Brentford vs Man United: Preview, team news, predicted line-up as top-four pursuit meets survival struggle

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Brentford vs Man United: Preview, team news, predicted line-up as top-four pursuit meets survival struggle

Festus Chuma 13:14 - 30.03.2024

Manchester United sit six points above Tottenham as Erik ten Hag's side look to secure a spot in Europe next season.

Manchester United are set to lock horns with Brentford in an English Premier League clash at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday night.

In a season marked by fluctuating fortunes for both clubs, this Saturday night showdown promises drama, tactical battles, and a potential turning point in their respective campaigns.

Brentford, still smarting from a string of adverse decisions and a painful 2-1 defeat to Burnley, find themselves teetering on the edge of the relegation abyss. 

Match preview

The Bees' struggle has been compounded by a challenging injury list and a defense that has failed to keep the opposition at bay, conceding multiple goals in their last four outings. 

Despite these hurdles, Thomas Frank's squad has shown resilience, especially at home, boasting a record of scoring in 26 of their last 27 Premier League matches at the Gtech Community Stadium. 

However, with pivotal players such as Sergio Reguilon and Kevin Schade sidelined due to suspension and injuries respectively, Brentford faces an uphill task to rejuvenate their season against a formidable Manchester United side.

On the other side of the pitch, Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag's meticulous guidance, have charted a course towards redemption following an early-season defeat to Brentford. 

The Red Devils have been on an upward trajectory, bolstered by a six-game winning streak on the road and a memorable victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals. 

Team news 

With the top four within sight, United's resolve will be tested as they navigate a congested fixture list and a growing list of absentees, including the suspended Amad Diallo and the injured trio of Harry Maguire, Casemiro, and Lisandro Martinez.

Despite the adversities, Manchester United's squad depth and ten Hag's tactical acumen have been their trump cards, allowing them to adapt and overcome challenges. 

The resurgence of Scott McTominay, the return of Bryan Mbeumo for Brentford, and the potential midfield dynamics without Casemiro present intriguing subplots to what is expected to be a fiercely contested match.

Brentford, despite their precarious league position, have proven to be a thorn in the side of the Premier League's elite, drawing strength from their passionate home support. 

Their ability to find the back of the net, coupled with Manchester United's penchant for high-scoring affairs, sets the stage for an encounter where both teams will be keen to assert their dominance early on.

For Manchester United, the stakes extend beyond the immediate battle for top-four supremacy. 

In the broader context of Erik ten Hag's project under the new ownership, success at Brentford could serve as a testament to the Dutchman's ability to steer the club through turbulent waters and towards a brighter future.

On the Brentford front, a positive result against the Red Devils could act as a catalyst for a late-season revival, echoing their earlier Premier League exploits and instilling belief that survival is well within reach.

Possible starting lineups

Brentford- Flekken; Zanka, Collins, Ajer; Roerslev, Janelt, Onyeka, Jensen, Lewis-Potter; Mbeumo, Toney

Manchester United- Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Varane, Dalot; Mainoo, McTominay; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund

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