Manchester United FC vs Brentford FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Brentford FC Match Prediction & Analysis

After going winless in their previous five Premier League 2024/25 matches, the Red Devils return with the intention of turning things around as they face Brentford at home on Saturday in Gameweek 8. United's most recent match resulted in a 0-0 draw against a strong Aston Villa side. 

 In contrast to United's result, Brentford's penultimate match before the break turned out to be goalfest, with the Bees defeating the struggling Wolves 5-3. The game had them scoring a goal as early as minute two. 

 Current Standings: After seven rounds, the hosts are 14th in the table with two wins and three defeats, while their opponents are 11th with three wins and three defeats. 

 Head-to-Head Record: In all six matches played between the teams, Manchester United holds a 4-1 win-loss record over Brentford. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

It has been a season of progress and frustration for Ten Hag and his side. With four clean sheets in seven games—the second most by any side this season—they have certainly made strides in improving their defence. However, the Red Devils have visibly struggled to score goals, having scored fewer than five in their first seven games for the first time since the 1972/73 season. Clearly, the Red Devil's need more goals and are in desperate need for a win. 

Bottled a lot of chances

United have managed only five goals this far and two of them came via set-pieces. And it isn't due to the lack of chances that's been created but the inability to finish those chances. So far this season, they have had an xG of 11.11, with a conversion rate of 5.62%. The conversion rate is the third worst among teams this season. 

Team News

For Saturday's encounter, all eyes will be on the front three of Hojlund, Garnacho, and Rashford, as United will need goals from them to end their winless streak of five games across all competitions. The Red Devils will be hoping that Kobbie Mainoo is fit enough to start after missing international duty due to a strained hamstring. Bruno Fernandes is still suspended following his red card against Tottenham Hotspur, while Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, and Noussair Mazraoui,  are also expected to miss out.

Stats That Matter 

Manchester United are ranked 8th in ball possession with 51.6% averaging 12.7 shots per game. The Red Devils score an average of 0.71 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 38%. Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Matthijs De Ligt are the top scorers with one goal apiece. The team has an average of 2.7 saves per game, the 14th best in the season. They have conceded an average of 1.14 goals per match.

Manchester United  Probable XI - Onana (GK) ; Lindelöf, De Ligt, Evans, Dalot (Defenders);  Mainoo, Eriksen, Anthony, Rashford, Casemiro; Højlund

Brentford FC Preview

In comparison to their opponents for the forthcoming match, Thomas Frank's team has had a far stronger start to the season, proving to be a difficult opponent for teams to beat. In reality, the Bees' only defeats this season have come against the 'top six' of the league. Up against a struggling United next, the Bees will fancy nothing less than a win. 

Key Player

Bryan Mbeumo has been an essential element of Brentford's attacking threat this season. The attacker has been in excellent form, scoring six goals in seven games, making him one of the league's most in-form players. With Brentford expected to play heavily on the counter at Old Trafford, his pace as an outlet will be critical to any potential outcome.

Tactics and Team News

Thomas Frank has fiddled with his formation this season, as he has employed 5-3-2, 4-4-2, and his preferred 4-3-3 formation. However, in the last game he used a 4-2-3-1 formation and could possibly use it against the United side on Saturday. Brentford, like the host team, has a long list of injured players, including Rico Henry, Igor Thiago, Yoane Wissa, Aaron Hickey, Matthew Jensen, Josh Dasilva, and Gustavo Nunes. The Bees are expected to stay with the same lineup that started the triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday.

Stats That Matter

Brentford are ranked 14th in ball possession with 45.7% averaging 11.1 shots per game. The Bees score an average of 1.86 goals per match with a shooting accuracy of 51%. Bryan Mbeumo is the top scorer with 6 goals. Yoane Wissa has also scored 3 goals this season. The team has an average of 4.7 saves per game, the best in the season. They have conceded an average of 1.86 goals per match.

Brentford Probable XI - Flekken (GK) ; Van den Berg, Pinnock, Collins, Ajer (Defenders); Janelt, Nørgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter (Midfielders); Schade (Forward) 

MANCHESTER UNITED FC vs BRENTFORD FC
Winning Prediction

The clash between Manchester United and Brentford promises to be a cracker of a contest, given how much is riding on this match. United, badly in need of a win, is trying to pounce on a potential opportunity to gain those three points. Expect an all-out attacking game from both teams. From the numbers perspective, the Bees have lost all three of their away games this season, while United has just won one of their last six Premier League games.

We expect an xG of 3/3.5, given the amount of goals that have been conceded by Brentford per game this season. Man United has been solid defensively in recent games, but offensively they lack style and intent, and they deserve to be punished for it. Regardless, the unpredictability of their play may lead to success versus Brentford.  

Man United to Win (2-0)

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