After a humiliating 4-0 loss to Brentford in August, Manchester United will be looking to avenge their earlier defeat as they host the West London side at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are favorites to win, but Brentford’s recent form suggests that they could cause an upset.
A troubled United side
Manchester United have endured a miserable run of form lately, losing all three games without scoring a goal. Their latest loss came at the hands of struggling Wolverhampton, who defeated them 1-0 at Molineux. The Red Devils were without some key players in that match, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, but the team’s lack of creativity and cutting edge was still evident.
Brentford’s resurgence
Brentford, on the other hand, are unbeaten in their last three matches, having claimed an impressive draw against Liverpool and a shock win over Manchester City in their last outing. Since their win over United earlier this season, the Bees have gone from strength to strength under the guidance of Thomas Frank.
Key players
United will be banking on Marcus Rashford to lead the charge against Brentford. The England international has been in good form this season, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists for his team. At the other end of the pitch, David de Gea will be crucial for Manchester United as he tries to keep Toney and co. at bay.
Ivan Toney is undoubtedly Brentford’s star man this season. The former Newcastle striker has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances this season and has been pivotal to his team’s success. While he failed to get on the scoresheet against Manchester United in August, Toney has found the back of the net in nine of his last 15 games across all competitions.
Jon Eimer’s picks
SportsLine soccer insider Jon “Buckets” Eimer has analyzed the match and made his picks. Eimer is confident that Manchester United will win, but he also believes that there will be goals in this game. His first pick is for both teams to score, while his second pick is for the Red Devils to win by two goals or more.
Can Brentford complete the double?
If Brentford are able to secure a win over Manchester United on Wednesday, it would mark their first league double over United in 86 years. However, the Bees will also have one eye on qualification for the UEFA Champions League, with a win potentially putting them in contention for a top-four finish.
A tough run of fixtures
United’s defeat to Wolves was their second loss in three games and things are not about to get any easier for Solskjaer’s men. The Red Devils face Brentford followed by an away fixture against Newcastle United. After that, United are set to face Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham and Aston Villa in quick succession – a tough run of fixtures that could define their season.
Conclusion
The stage is set for another intriguing Premier League fixture as Manchester United take on Brentford at Old Trafford. While United are favorites to win, Brentford’s recent form suggests that they could cause an upset. However, with Rashford and Ronaldo in their ranks and Eimer’s predictions in their favor, Solskjaer’s men will be confident of returning to winning ways.
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