This is the first time since 1947 that this league clash has taken place

Neither has Ralf Rangnick been able to bring the desired stability to the Red Devils’ game. The top club continues to lag well behind expectations and must gradually watch out not to lose sight of the Champions League places. On Wednesday evening, one of the two remaining catch-up games is on the agenda and it has to be called a must-win. At the Community Stadium, promoted Brentford and Manchester United face off.

The home side from London are still in a relatively comfortable situation and have nothing to do with the relegation battle. However, due to the many catch-up games, the current lead (ten points) could quickly melt away. Brentford have been convincing at home so far, winning three of their last four games. Nevertheless, the best bookmakers are offering odds of just under 5.00 on Brentford vs. Manchester United to win at home.

The visitors will probably have to do without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who has problems with his hip flexor. Recently, however, it was not the lack of penetrating power in the offensive that caused the loss of points, but the vulnerable defence. Wednesday night’s match kicks off at 9pm.

Brentford – Statistics & current form

Because of the connection to Denmark, the rumour that has been circulating in the last few days would be quite obvious. The Bees from London are courting the Danish superstar Christian Eriksen. As is well known, he is no longer allowed to play in Italy and his contract was terminated accordingly. Of course, Christian Eriksen would be a huge reinforcement for the newly promoted PL club. He would certainly find enough compatriots in the squad.

Won three of the last four home games

While fundamentally Eriksen doesn’t fit the underdog’s prey mould, Brentford often bring in players who are a little under the radar. But the team composition is bearing fruit and with 23 points from 21 league games, the result is very positive. Especially at home in the Community Stadium, things have gone according to plan. Everton, Watford and Aston Villa were defeated, the only defeat was against champions Manchester City.

It is exciting to note that Brentford have scored twelve goals in home games so far this season. These twelve goals are spread across the shoulders of eleven different players. Only new signing Yoane Wissa has already scored twice at home.

Two significant away defeats

After winning their first league game in 2022 2-1 against Steven Gerrard and Aston Villa, they have recently suffered two significant defeats away from home. The 4-1 defeat at Southampton was followed by a 3-0 defeat at Anfield Road last weekend. Brentford were even well served, as Liverpool played big and had 27 shots on target.

The Bees’ defence is allowing an enormous amount these days and lacks stability. Although there was an average of only 2.40 goals per home match (fourth lowest value), the forecast for the over 2.5 in the catch-up match between Brentford and Manchester United is a good one.

Predicted line-up of Brentford:
Fernandez – Jansson, Pinnock, Ajer – Henry, Nörgaard, Baptiste, Janelt, Roerslav Rasmussen – Toney, Mbeumo

Last matches played by Brentford:

Premier League
01/16 2022 – Liverpool FC 3 – 0 Brentford

01/11 2022 – Southampton 4 – 1 Brentford

FA Cup
01/08 2022 – Port Vale 1 – 4 Brentford

Premier League
01/02 2022 – Brentford 2 – 1 Aston Villa

12/29 2021 – Brentford 0 – 1 Manchester City

Manchester United – Statistics & current form

The Red Devils from Manchester already looked like the sure winner last weekend. In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, his compatriot Bruno Fernandes stepped into the breach and put Rangnick’s charges ahead with a brace. But a perfect Coutinho debut for the Villans (goal and assist) again caused long faces at Manchester United.

Scored at least once in all away games

Seventh in the table and 24 points behind their city rivals are by no means enough to meet the club’s high expectations. The championship is no longer an issue, but the Red Devils are also under pressure in the battle to qualify for the UEFA Champions League again. Ralf Rangnick’s new methods are not yet bearing fruit as desired, although the record is quite acceptable with only one defeat in eight competitive matches (4-3-1 record).

The game against the Villans, however, was somewhat symptomatic of the last weeks and months. At times, the team played great, only to let a lack of concentration take the butter off their bread. Only twice this season have Manchester United won two Premier League games in a row (three wins in a row).

At least in the away games Manchester United can convince with scoring power, because in all ten guest appearances so far the supporters were allowed to cheer at least once. This should not change in the capital, as memories of recent trips to London are very positive. Since a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in January 2020, Manchester United are unbeaten in London for twelve league away games. A point in Brentford could set a club record of 13 games (December 2011 – December 2013).

Also in favour is the fact that the Red Devils are the best side in Premier League history on Wednesday. OPTA data shows 71 wins in 116 Wednesday games, which is 61 per cent of all games. No team with more than one PL year to their name has a higher win rate on Wednesday. For the away win in the Brentford vs Manchester United clash, the odds are a 1.80.

Predicted line-up of Manchester United:
De Gea – Telles, Varane, Lindelöf, Dalot – van de Beek, Fred – Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, Greenwood – Cavani

Last matches played by Manchester United:

Premier League
01/15 2022 – Aston Villa 2 – 2 Manchester United

FA Cup
01/10 2022 – Manchester United 1 – 0 Aston Villa

Premier League
01/03 2022 – Manchester United 0 – 1 Wolverhampton

12/30 2021 – Manchester United 3 – 1 Burnley

12/27 2021 – Newcastle United 1 – 1 Manchester United

Brentford – Manchester United Direct Comparison / H2H Record

Nobody will remember the last league match between these two teams. In April 1947 there was the last duel in the regular championship. But the last encounter was also several decades ago. In the 1975/76 League Cup, the Red Devils lived up to their clear role as favourites over the Bees.

Brentford – Manchester United Tip

The trip to the capital will certainly not be a foregone conclusion for Ralf Rangnick and his team. Although the differences in quality cannot be denied, Brentford have won three of their last four home games. However, there have been two poor defensive performances recently, with no less than seven goals conceded. In the battle for the top flight, the visitors have to deliver and with Brentford against Manchester United, betting on the favourites is definitely a good idea.

The visitors have scored in every away game this season, haven’t lost in London for 12 games and were reminded never to be too confident in their latest setback. With a focused performance and the possible CR7 return, the visitors are not only expected to win, but to win by at least two goals difference. Brentford v Manchester United offers very interesting odds for this prediction, a stake of five units is recommended on this bet.