Clash down in the capital
Afternoon and welcome as our main early afternoon feature sees Manchester United travel down south to face Brentford in the capital.
It’s become cliche, but Brentford will really fancy their chances here. Apart from the obvious strengths at home, which ranks them as the 8th best host in the league so far, the Bees’ style combined with their opponents’ soul-searching attempt of one favours Thomas Frank’s men.
Frank stated in the midweek that the possibility of selling Bryan Mbeumo is a realistic one, especially without the allure of European football. However, maybe the biggest appreciation for Brentford’s upward mobility in recent seasons is that many would be enticing pieces for United’s rebuild. Or maybe it’s just a sign of the times.
After a morale-boosting, season-saving 3-0 win in Bilbao, United’s immediate focus will remain on the Europa League and the rewards that come with triumphing in the competition, with a state of paralysis in the league all but certain.
However, turning it on and off isn’t something common to component teams. Ask Ruben Amorim’s predecessor, who shone in the cups but underwhelmed in the meats and potatoes action – something Brentford have honed under Frank.
Kick off from the Gtech Community Stadium at 2pm.
