Manchester United will be looking to get back to winning ways as they travel to Brentford in the Premier League. The two teams have not faced each other in English top-flight football since 1947. Their latest meeting came in a pre-season friendly last year which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The home side will welcome the 20 times English champions to the Brentford community stadium for the first time since the 1940s. The home crowd will be buzzing for the game on Wednesday.
After their 3-0 loss against Liverpool, Brentford sit 14th on the table with 23 points. They have lost four of their last five games. The Bees failed to capitalize on their back to back wins against Aston Villa and Port Vale. They followed up their wins by losing against Southampton and Liverpool.
Brentford have had some decent showings at home against the big sides. They had an unforgettable return to the Premier League as they beat Arsenal 2-0 at home on the opening day. They also played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The Bees’ can often prove to be a challenge at their home turf.
Brentford Premier League form: L L W L L
Manchester United on the other hand seem to be struggling to find any sort of rhythm to their season. They arguably had their best performance under Rangnick last week against Aston Villa but failed to come away with the three points. They squandered a two-goal lead in a matter of five minutes resulting in a 2-2 draw.
United sit 7th on the league table with 32 points. 5 points behind the top 4 and 1 point behind Spurs who have two games in hand over the Red Devils. United will be hoping to close the gap between them and the top 4 with a win away on the road.
Manchester United Premier League form: W D W L D
Brentford vs Manchester United: Team news
Brentford
Manager Thomas Frank will be without the service of Julian Jeanvier, David Raya, Charlie Goode and Josh Dasilva due to injuries. Mathias Jorgensen will remain a doubt for the Bees.
Frank Onyeka will also be unavailable as he will be representing his nation at the African Cup of Nations.
Rico Henry returned to the squad after recovery in their game against Liverpool but was subbed after 49 minutes. He may return to the bench for this game. Canos came off the bench to replace Henry against Liverpool and will be his likely replacement yet again.
Possible Brentford starting line-up
Fernandez, Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock, Roerslev, Janelt, Norgaard, Jensen, Canos, Toney, Mbeumo
Manchester United
Paul Pogba has returned to the training ground but will not be fit enough to start for the Red Devils. Eric Bailley has travelled to the African Cup of Nations and will be unavailable for selection.
Cristiano Ronaldo should be making a come-back in the starting XI after missing back to back fixtures against Aston Villa. Club captain Harry Maguire is expected to replace Victor Lindelof. Mctominay and Shaw are also in contention for a start.
Despite Elanga’s impressive outing against Villa, he is likely to be dropped for Marcus Rashford who is fit to start.
Possible Manchester United starting line-up
De Gea, Dalot, Maguire, Varane, Shaw, Mctominay, Fred, Bruno, Greenwood, Rashford, Ronaldo.
Our prediction
Brentford 2-2 Manchester United
The Brentford faithful will be up for this game and there will be enormous support for the home side. Manchester United have shown signs of breaking under the pressure at times.
United are certainly the stronger side on paper but Brentford have proved before that they have what it takes to cause upsets in the top-flight. It will be a tight game, but United’s defensive frailties will keep them for the three points.
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