Premier League: how Man United can see off in-form Brentford

Playing for pride

Manchester United require a miracle if they are to finish in the top four of the Premier League this season, and host Brentford on Monday as they aim to complete the first leg of one. 

The Red Devils earned a 1-1 draw at home against Chelsea on Thursday, and though a credible result, they are five points off Arsenal in fourth with two games more played. Now it is about finishing the campaign off with pride. 

Priced at 1.76 to get the victory, Ralf Rangnick’s side are thought to be too good for the Bees, who are offered at 4.8. A draw is 4.2.

Ronaldo reliance 

Man United come into this match off the back of three winless matches, though in that time they have played three of the current top four. Unable to get close to either Liverpool or Arsenal, though, they at least responded to some degree against Chelsea, picking up a 1-1 draw despite being broadly outplayed. 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a special equaliser for Rangnick’s men in that match and has now scored the last nine league goals for his club. Jadon Sancho was the last player otherwise to find the net, way back on March 6 against Manchester City. 

Meanwhile, incoming manager Erik ten Hag will be taking all this in and analysing who might fit into his system. There has been speculation that the Ajax coach may be tempted to sell Ronaldo, but on such form, he looks priceless to the faltering Old Trafford side, who have won only two of their last 11. 

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has seen his side win five and draw one of their last seven

Bees are buzzing

Conversely, Brentford have been punching above their weight this season and have pushed clear of the relegation zone thanks to a spectacular sequence of results. Thomas Frank’s side have won five and drawn one of their last seven, fuelled by the fairytale return of Christian Eriksen to professional football. 

Amongst this run was a stunning 4-1 away win over Chelsea, and they now have Manchester United in their sights. 

This will be the Bees first visit to Old Trafford on league duty since 1946, when they were defeated by their hosts 4-1. Indeed, they have lost all of their last four league matches against the Red Devils by multiple goals, including a 3-1 loss earlier this season at the Brentford Community Stadium, which was an unfair reflection on a match tighter than the scoreline suggested. With the Bees in form, they will be hopeful an upset is on the cards.

Devils to win, Bees to sting

Manchester United are an unpredictable force, but their home form has been steady lately, while Old Trafford is an intimidating venue for rookies to visit. They have not lost a match against a team playing their first Premier League encounter at the venue since 1997.    

With Cristiano Ronaldo on sparkling form, expect that run to continue and the Red Devils to end a four-match streak of failing to win at home on a Monday.

Brentford, though, will be competitive. Before a 0-0 draw with Spurs last week, they had scored in their previous six and should be backed to find the net against a team without a clean sheet in nine. 

Recommended bets 

United/BTTS @ 3.25

Ronaldo anytime @ 1.9