Manchester United and Brentford both have businesses at both ends of the table, which of them will carry the day? (Photo credit: GOAL)
Brentford vs. Manchester UnitedG-Tech Community Stadium9:00pm
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| Manchester United and Brentford both have businesses at both ends of the table, which of them will carry the day? (Photo credit: GOAL) |
The final game of the day on Saturday is the one at the G-Tech Community Stadium between relegation-threatened Brentford and Manchester United.
The Red Devils are still buzzing from their big win over Liverpool in the FA Cup before the international break; it restored some pride and handed them a chance of landing silverware at the end of the season as they will play against Coventry in the semifinals.
Brentford lost to Burnley 2-1, a result that kept them off the relegation zone by just five points. If they don’t get a result against Manchester United, Luton and Nottingham Forest could heap huge pressure on them, and that is a crisis looming.
Manchester United sits sixth on the log, just three points off West Ham. A loss at Brentford and a win for the Hammers could send United further down, and with the season winding down, you don’t want to start chasing when you should be cruising.
The hope of Manchester United has been placed on the shoulders of three teenagers: Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund. The latter is back from injury and ready to help the Red Devils out of the woods.
Mainoo earned his first cap for England in the just concluded international window, and he was mercurial, winning man of the match in the game against Belgium. Garnacho set up the winner against Liverpool; he is one for the future.
Brentford welcomed back Bryan Mbeumo from his long-term injury; he will be able to help Ivan Toney and Yoan Wissa upfront. Toney was on target for England against Belgium from the spot; he would hope to make the trip to Germany for euros.
How will they line up? Manchester United will hope to win this game by relying on their youngsters, but they could well be stunned by the Bees, who have a team of professionals without real superstars. Brentford will attack and defend together; United must earn their points here.
The midfield battle will be key; the trio of Frank Onyeka, Mattias Jensen, and Vitaly Janelt will have it all to do against Mainoo and Scott McTominay; Sergio Reguilon begins serving his three-match ban; Ben Mee is out for the rest of the season; and Ethan Pinnock is nearing a return.
United could have Lisandro Martinez back; Luke Shaw is believed to be close to a return too, but Casemiro and Harry Maguire are both facing late fitness tests for this game. It’s a tricky game; both sides must win to help their respective causes.