Primetime Premier League: Robin Bairner has two bets for Man Utd's clash with Brentford

Brentford face Manchester United in the standout Premier League fixture this week. Will Erik ten Hag’s United bounce back or will they get stung? Robin Bairner tells all.

Not a ten-out-of-ten performance

Man Utd made a nightmare start to their 2022/23 Premier League campaign as they slumped to a miserable 2-1 home defeat against Brighton last weekend. It was an inauspicious beginning to what is supposed to be a new era for the club.

Brentford, meanwhile, showed mental fortitude to kick-off their season with a point by coming back from two goals down to draw 2-2 away at Leicester. Ivan Toney and Josh Dasilva scored in the final 30 minutes to deny the Foxes opening day glory.

Back at home for the first time this season, Brentford are 4.1 to get the win here, with Man Utd on offer at 2.06. A draw can be backed at 3.55.

Second-season syndrome?

Brentford comfortably survived in the Premier League last season, ending the campaign in 13th spot. The Bees finished the term in superb form with seven victories from their last 11 matches, which included a historic 4-1 thumping of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Frank’s side was relatively active in the summer transfer window and broke their record signing fee twice - first was the purchase of Aaron Hickey from Bologna, before they added Keane Lewis-Potter from Hull. Mikkel Damsgaard has also just joined from Sampdoria for big money, while Premier League veteran defender Ben Mee has signed on a free transfer.

The goal will be to further establish themselves in this league, and a 2-2 draw at Leicester was a great way to start. Should they take points off Man Utd, Brentford fans will be overjoyed with the way their side has begun proceedings.

New era, same old United

Meanwhile, Man Utd continue to be in disarray. The arrival of Ten Hag was supposed to signify the beginning of a new chapter of their history, but the former Ajax man has been impeded by failings at boardroom level to get key deals done. Cristiano Ronaldo has not helped matters by trying to force his way out this summer.

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The mood might have been lifted by a victory over Brighton on the opening day of the season, yet their miserable display simply continued their wretched form from last season.

Ten Hag’s short-term task is to lead United back into the Champions League, and anyone wondering just how deep the problems at Old Trafford run was given an eye-opening account last Sunday. Another setback would deal another blow to their credibility.

A history of high scoring

Manchester United won both matches against Brentford last season and netted three times in each. On paper they are the stronger team, but it is difficult to have confidence in the Red Devils after the nature of their display against Brighton.

One thing assured is that this match should have goals - plenty of them. There were a total of seven scored in last season’s two fixtures between the clubs and, on the evidence of the opening week, the pair are liable to be involved in a string of high-scoring matches this term. Over 2.5 goals (1.79) looks decent value, while over 3.5 goals (3) is well worth consideration.

Cristiano Ronaldo may return to the starting line-up after his cameo appearance last weekend. Look for him to answer his critics on the anytime goalscorer market.

Recommended bets

Over 2.5 goals @ 1.79
Cristiano Ronaldo to score anytime @ 2.28