Brentford v Man Utd – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Brentford host Man Utd in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Bees have lost five of their last six league matches and are leaking goals for fun. The Red Devils have lost two of their last three EPL fixtures and were beaten 4-0 on their last trip to this venue.

Brentford Form

Brentford have lost 17 of their 29 league matches and are just five points above the relegation places. They’re winless in six matches with five losses and a draw in the league. After a rare 2-0 win at Wolves, they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Liverpool and lost 1-0 at Man City.

A 4-2 defeat at West Ham saw them outclassed before conceding late to draw 2-2 at home to Chelsea. An 86th-minute goal leak saw a 2-1 defeat away to Arsenal as they put up a good fight. Their last match saw an early red card and a 2-1 loss at Burnley after playing 82 minutes with ten men.

Brentford Team News

The Bees have five players out for the season. Wingbacks Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey will play no part here and Ben Mee’s experience will be a loss. Winger Kevin Schade and midfielder Josh Dasilva are out.

Bryan Mbuemo is back from injury and could start alongside Ivan Toney. Sergio Reguilon is suspended so Vitaly Janelt could deputise as a left wingback or Keane Lewis-Potter could play in that role.

Brentford Motivation

For these big games, a big five is the usual setup. In their current form, Brentford would bite your hand off for a point.

They will defend in a back five and launch quick counters. Long throws and set plays will be another route to nicking a goal.

Man Utd Form

United have a strong run of form with six wins and a draw in seven matches across the league and FA Cup. That run included a 3-0 win over West Ham and 2-1 away wins at Aston Villa and Luton Town in the league. A last-gasp goal conceded saw a 2-1 home loss to Fulham after that.

A late goal sealed a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest in the Cup before allowing 27 shots and 3.33 xG in a 3-1 loss at Man City. A 2-0 home win over Everton needed two penalties and they were fortunate to win after allowing the Toffees 23 shots. Last time out, United scored late in extra time to seal a famous 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Man United Team News

Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are missing at left-back. Anthony Martial and centre-back Lisandro Martinez will play no part. Amad Diallo is suspended, and Harry Maguire missed England’s game vs Belgium with a knock.

Casemiro pulled out of Brazil duty with a hamstring complaint. Mason Mount and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are back to boost option. The latter could play at left-back here.

Man Utd Motivation

United are a full six points off fifth spot as they chase Champions League qualification for next season.

A win is needed here, and a pragmatic approach will be seen. Erik Ten Hag won’t care how they win as long as they grind out the victory.

Key Stats

Brentford have lost 5 of their last 6 EPL matches.

Brentford have conceded at least 2+ goals in 11 of their last 13 EPL matches.

Man Utd have lost 2 of their last 3 EPL matches.

Man Utd’s Rashford has scored 5 goals in his last 9 EPL matches.

Man Utd have allowed 191 shots in their last 9 matches (21.2 per match).

Verdict

This match looks likely to have goals. Brentford are leaking plenty of goals and Man Utd are giving opponents lots of chances. United should have enough to take the win.

Best Bet: Man Utd win at 2.25
Value Bet: Man Utd win and Over 2.5 goals at 3.00
Goalscorer Tip: Marcus Rashford to score anytime at 3.00

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis