Manchester United could move a step closer to confirming UEFA Champions League football for next season, when we host Brentford on Monday evening.
The Reds need a maximum of two wins from our final five fixtures to rubberstamp a top-five finish, but may require even fewer points by the time we kick off against the Bees.
Keith Andrews has enjoyed a superb first season at the helm, having taken over from the long-serving Thomas Frank last summer.
The Bees’ former set-piece coach is in his maiden management job, and the Londoners have firmly established themselves in the top half of the table, after a mixed start to the campaign.
Brentford are firmly in the chase for European places, after losing just once in their last 10 games, however their march has stalled a little in recent weeks, with the most recent five outings ending level, including Saturday’s goalless draw at Fulham.
With 24 goals in all competitions, Igor Thiago has been the undisputed star at the spearhead of an attack that also features the dangerous Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade.
In previous seasons, the Bees have been renowned for their formidable home record, but they have taken 20 points on the road this term, including impressive victories at Everton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Harry Maguire is in line for a return, after he served the extra match of his red-card suspension during Saturday’s 1-0 win at Chelsea.
Lisandro Martinez is still banned, though, while Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro sat out of the trip to Stamford Bridge with injury. The latter’s absence, caused by a knock suffered during the week, necessitated some reshuffling at the back, as Noussair Mazraoui partnered Ayden Heaven in SW6.
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu has been on the comeback trail doing individual work at Carrington, while there was a first appearance in a senior matchday squad for 18-year-old midfielder Jim Thwaites at the weekend.
Aaron Hickey was back on the Brentford bench for the west London derby stalemate with Fulham, after two months out injured, while Jordan Henderson is ‘not too far away [from a return], maybe over the next couple of weeks’, according to boss Keith Andrews.
Rico Henry and Vitaly Janelt are hoping to be involved again before the end of 2025/26, but Fabio Carvalho, Jay Dasilva and Antoni Milambo are long-term absentees.