has Matty Cash no-brainer for Aston Villa vs Brentford

Matty Cash has been more on the Aston Villa fringes than he is right now.

The 29-year-old right-back has consistently been one of the first names on Unai Emery's teamsheet during his time at Villa Park.

Indeed, the Polish international has played 133 times competitively for the Villains in all competitions over the last three seasons.

But after some shaky performances to open the 2026-27 season, Cash began to lose a grip on his starting role prior to the international break.

Villa's last two competitive games against Tottenham and Coventry both saw him benched with Aaron Wan-Bissaka taking his place in the side.

But with Brentford on the agenda this Saturday, Cash has a very strong case to return to Emery's XI based on his previous exploits against the Bees.

Where Matty Cash led all players in last Aston Villa vs Brentford game

Emery needs players he can count on at this moment in time, as Villa look to start kicking on up the Premier League table.

Cash has historically been one of the Spaniards most dependable players, and will still feel he's got plenty left to offer his manager.

Brentford will provide a stern test for the Villains, with Keith Andrews' side sitting fourth and unbeaten in all competitions this season.

The last time these two met was in February, when Dango Ouattara's goal earned a 1-0 win for Brentford in B6.

Cash played the full 90 minutes that day, and despite being on the losing side, he was one of the best players on the pitch.

Per FotMob, no player on the pitch took more shots (four) or touches (100) than Cash, whilst he also created two chances and played six line-breaking passes.

He also made seven recoveries, four tackles, four clearances, three accurate crosses, won five of his six ground duels and two of his four aerial duels.

Cash dominated the right flank, ensuring one Brentford player who looks set to start again on Saturday endured a miserable - and short- afternoon.

Why Brentford winger won't want to see Cash starting

The big frustration from a Villa perspective about this 1-0 loss to Brentford was the fact the away side were reduced to 10 after 42 minutes.

Kevin Schade received a straight red card just before half-time, but not after being confined to a miserable half to that point by Cash.

Per FotMob, the left winger completed just seven passes, was off target with his lone shot and completed zero dribbles.

The German international also took just two touches in Villa's box, won zero tackles, was caught offside once and took a mere 16 touches.

Schade won't have good memories of Cash at all then, which should only further help make Emery's mind up on starting him on Saturday.