Brentford vs Manchester United
Ralf Rangnick is off to a winning start as Manchester United interim coach, with a couple of wins in his first two Premier League games in charge. The Red Devils will now look to make it a hat-trick of victories under their new boss when they visit Brentford in midweek.
The Bees, who have slowed down a bit after a hot start, got back to winning ways themselves last weekend in dramatic fashion.
However, the Premier League 2021 betting odds will be against them as they must take on mighty Man United without one of their main attackers.
Talking Points
Rangnick revolution underway
The Ralf Rangnick era at Old Trafford is off to a solid, albeit unspectacular start. Just like in his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace, Rangnick’s side scraped by with a 1-0 win over bottom-club Norwich over the weekend thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty.
United are now six games unbeaten since they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with four wins and two draws.
The United attack – which is playing Rangnick’s new 4-2-2-2 formation – is still very much a work in progress. Although, it is promising to see Cristiano Ronaldo putting up eight shots over the first two games.
On the other end, Rangnick will be pleased his defence – which has already conceded 24 goals, the most among the Premier League’s top 10 – has kept two clean sheets during his first two games. Although, United were under more pressure than expected against Norwich and needed in-form keeper David de Gea to make some important saves.
Meanwhile, centre-back Victor Lindelof had a bit of a health scare and was subbed off with a quarter of an hour left. Eric Bailly came in to replace Lindelof and could start in midweek if the Swede doesn’t recover in time.
Man United once again have a decent away record this season with four wins, two draws and two defeats. They have also scored at least once in all eight of their away fixtures.
Bees must deal with Toney absence
After letting a win slip at the death in a 2-2 draw against Leeds, it was Brentford’s turn to provide some late dramatics against Watford. They scored two late goals – including a Bryan Mbeumo penalty deep in stoppage time – to come from behind and beat the Hornets 2-1.
The win was just the Bees second in their last nine league games, although they are still up in ninth in the table.
The Brentford defence that had looked so solid at the start of the season is showing a fair share of holes. They have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 matches. The continued absence of first-choice keeper David Raya has played a part in their defensive decline.
Meanwhile, the Bees did well to still score two goals against Watford despite missing two of their top attacking players in wing-back Sergio Canos and centre-forward Ivan Toney.
Canos is set to return to the lineup after serving his one-match suspension, but Toney will miss out once again after the Premier League 2021 news that he tested positive for Covid.
Yoane Wissa got his first Premier League start in Toney’s absence, but he had a disappointing game. The 25-year-old super sub has not had a single shot in his last three appearances (108 minutes) on the pitch.
History
This will be just the 14th time Brentford and Manchester United will meet and the first time ever in the Premier League.
The head-to-head record between the two clubs is surprisingly competitive, with United holding a slight 6-5 edge in wins, while there have been two draws.
The most recent meeting between the two sides came in the League Cup in 1975. United won the match 2-1 at Old Trafford.
Betting Tip
 |
 | Brentford vs Manchester United | Under 2.50 @ 2.11 |
| December 15, 3:30 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Manchester United installed as significant 1.64 favourites away from home against Brentford, who are priced at 5.20 to get the home win. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.75.
While Brentford have been shipping goals of late, Manchester United’s lack of cutting edge makes it hard to see them get too many goals. The Bees are also likely to suffer without Ivan Toney up front.
Therefore, look for Man United to play out another low-scoring affair, with Man United likely edging it out away from from home.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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