Match Preview – Brentford host Manchester United with both sides desperate for points at opposite ends of the table
Brentford’s poor form has landed them in the relegation dogfight and now every point counts as they battle the drop. United are still chasing the top four but with each passing week, the task becomes larger and larger.
Here’s everything you need to know about Saturday’s fixture.
Formbook
Brentford: LLDLL
Brentford are stuck in somewhat of a rut. They’ve lost five of their last six league matches and have won just two of their last 17 in all competitions.
It’s been a challenging campaign for Thomas Frank’s side and it looks like their star striker Ivan Toney will be leaving in the summer – just months after his return from a lengthy lay-off through suspension.
The Bees suffered a setback in their last fixture before the international break after a difficult trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley. An early red card for Sergio Reguilon contributed to a 2-1 defeat, dragging the west Londoners closer to the drop zone.
The points have seriously dried up in recent months and the club now sit just five points above the bottom three in 15th place. A few tough fixtures lay ahead for Brentford – who could find themselves in real trouble in the coming weeks.
There’s some good news for the Brentford fans though, as Bryan Mbeumo is in line for his first appearance since December after returning from injury.
Manchester United: LWLWW
Manchster United had a fantastic start to the year, going seven games unbeaten and consequently finding themselves right in the race for the Premier League’s top four.
However, their 2023 inconsistencies have just started to creep back in, losing two of their last five including a shock home defeat to Fulham.
Before the international break, they knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup in dramatic fashion in a result that should have them riding a wave of confidence.
THESE SCENES >>>>#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/P5QXUxzeBl
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 18, 2024
The heart and desire they showcased in that match need to be on display for the remainder of the season if they are going to be playing Champions League football next year.
United are in sixth place, nine points behind Aston Villa in fourth. The Red Devils do have a game in hand but matches against Chelsea and Liverpool follow this weekend.
There are concerns over the fitness of Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans and Casemiro for United, and Amad Diallo has been ruled out through suspension.
Lisandro Martinez could make a return from injury, while Mason Mount and Antony will both be hopeful of returning to the starting 11.
Previous Meetings
It’s been a short history between these two clubs. They’ve met just 18 times across a period of 96 years. Over a quarter of those games have been played since Brentford’s return to England’s top division in 2021/22.
The Red Devils have the better record in the head-to-heads, with the Bees winning just once in the last 86 years.
In this season’s reverse fixture, Brentford left Old Trafford with nothing, following a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat. After leading for 92 minutes, two Scott McTominay goals in injury time stole all the points for the hosts.
Predicted Lineups
Brentford: Flekken; Zanka, Collins, Ajer; Roerslev, Janelt, Onyeka, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Mbeumo, Toney.
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Dalot; Mainoo, McTominay; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Who is the referee?
Simon Hooper
Is the game on TV?
UK – Sky Sports Main Event
What time is kick-off?
20:00 GMT, Saturday 30 March
Odds
Brentford – 19/10
Draw – 14/5
Manchester United – 5/4
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