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Monday night entertainment in the Premier League comes from Old Trafford as Manchester United look to boost their Champions League hopes against Brentford.
The Red Devils are just two wins away from securing elite European football next season, while interim boss Michael Carrick continues to make his case for a permanent job at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Bees, on the other hand, will be looking to end their run of five successive Premier League draws as they attempt to strengthen their own continental ambitions.
Check out our prediction, preview and betting tips, including the latest odds. If you want more, make sure to visit our ‘Today’s Betting Tips’ page for more expert predictions.
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Manchester United vs Brentford key stats
- Manchester United have scored in 21 successive league matches.
- Only Wolverhampton and Burnley have kept fewer clean sheets in the Premier League this term than United.
- Brentford have not tasted victory in the Premier League since February.
- The Bees are in the midst of the joint-longest run of draws in the Premier League since 2009.
Manchester United vs Brentford: European dreams on the line
| Manchester United | vs | Brentford |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position (Premier League) | 9th |
| 58 | Points | 48 |
| 58 | Goals For | 48 |
| 45 | Goals Against | 44 |
| 6 | Clean Sheets | 9 |
| 5th | Home Rank | 9th |
| 4th | Away Rank | 13th |
Mathematically speaking, Manchester United require six more points to guarantee a top-five finish and seal their Champions League return next season.
Interim manager Carrick has earned a lot of praise for taking the Red Devils in the right direction, but his audition for the permanent position is far from over.
The former United midfielder still has five Premier League games remaining to try and persuade the club’s decision-makers, starting with Monday’s clash against Brentford.
Carrick and his men head into the match with confidence following their 1-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend - a result which not only kept them in third spot but also helped to shake off a surprise defeat to Leeds United a week prior.
Only Arsenal and Manchester City have managed to score as many goals as United this season, with the Red Devils rattling the net in 21 successive league matches for the first time since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Looking at the table, Liverpool and Aston Villa are locked on the same number of points as United, meaning a win on Monday would provide Carrick and his men with a slight advantage.
In terms of injuries, the hosts will be without the duo of Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu. Lisandro Martinez remains suspended, while Harry Maguire returns from his two-match ban and is expected to feature in the starting lineup.
When it comes to absentees, Brentford’s list of unavailable players is significant.
Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo, Vitaly Janelt, Rico Henry, Joshua DaSilva, Jordan Henderson and Kaye Furo are all out of action ahead of Monday’s trip to Manchester.
Despite the injury problems, head coach Keith Andrews has kept the Bees in European contention, with the team currently sitting two points adrift of sixth-placed Brighton.
Brentford have drawn their last five Premier League matches, and they have not tasted victory in the competition since their thrilling 4-3 encounter with Burnley.
Nevertheless, the Bees will be looking to follow in Leeds United’s footsteps and earn a huge win at Old Trafford - a result which would mark United’s first set of successive home league defeats since May.
There will be no shortage of belief in the Brentford squad, who have already won their last two meetings with United, scoring seven goals along the way.
In fact, the Bees are looking to complete their first season double over United since the 1936-37 campaign.
Manchester United vs Brentford form guide & betting tips
| Manchester United | vs | Brentford |
|---|---|---|
| L-W-D-L-W | Form | D-D-D-D-D |
| 7 | Points | 5 |
| 11th | Form Table | 14th |
| 8 | Goals For | 4 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 4 |
| L-W-D-L-W | Form (All Competitions) | L-D-D-D-D |
Whispers predicts: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford
Brentford are expected to give United a serious run for their money on Monday night, but winning at Old Trafford will not be easy given the volume of injuries.
The Red Devils are available at respectable 4/5 odds, with bookmakers offering plenty of value for punters looking to back the hosts.
United have struggled defensively this season, picking up just six clean sheets. With that in mind, the both teams to score bet deserves consideration at around the 13/25 mark.
If you are looking for serious value, backing Manchester United to win the match 2-1 in the correct score market is available at 17/2.
> Manchester United to win at 4/5 | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score at 13/25 | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct Score: Manchester United 2-1 Brentford at 17/2 | Likelihood: Outsider