Early team news for Saturday

The 17:30 BST kick-off presents a chance to respond positively to the opening-weekend loss to Brighton & Hove Albion but the Bees will be buoyant after coming from two goals down to draw at Leicester City, and running out in front of their home support in the top-flight again, after comfortably avoiding the drop in their maiden Premier League campaign.

One of the reasons behind their surge towards safety was the introduction of Christian Eriksen, but he will be representing United this time around, as a result of moving to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer.

The Denmark international started his competitive debut in a 'false-nine' role but the fact Cristiano Ronaldo has been able to step up his training this week suggests last term's top scorer may be edging closer to full fitness.

Ronaldo came off the bench against Brighton and we await an update from Erik ten Hag on the centre-forward this Friday, to see if he could be in contention to start.

Anthony Martial was, of course, unavailable due to injury but there is a hope he can be in a position to return soon, after an impressive contribution in pre-season.

Facundo Pellistri reported that he hurt his ankle in the friendly against Atletico Madrid, while other members of the squad, such as Brandon Williams and Phil Jones, missed Tour 2022 due to fitness issues.

Victor Lindelof was absent from the matchday squad last weekend and fellow centre-back Raphael Varane has been undergoing an individual training programme but did make the bench against the Seagulls.

BRENTFORD'S TEAM NEWS

Mikkel Damsgaard, so impressive at the last European Championship, could make his debut after sealing his move from Sampdoria.

Eriksen's Denmark team-mate is already training but needs international clearance to be able to play.

Sergi Canos (hamstring), Ethan Pinnock (knee) and Kristoffer Ajer (hamstring) were out last weekend due to injury, although manager Thomas Frank has still to address the press ahead of the game.