MY ACCOUNT
Manchester United’s hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League are all but over after a poor run of results — and they are unlikely to have things all their own way against Brentford on Monday.
The Red Devils held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw in Thursday’s clash at Old Trafford but had a fine performance from David de Gea to thank for that.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 17th league goal of the season to save the hosts from defeat.
Bt it was another disappointing performance, suggesting it may take more than just Erik ten Hag’s arrival to transform the club’s fortunes.
United need a big overhaul in personnel and until they make significant changes they are going to prove vulnerable, including at home to the Bees.
Having won just two of their last nine league contests, Ralf Rangnick’s side have fallen out of the reckoning for Champions League qualification.
Brentford, on the other hand, have improved in recent weeks and head to the Theatre of Dreams with 10 points from their last four games.
That upturn in form includes a 4-1 victory at Chelsea and a goalless draw against Tottenham, so the form book suggests that facing the Red Devils will not be a daunting prospect.
Team news
United are without Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani and Luke Shaw but Harry Maguire and Fred are fighting to return to the starting line-up.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jesse Lingard are also back in contention, although Jadon Sancho is set to miss out with tonsillitis.
Rangnick has suggested the 22-year-old England international may not play again this season.
Brentford, meanwhile, are without Ethan Pinnock and Sergi Canos but Kristoffer Ajer and Christian Norgaard are battling to be fit.
Match stats and facts
United are odds-on favourites to record a home win and will take confidence from the fact they won January’s reverse fixture 3-1.
However, as highlighted earlier, Rangnick’s men have only won two of their last nine league games — both 3-2 wins over Norwich and Tottenham.
They have failed to overcome relegation-haunted Watford and Everton during that run and an in-form Brentford will not give them an easy ride.
The Bees are unbeaten in four, with wins over Chelsea, West Ham and Watford followed by the draw against Spurs, and have star striker Ivan Toney operating at the top of his game.
In fact, Thomas Frank’s team have lost only one of their last seven league matches and the display against Tottenham highlighted their rapid progress.
Toney, who has benefitted from Christian Eriksen’s arrival, has netted nine times in his last 11 appearances and will be determined to cause United problems.
Predictions
United’s recent efforts make them difficult to trust at a short price and they are worth opposing against Brentford, though both teams to score would be the standout selection.
Both sides have scored in each of United’s last four home league contests, while the net has bulged at both ends in Brentford’s last five fixtures on the road.
Last month’s 4-1 win at Stamford Bridge is evidence of what Brentford are capable of. And having also scored in trips to Arsenal and Leicester earlier this season, they should be confident of breaching United’s inconsistent defence.
However, Brentford have conceded in their last 14 Premier League away games and may struggle to keep a clean sheet against the hosts, who have in-form Ronaldo spearheading their attack.
United have kept only three clean sheets in their last 19 league games and have conceded in each of their eight matches since February’s disappointing goalless draw with Watford.
