Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/9
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to take another giant leap towards punching their Champions League ticket, Manchester United will welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Monday night.
Manchester United
Starting with the hosts, making a welcomed return to winning ways last time out as they secured a 1-0 victory away at historic rivals Chelsea, Manchester United are sat firmly in the driving seat to book a lucrative Champions League return over the coming weeks. While many might have been shocked by Michael Carrick’s temporary return to the Old Trafford dugout back in January, the Red Devils are clearly enjoying life under the ex-Middlesbrough manager. Opening the weekend fixtures sat in bronze medal position, United have lost just a pair of their 12 Premier League appearances since Carrick’s arrival. Likewise, despite falling to a disappointing 2-1 loss at home against Leeds earlier in the month, it should be noted that Monday’s hosts have won each of their other five showdowns at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Team News
Both still dealing with respective injury issues, Manchester United will once again be without the defensive duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu. Shown a controversial straight red card against Leeds on April 13th, Argentinian international Lisandro Martinez will once again miss out through suspension.
However, serving how own respective two-match ban since returning from March’s international break, Harry Maguire will return to Carrick’s squad here. Embarking on what has been a sensational run of form and registering 26 direct goal contributions in his 30 Premier League appearances this season (eight goals, 18 assists), skipper Bruno Fernandes will play a leading role.
Brentford
As for the visitors, while Brentford might have cemented their spot as one of the Premier League’s ultimate surprise packages this season, Keith Andrews’ camp have failed to find any kind of fluidity over recent times. Despite opening the weekend fixtures sat within touching distance of skyrocketing into the European spots, the Bees have now been forced to settle for a single point in each of their previous five consecutive Premier League appearances. Likewise, watching their FA Cup adventure come to a heartbreaking end last month as they were hit with penalty shootout frustration away at relegation scrappers West Ham, Brentford have recorded just a single win against top-flight opposition since the start of February. However, it is worth noting that Andrews’ side claimed a thrilling 3-1 victory when they welcomed Man United to west London for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 27th.
Brentford Team News
All still dealing with respective knee injuries, Brentford will once again be without the trio of Antonio Milambo, Josh Dasilva and former Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho here. Likewise, Rico Henry is still recovering from a recent muscle issue and is not expected to feature in Manchester on Monday night.
Expected to lead the line for Brazil at this summer’s World Cup and remarkably notching 21 Premier League goals, attacking talisman Igor Thiago will spearhead Brentford’s charge. Andrews’ side are hopeful that England international Jordan Henderson will be able to return to their travelling squad.
Manchester United vs Brentford Key Factors to Consider
- When Manchester United and Brentford met for their reverse Premier League showdown on September 27th, the Bees claimed a thumping 3-1 win in west London.
- Despite falling to a 2-1 loss against historic foes Leeds this month, United have won each of their other five Premier League matchups at Old Trafford.
- Bruno Fernandes has registered 26 direct goal contributions in his 30 Premier League appearances this season (eight goals, 18 assists).
- Brentford have been forced to settle for a single point in each of their last five consecutive Premier League outings.
- The Bees have registered just a sole victory against Premier League opposition since the start of February.
Conclusion
Falling to a 3-1 loss when they travelled to the capital for their reverse Premier League showdown against Brentford back in September, Manchester United will be seeking some immediate revenge here. Looking to take another giant leap towards booking a lucrative Champions League return, Carrick’s side are pencilled in as a standout contender on Monday night. With the Bees only mustering a sole victory against top-flight opposition since the start of February, Brentford will be bracing themselves for another tricky test in the red half of Manchester.
Verdict: Bruno Fernandes over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 7/9
Bookmaker: Luckster
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