Aston Villa star Ashley Young could be key for Steven Gerrard's side following their bad run of form and Matty Cash's injury, says journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Villa have won just one Premier League game so far, while Cash looks set for a spell on the sidelines after straining his hamstring in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City last weekend.

GiveMeSport Injury News

GiveMeSport Injury News

What is the latest injury news involving Cash?

Cash was taken off injured in the first half of his side's recent clash against Pep Guardiola's men at Villa Park.

Young was his replacement and helped Villa claim a point in that 1-1 draw, and it looks like he could be called upon again.

Gerrard has since confirmed that Cash has done damage to his hamstring, making him a doubt for Saturday's game versus Leicester City.

It is a huge blow for Villa, with the 25-year-old being such a key player for them. He has started in all six of their league games so far this season and played 40 times in all competitions last term.

What has O'Rourke said about Cash, Young and Villa?

With Cash now expected to miss the Leicester clash, O'Rourke has suggested that Young could come in once again and is confident his experience will be useful at a time where things are not going too well for Villa.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "It'll be interesting to see what Steven Gerrard does do in Cash's absence. I thought Ashley Young, his replacement last Saturday against Manchester City, performed really well and his experience could be key with Villa going through a bit of a bad spell."

Can Gerrard rely on Young?

Easily. As O'Rourke mentioned, he had a good game against City and brings plenty of experience to the side.

Despite not starting that match, the 37-year-old still managed to make more tackles (four) than any other player on the pitch (via WhoScored).

He was also quick to get the ball away, making four clearances on the day - only team-mate Tyrone Mings (six) managed to make more.

All in all, at his age, Young is obviously not a long-term solution for Villa. However, as a stopgap, the £50,000-a-week star is a decent option to have.

Whoever starts at right-back on Saturday, Villa will surely fancy their chances of securing a win. While they have had their struggles this season, their opponents Leicester find themselves in a much worse position, picking up just the one point so far.