Manchester United welcome Brentford to Old Trafford on Monday night with Michael Carrick’s side knowing that three points would put one hand on a Champions League spot.
The Reds are back in Premier League action this evening, another Monday night affair under the lights. And with six points from their final five games enough to guarantee a top five finish, there’s no room for slip ups.
Beating the Bees wouldn’t just edge United closer to Europe’s top table. It would also knock Thomas Frank’s side out of the chasing pack for good. That’s the kind of double whammy Carrick will be dreaming of.
ONE CHANGE EXPECTED AND IT’S AN EASY ONE
United ground out a huge win at Chelsea last time out. So don’t expect too many tweaks.
But one change is almost certain: Harry Maguire returns from suspension. The big centre half has been a colossus this season and he’ll walk straight back into the side.
The unlucky man to miss out? Noussair Mazraoui. He did a job as a makeshift centre back alongside Ayden Heaven at Stamford Bridge but keeping the youngster in his natural role makes far more sense.
Mazraoui could shift to right back, but Diogo Dalot did little wrong against Chelsea and deserves to keep his place. Luke Shaw starts on the opposite flank. Senne Lammens remains the clear No.1 in goal.
MIDFIELD PICKS ITSELF AND SESKO DECISION TAKEN
In the middle of the park, it’s becoming a familiar trio. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo have struck up a burgeoning partnership, with Bruno Fernandes pulling the strings as the talisman just ahead of them.
Further forward, and here’s the big call, Benjamin Sesko keeps his spot. The big striker has been backed by Carrick to lead the line despite some quiet moments recently. Alongside him, Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha continue as the attacking three.
Amad will be itching to force his way back into the starting XI. But the truth is, he’s not done enough in recent outings to win his place back just yet.
UNITED PREDICTED XI VS BRENTFORD (4-3-3)
Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo, Fernandes; Mbuemo, Cunha, Sesko.
Kick off at Old Trafford is 8pm. No excuses now. Champions League football is there for the taking.
