Manchester United - Brentford predictions and free betting tips [07/10/2023]

On Saturday, 7th October, amidst the 8th round of the Premier League, Manchester United will host Brentford. In the midweek, the "Red Devils" lost to Galatasaray 2-3 in the Champions League, while the "Bees" managed a draw 1-1 away against Nottingham Forest.

Predicted Line-ups

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Amrabat; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Brentford: Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Hickey; Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Maupay, Wissa.

Stadium

The clash will take place at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Manchester United

Manchester United has not lived up to the expectations placed on the team at the beginning of the season. Currently occupying the 10th spot in the Premier League table, unless they start racking up points soon, there's a serious risk of irreparably falling away from the top 4 (the gap already stands at 7 points). Dutch manager Erik ten Hag's position is precarious with the "Red Devils" losing 3 out of their last 4 matches, with only one victory. Following a win against Burnley (0:1), the Mancunians suffered a setback last weekend, losing at home to Crystal Palace (0:1). This week, United disappointed their fans yet again, surrendering to Galatasaray (2:3) in the Champions League. Rasmus Høiland scored a brace, but Andre Onana and Casemiro's sloppiness led to the Brazilian's sending off and Mauro Icardi's subsequent missed penalty. Nevertheless, a few minutes later, the Argentine delicately chipped the ball over Onana bringing three points to the Turkish super club.

At the current rate, the hosts might break another unwanted record for their campaign: Manchester United risks losing three consecutive Premier League matches at Old Trafford for the first time in history. Adding to their woes are the injuries: key defenders Lisandro Martínez, Wan-Bissaka, and Shaw, full-backs Reguilón and Malacia, as well as Mainou and Diallo are still out. Winger Sancho is suspended for disciplinary reasons, and Brazilian Antony rejoined the squad this week. Høiland, so far, hasn't found the back of the net in the Premier League, but he has made a significant impact in the Champions League – his starting place is unquestionable. Goalkeeper Onana (a summer signing from Inter) has yet to thrive in his new club's kit, being the most criticised player in the press. Bruno Fernandes (2 goals and 1 assist in the Premier League) and Rashford (1 goal and 1 assist in the Premier League) will step on the pitch from the first whistle, while Amrabat and Casemiro will appear in the central arena.

Brentford

Surprisingly, Brentford, finishing 9th in last year's Premier League, doesn't look as sharp at the start of the current campaign. At present, the "Bees" are ranked 14th in the league table, taking 7 points in 7 matches. They accomplished victory away at Fulham (0:3) in the second matchday but have been winless since (3 draws and 2 losses). Following disappointments in the clashes against Newcastle United (1:0) and Everton (1:3), Brentford treated their fans to a point last weekend, drawing with Nottingham Forest (1:1). Christian Nørgaard accurately shot from a free-kick shortly after Moussa Niakhaté got sent off, but Steve Cooper's side did not back down and equalised courtesy of a shot from Nicolas Domingues – the ball sailed over the outstretched arm of Mark Flekken. The Londoners' EFL Cup dream also shattered in the 1/16 final against Arsenal, making this past September a month to forget for Thomas Frank's men.

Moreover, the only clean sheet of the present campaign was earned by the red-blacks in their victory over Fulham. Brentford remains without key England international Ivan Toney (20 goals in the Premier League last year) who is suspended until January 2024 for his involvement in gambling. In addition, the coaching staff has to deal with injuries to key defenders Mee and Henry, wingers Damsgaard and Shade, as well as Baptiste and Da Silva. In Toney's absence, Mbeumo (4 goals in the Premier League) and Wissa (2 goals) are the most preferred attacking options. Thomas Frank may freshen up the attack with Neal Maupay, who is eager to follow in the footsteps of Keane Lewis-Potter, and Aaron Hickey on the defensive flank.

Head to Head

In the summer of 2022, Brentford thrashed United 4:0 at their home ground, but the "Red Devils" have won both home games against the "Bees" in the Premier League without conceding a goal.

Match Prediction for Manchester United vs Brentford

Even the most ardent Manchester United fans recognise the sombre circumstance their beloved club has found itself in at the start of the season. Saturday's game offers Ten Hag's charges an excellent chance to bounce back, as Brentford is also notably struggling this autumn. Høiland has found a good rhythm, Amrabat, Varane, and Antony are back with Mount in action - Ten Hag has plenty of firepower at his disposal. My prediction is a home victory.

Total Prediction

It's surprising, but in the last three head-to-head encounters, these teams did not exchange goals. Given the defensive issues on both sides, this streak is likely to end on Saturday.      

Corner Prediction

As expected favourites, United will dominate and attack more actively, so the "Red Devils" will secure a corner handicap -1.5.

Yellow Card Prediction

United has been racking up an average of 2.5 yellow cards in recent matches - it's safe to back the hosts to receive over 1.5 bookings.

Score Prediction

I'll go for a precise score of 3:2 in favour of Manchester United.