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Manchester United are set to face Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 3:00 PM UK time, in a Premier League clash where both teams aim to bounce back from inconsistent runs. Manchester United will be desperate to end a five-match winless streak across all competitions, while Brentford will be looking to pick up their first away win of the Premier League season. Their last encounter in March 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw, where Mason Mount’s late strike was cancelled out by Kristoffer Ajer’s dramatic 99th-minute equaliser at the Gtech Community Stadium.

This match will be crucial for both sides, as Manchester United are trying to recover from their worst-ever start to a Premier League season, while Brentford look to build on their strong home performances despite struggles on the road.

Manchester United: Recent Form and Analysis

Manchester United, led by Erik ten Hag, have had a torrid start to the 2024-25 campaign. With just eight points from their first seven league matches, the Red Devils are languishing in 14th place—closer to the relegation zone than the coveted top-four spots. Ten Hag’s side has struggled both defensively and offensively, with mounting pressure on the Dutch manager to turn the season around quickly.

United’s last league match before the international break saw them play out a goalless draw against Aston Villa. This result came off the back of a disastrous five-match run, which includes four draws and a painful home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite their struggles, Manchester United’s home record against Brentford should give them confidence, having won their last five home league meetings with the Bees by an aggregate score of 13-2. In fact, Brentford haven’t won at Old Trafford since 1937, adding to United’s psychological edge.

Team news, however, remains a concern. United could be without up to 10 first-team players, including key figures like Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Alejandro Garnacho, leaving Ten Hag to rely on his squad depth. The defence has been a particular issue, with injuries to Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, and Noussair Mazraoui forcing Ten Hag to potentially field Jonny Evans at left-back. Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen will need to step up in midfield, while Rasmus Hojlund is expected to start up front after a solid international break for Denmark.

Brentford: Recent Form and Analysis

Brentford have shown flashes of brilliance under Thomas Frank but have struggled away from home. The Bees currently sit 11th in the Premier League table with 10 points from seven matches, all of which have been earned at home. Their away form, however, has been abysmal, with losses in all three of their trips on the road so far this season against Liverpool, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur.

One of Brentford’s key strengths this season has been their fast starts—scoring the opening goal within the first 80 seconds of their last four matches. However, despite these early leads, they have failed to secure points against tougher opposition. Their last outing before the international break saw them defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-3 at home, showcasing their attacking potential. Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford’s top scorer with six goals, will be the main threat as they try to end their away drought.

Injury woes have hit Brentford hard as well. Yoane Wissa, Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, and Igor Thiago are all sidelined, while key midfielders Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen are doubts for the clash against Manchester United. These absences might force Frank to deploy a three-at-the-back system, with Sepp van den Berg, Ethan Pinnock, and Nathan Collins starting in central defence. Mbeumo is likely to be partnered by Kevin Schade up front, with Keane Lewis-Potter and Kristoffer Ajer providing width as wing-backs.

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Head-to-Head Record

Manchester United have dominated the historical encounters with Brentford, winning seven of the last 10 meetings in all competitions. The most recent match between the two teams, played in March 2024, ended in a 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium, with late goals from Mason Mount and Kristoffer Ajer.

At Old Trafford, Brentford have struggled, losing their last five Premier League visits by significant margins. With a superior home record and Brentford’s poor form on the road, Manchester United are likely to be favourites heading into this clash.

Prediction

Given the form of both teams and Manchester United’s strong record against Brentford at Old Trafford, this match appears to be a prime opportunity for Erik ten Hag’s men to end their winless run. Brentford’s defensive vulnerabilities and poor away form make it difficult to see them taking all three points, while Manchester United will be buoyed by their positive home record against the Bees.

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford

United’s defensive issues may still lead to a goal for Brentford, but with players like Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund likely to make an impact, Manchester United should edge out the victory.

Betting Markets:

• Both Teams to Score: Yes. Brentford have shown they can score early, and with United’s defensive fragility, the visitors are likely to find the back of the net.
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over. Manchester United’s attack combined with Brentford’s aggressive style should lead to more than two goals in the match.
• First Half Goals: Yes. Brentford’s fast starts this season make it likely that we’ll see at least one goal in the first half.
• Hotstat: Brentford have scored in the first 80 seconds of their last four matches, making an early goal a likely betting option.

Team News

Manchester United: Erik ten Hag has a long list of injuries to contend with, including Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Alejandro Garnacho. Jonny Evans may be deployed at left-back, with Diogo Dalot switching to the right. The midfield is likely to consist of Casemiro, Eriksen, and Fernandes, while Hojlund is expected to lead the attack.

Manchester United Possible Lineup: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Evans; Eriksen, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee

Brentford: Brentford’s injury list includes Rico Henry, Josh Dasilva, and Yoane Wissa. Christian Norgaard and Mathias Jensen are also doubts, which may force Frank to play a three-at-the-back system. Bryan Mbeumo, with six goals this season, is likely to lead the attack alongside Kevin Schade.

Brentford Possible Lineup: Flekken; Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock; Ajer, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Lewis-Potter; Schade, Mbeumo