The Premier League season continues this weekend with Gameweek 6. Manchester United head to the Gtech Community Stadium seeking a third Premier League win in four, while Brentford aim to arrest a stuttering start under Keith Andrews. Both sides sit in the bottom half after five matches, with Man United 11th on seven points and the Bees three points further back in 17th.
When & where? / Kick-off details
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
Kick-off: Saturday lunchtime
Team news
Brentford will assess Gustavo Nunes and Paris Maghoma as they continue their recovery from hamstring issues. With Manchester United expected to persist with a back three, Andrews could either mirror with a 3-5-2 or revert to a back four. Jordan Henderson has impressed centrally and could partner 21-year-old Yehor Yarmolyuk, while Kevin Schade – a brace scorer in last season’s 4-3 home win over United – is in line to start alongside Igor Thiago.
For United, Casemiro is suspended following his dismissal against Chelsea, while Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury. Diogo Dalot faces a late check; if unavailable, Noussair Mazraoui or Amad Diallo could feature at right wing-back. Senne Lammens is pushing for a Premier League debut but Altay Bayindir may continue in goal. At centre-back, Leny Yoro hopes for a recall at the expense of Harry Maguire. In midfield, Manuel Ugarte is the likely partner for captain Bruno Fernandes. Further forward, Matheus Cunha is competing to start with Benjamin Sesko and former Bee Bryan Mbeumo.
Tactical analysis
Brentford’s opening run has been shaped by transition and volatility within games. The Bees have conceded 10 goals in five league matches and have struggled to protect leads, dropping eight points from winning positions. Structurally, Andrews has toggled between a back three and a back four; whichever the shape, Brentford’s wing-backs/wingers are tasked with early deliveries and aggressive counter-pressing to keep the ball in the final third. The fulcrum remains the wide-to-central rotations around Mikkel Damsgaard, whose tendency to drift inside creates pockets for underlaps from the near-side full-back/wing-back.
United arrive with output trending up in the final third. They lead the division for shots (81) after five games and are averaging 16.2 attempts per match, alongside an uptick in xG per game (2.03). Amorim’s three-at-the-back framework is designed to pin opponents with wide overloads and quick diagonal switches into the half-spaces. The question is balance: without Casemiro and with an away run of seven league games without a victory, United’s rest defence can be exposed in transition, particularly if both wing-backs advance simultaneously. Set plays could also be decisive given Brentford’s aerial threat against a United back line still settling its personnel.
Key players
Mikkel Damsgaard (Brentford): Returned to the XI with a first-half opener last time out. His pocket play between the lines can disrupt United’s wide centre-back.
Kevin Schade (Brentford): Pace in behind remains a direct outlet and he has recent scoring pedigree in this fixture.
Bruno Fernandes (Man United): Creative hub and tempo-setter; responsibility increases with Casemiro absent.
Benjamin Sesko (Man United): Runs across the line can stretch Brentford’s last man and open lanes for late arrivals.
Predicted lineups
Brentford predicted lineup vs Man United: Kelleher; Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock; Kayode, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago.
Man United predicted lineup vs Brentford: Bayindir; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Sesko.
Prediction
Brentford’s strong recent home record in this fixture contrasts with United’s ongoing away struggles. Both sides generate chances but remain leaky, suggesting an open contest with momentum swings. A score draw feels the likeliest outcome given the underlying trends.
Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Manchester United.
Form guide – Premier League: Brentford L W L D L | Manchester United L D W L W
All competitions: Brentford W W L D W L | Manchester United L D L W L W
