Manchester United will be targeting what would be a morale-boosting victory in the Premier League when they take on Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday.
While speculation over his future is still rife, United manager Erik ten Hag has survived the international break and looks set to be in the dugout this weekend.
Calls for the axe to fall on the Dutchman intensified following a 3-0 thumping at home to Spurs and their subsequent 3-3 draw Porto in the Europa League.
However, ten Hag eased some of the pressure mounting on his shoulders with a 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa before the international break, in a game that brought up another one of my player-based bets.
Brentford, meanwhile, snapped their three-game winless streak in the Premier League in spectacular style with a thrilling 5-3 win over Wolves, on what was a profitable afternoon for our man Kevin Mac.
That victory propelled Thomas Frank’s team up to 11th spot in the table, and they will now look to continue their climb up the standings by adding to Man United's woes this weekend.
How the bookies view it: United to swat Bees aside
Despite their rocky start to the season, Manchester United are odds-on 8/13 favourites with Betano to bank all three points on Saturday.
Brentford are as big as 18/5 on Betano to triumph at Old Trafford, while the draw has been priced up at 18/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: Red Devils rule the roost
Manchester United have fared well in this fixture following Brentford's promotion to the Premier League back in 2021. The Red Devils have reigned supreme in four of the overall six meetings since then, including all three at Old Trafford.
Players to watch: Look to Lindelof
Victor Lindelof came off the bench to replace Noussair Mazraoui at right-back against Aston Villa two-weeks. The Swedish defender subsequently committed two fouls, making him an appealing proposition to tackle his way into trouble just once on Saturday at 3/4 (UniBet).
Only Erling Haaland (10) has scored more goals than Bryan Mbeumo (6) in the Premier League this season. Thus, the Brentford forward will have his backers to make the net bulge on Saturday at 13/5 on Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Manchester United's injury list is, as usual, is fairly long, though they are hopeful Kobbie Mainoo will be fit enough to feature despite missing both of England’s Nations League games due to a hamstring injury
Brentford boss Frank could stick with the same starting XI that got the better of Wolves before the international break.
Manchester United: Onana; Lindelof, De Ligt, Evans, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Antony, Eriksen, Rashford; Hojlund
Brentford: Flekken; Van den Berg, Pinnock, Collins, Ajer; Janelt, Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter; Schade
Anything else catch the eye?
Another player-based bet that holds appeal is Nathan Collins to commit a foul at 10/11 with William Hill.
This bet would have paid out in each of Brentford’s two away games against Man City and Spurs last month.
It’s also worth pointing out that Collins has fallen foul of the referee in three of the Republic of Ireland’s four Nations League games over the most recent two international breaks.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford will be played on Oct 19, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Brentford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
