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

Man Utd host Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. The Red Devils have lost six of their ten matches this season in all competitions and their last two league matches at home. The Bees are winless in five league matches and have lost to nil in their last two away games vs. United.

Man Utd Form

United have played ten matches in all competitions with six losses. Their performance levels have been very poor even in their opening day 1-0 win over Wolves. They followed that with losses in North London to Tottenham (2-0) and Arsenal (3-1). Their 3-1 home loss to Brighton came in a poor performance.

After losing 4-3 away to Bayern Munich, they eked out a 1-0 win at Burnley thanks to a Bruno Fernandes wonder goal. After beating a second-string Crystal Palace 3-0 at home in the Carabao Cup, things looked promising. However, two abject home losses have followed. They lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the league and then 3-2 to Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League.

Man Utd Team News

United’s fullback injury crisis is proving a headache for Erik Ten Hag. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia are ruled out and Sergio Reguilon is doubtful. Sofian Amrabat has been deputising at the left back of late. Lisandro Martinez would have been an option but he is also injured.

Antony is available again but Jadon Sancho is still suspended internally. Marcus Rashford’s form is a worry and he may find himself on the bench with Anthony Martial or Alejandro Garnacho taking his place.

Man Utd Motivation

Pressure is building on the coach and he needs a win here. Regardless of style or performance, three points are needed.

Ten Hag’s side should be up for the game but some anxiety could set in should they not score early. A draw would be a disastrous result.

Brentford Form

Brentford won five of their final six league matches of last season. This term began with a three-match unbeaten run with one win and three draws. All of those stalemates saw them surrender leads with the sole victory behind a 3-0 thrashing of Fulham. A 1-1 home draw with Crystal Palace and a 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth came next.

They’ve since had three further matches without winning in the league. Brentford lost 1-0 at Newcastle and then suffered a shock 3-1 home loss to Everton. After losing 1-0 to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, they could only draw 1-1 at Nottingham Forest. The Bees led 1-0 versus ten men but couldn’t hold onto the advantage.

Brentford Team News

Thomas Frank has a host of injuries for this match. Ivan Toney is still suspended and Rico Henry is injured long-term. Kevin Schade is injured for months whilst limiting options in attack. The coach could go with a 5-3-2 shape for this match with only two experienced attackers aside from Neil Maupay.

Ben Mee is injured at the back and all of Josh Dasilva, Mikkel Damsgaard, and Shandon Baptiste are set to be missing in the engine room. Mads Roerslev could come in at right wingback with Keane Lewis-Potter dropping down to the bench.

Brentford Motivation

As for most games against the top teams, Brentford will defend in a back five and make life difficult. They will play for a clean sheet and look to nick a goal.

With the speed of Wissa and Mbuemo, a counter-attacking strategy is expected. They will also carry a big threat on set plays.

Key Stats

Man Utd have lost 2 of their last 22 home league matches (20 unbeaten then 2 losses)

Man Utd have kept 7 clean sheets in their last 12 home EPL fixtures

Man Utd have lost 6 of their 10 matches this season (all competitions)

Brentford are winless in 5 league matches (DDLLD)

Brentford have lost to nil on their last 2 trips to Old Trafford

Brentford have seen just one team on target in 6 of their last 8 away EPL matches

Verdict

Brentford are struggling a bit right now and tend to lose on the road when they concede first. I don’t see many goals in this match and United could nick a 1-0 win to ease the pressure on Ten Hag.

Best Bet: Man Utd win at 1.68

Alternative Bet: Both Teams to Score – No at 2.15

Value Bet: Man Utd to win by exactly one goal at 3.65

BET Contributor