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

Man Utd host Brentford in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Bees have lost 13 of their last 17 away league matches, while the Red Devils are winless in five matches but have won all three of their home EPL fixtures against Brentford.

Man Utd Form

United are winless in five matches during what has been a difficult start to the season. Early on, they lost 2-1 to Brighton and 3-0 at home to Liverpool. After a couple of wins, they played well in a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace but missed five big chances. A 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente in the Europa League followed.

Man Utd then suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in a poor performance where they conceded 4.59 xG and nine big chances. Defensive issues persisted in a 3-3 draw away to Porto, where they needed a late equalizer. Their most recent match saw a determined defensive display in a 0-0 away draw at Aston Villa.

Man Utd Team News

Man Utd saw several players withdraw from international duty, but most should be available for this match. That includes Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Alejandro Garnacho.

Lény Yoro and Tyrell Malacia are both ruled out, but Luke Shaw is nearing a return. While this match may come too soon for him, he could potentially make the bench. Manuel Ugarte is out injured, and Mason Mount is doubtful.

Man Utd Motivation

United are in desperate need of a win, and even a draw here would feel like a defeat. The coach is under pressure and fighting for his job.

Ten Hag’s side is expected to attack, but they may also be pragmatic in parts of the game, focusing on the result over their style of play.

Brentford Form

The Bees have been very inconsistent this season. They began with a 2-1 home win over Crystal Palace before losing 2-0 at Liverpool. They won 1-0 at Colchester United in the Carabao Cup and then produced 20 shots and 2.78 xG in a 3-1 home victory over Southampton.

Successive league defeats followed, with a 2-1 loss at Man City (allowing 3.52 xG and 23 shots) and a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham. They allowed 19 shots in a 1-1 home draw against West Ham before putting up an incredible 4.25 xG in a 5-3 home win over Wolves, where they created eight big chances.

Brentford Team News

Thomas Frank is dealing with nine injury problems ahead of this match. Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey are missing at fullback, and striker Igor Thiago is out until December with a knee injury.

Josh Dasilva and Mathias Jensen will be absent in midfield. However, Mikkel Damsgaard, Christian Norgaard, and Yoane Wissa all have a good chance of returning for this match in some capacity.

Brentford Motivation

Brentford typically uses a back five and looks to stifle bigger teams, but this season, Thomas Frank has not always stuck to that approach.

The Bees concede a lot of shots and chances but also create plenty themselves. It’s hard to predict which version of Brentford will show up.

Key Stats

Man Utd have lost 3 of their last 6 league matches

Man Utd have failed to score in 4 of their last 8 matches (in all competitions)

Man Utd have won their last 3 home league matches against Brentford

Brentford have lost 13 of their last 17 away EPL matches

Brentford’s last 6 matches have produced 25 goals

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has scored 6 league goals this season

Verdict

Man Utd are struggling defensively, and no player has scored more than one league goal for the club this season. However, Brentford’s poor away form makes it difficult to back them.

Best Bet: Man Utd win at 1.71

Alternate Bet: Man Utd win and both teams to score at 2.95

Goalscorer Tip: Bryan Mbeumo to score anytime at 2.75