Manchester Utd – Brentford

The favourites are expected to beat Brentford at home

Manchester United have been so keen on cup success on both European and domestic stages in recent weeks that they have run into problems in the domestic league. As recently as early March, the Red Devils were being talked about as a team capable of interfering with Manchester City and Arsenal's competition for the title, but now Eric ten Hague's men are not looking too confident in competing for a place in the top four. Brentford were considered by many analysts and fans as one of the main candidates for relegation before the start of the season, but it is already safe to say that the Bees have put the sceptics to shame. Now the London club is not just fighting for survival, but could well find themselves in the next round of the Conference League. Before the match at Old Trafford, bookmakers have identified the home side as the favourites, with a win selectable at odds of 1.65. Manchester United are already the club to have won the first trophy of the current season. They won the English league cup in the last meeting of February, but a week later, the Red Devils found themselves in trouble. A 0-7 defeat at Anfield shook the confidence of Eric ten Hag's players, who for some unknown reason gave up in the league games. Between the subsequent rounds, in which Manchester United drew with Southampton (0-0) and lost to Newcastle United (0-2), there were three FA Cup and Europa League games, in which the Mancunians beat Betis (twice) and Fulham (FA Cup) rather handily. Brentford have taken part in thirteen Premier League games since the season resumption in December, losing only to current season lowly Everton. In the remaining fixtures, the Bees have won six times and drawn six times, taking points from Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Brighton. It is the latter that Brentford are now chasing in the hope of reaching the Eurocup positions. Manchester United FC will no doubt recall the 4-0 drubbing of the London club in the first leg, so they will be looking to solve two problems at once: to return the favour and break their own losing streak. It's a safe bet that the Mancunians will win at home.