Manchester United can be aiming to finish their latest winless run once they welcome Brentford to Previous Trafford for a vital Premier League encounter on Saturday afternoon.
The 2 sides performed out an exhilarating 1-1 draw again in March, and one other closely-contested affair is anticipated this weekend as United search to climb the desk and the Bees look to keep up their spectacular begin to the marketing campaign.
Match Preview
Erik ten Hag’s United have endured a torrid begin to the brand new season, profitable simply twice of their opening seven league matches to take a seat 14th within the desk, nearer to the relegation zone than the highest 4.
The Dutchman’s place as supervisor has come below intense scrutiny, however the membership have opted to maintain religion with him for now as he seems to be to show issues round.
Brentford, then again, have made an encouraging begin and at present occupy eleventh spot, two factors forward of their upcoming opponents.
Thomas Frank’s aspect have been a revelation since incomes promotion to the highest flight, and they are going to be assured of getting a outcome on the Theatre of Desires, having averted defeat in 5 of their final six conferences with United.
Head to Head
The Crimson Devils have traditionally had the higher hand on this fixture, profitable every of their final 5 residence league video games in opposition to Brentford by an mixture rating of 13-2.
You must return to 1937 to search out the final time United misplaced a house match in opposition to the Bees. Nonetheless, Brentford will take coronary heart from their spirited efficiency within the reverse fixture earlier this yr, the place they snatched a late equaliser to disclaim United all three factors.
Group Information
United are going through an harm disaster, with as many as 10 first-team gamers probably unavailable.
Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire are undoubtedly sidelined, whereas Noussair Mazraoui can be set to overlook out after present process a process to deal with coronary heart palpitations.
There are additionally doubts over the health of Manuel Ugarte, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
Brentford, in the meantime, stay with out Yoane Wissa, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, Igor Thiago, Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes resulting from harm.
Mikkel Damsgaard, Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen are additionally doubts after lacking out on worldwide responsibility this month.
Prediction
With each groups coping with important harm issues, this has the makings of a closely-fought encounter.
United’s poor begin to the season means the strain is firmly on Ten Hag, and he can be determined to see his aspect return to profitable methods on residence soil.
Nonetheless, Brentford have confirmed themselves to be a troublesome nut to crack, and they’ll fancy their probabilities of getting one thing from the sport, particularly given United’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Finally, I count on this to finish in a draw, with the groups cancelling one another out. United could edge it, however Brentford have the standard to frustrate the hosts and safe a invaluable level on the street.
Betting Ideas
I wouldn’t be shocked to see this recreation finish in a rating draw, with each groups discovering the web.
Given the defensive points affecting each side, over 2.5 objectives may be a smart wager. As for the ultimate outcome, I feel the groups are evenly matched, so a 2-2 draw appears an affordable prediction.
