Noel Whelan has tipped Matty Cash to replace Ahmed Elmohamady in the Aston Villa starting XI against Sheffield United.
The former Leeds United and Coventry City striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the 23-year-old will head straight into Dean Smith’s side for the club’s first Premier League game of the season.
The Villans kicked off the 2020/21 campaign with a League Cup win over Burton Albion on Tuesday, with veteran Elmohamady named at right-back.
The 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Villa ran out 3-1 winners away from home.
However, Whelan believes the Egypt international is set to be replaced by the new arrival when Smith and his men play host to Sheffield United on Monday night.
Whelan told Football Insider: “I think they’ve realised that last year, defensively, they were a bit shaky, and that’s where they needed to worked on.