Man Utd can all but confirm Champions League qualification with a win against Brentford, but Luke Shaw will have to beat his best version for that to happen.
With an eight-point lead over sixth place and a game in hand (vs Brentford on Monday), Man Utd will be one point away from mathematically confirming UCL football next season with a win.
Brentford have been somewhat of a bogey team for United, however, so that’s a hill Michael Carrick will have to climb.
He will need help from Luke Shaw to do so, because his battle against what used to be his best version could decide the game.
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Luke Shaw vs Michael Kayode will be a crucial battle
Shaw has been United’s surprise Ironman this season, shaking off his injury worries to be a dependable name on the teamsheet.
Until recently, that fitness boost came at a cost of his dynamism, but he started showing signs of being back to his usual self against Chelsea.
He overlapped with abandon and passed forward, both of which will be fiercely tested when he comes up against Michael Kayode, Brentford’s right-back.
In many ways, Kayode right now is what Shaw used to be at his peak, which is a bombing full-back capable of manning the whole flank by himself due to his otherworldly athleticism and physical ability.
He has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for Brentford because he enables them to play their high-octane, physical, interruptive style of football to make opponents uncomfortable.
Shaw will be directly up against Kayode, and whoever pushes their opponent deeper into their own half will have the beating of them.
Carrick will desperately hope Shaw turns back the clock and beats Kayode at his own game, because before the Italian, Shaw used to do the same from left-back for Southampton.
Man Utd vs Brentford prediction
Shaw vs Kayode is a key battle, but this game is full of other matchups too, which make it tricky to predict Man Utd vs Brentford.
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For example, Igor Thiago has 21 PL goals this season, so Ayden Heaven will have his hands full tackling him, although Harry Maguire’s return should help.
Casemiro will need to keep a close eye on Mikkel Damsgaard, while Carrick will have to decide whether he tests Nathan Collins with pace (Mbeumo) or physicality (Sesko).
The key for United will be to start fast and take an early lead, which will take away Brentford’s biggest strength – hitting teams on transition.
If Brentford score first, they will make it a battle of attrition, which is the last thing United need.
Expect a cagey game broken open by United’s opener, which leads to a nervy win because Brentford are a threat from set-pieces.
Man Utd vs Brentford prediction: 3-1
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