God. Match day feels different when you can't even watch the bloody thing on TV. I've already texted three mates asking if they've found some dodgy stream for Brentford vs Manchester United kicking off at 2pm today. No luck so far.

The Red Devils are flying high after Thursday night's performance. I was at my local with my brother-in-law (United supporter, insufferable when they win) watching them absolutely demolish Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in that Europa League semi first leg. He's already planning his trip to the final. Typical United fan optimism... though I have to admit they looked sharp.

Why is this match not on telly?

Seriously though - a Premier League clash with European implications and we can't even watch it in the UK? Makes zero sense. Back in 2019, I spent £650 on a sports package that promised "all the football you could want" and yet here we are. Ridiculous.

United are coming into this one with some actual momentum for once. Amorim's arrival has given them a bit of swagger. My editor bet me £20 they'd finish outside the top six this season - looking like I might actually win that one.

Brentford's Surprising European Push

Let's talk about teh Bees for a second. Their 2-0 win at Forest midweek was clinical. Thomas Frank has done wonders with that squad, and with just four games left, they're genuinely in with a shout for European football next season.

I watched them dismantle Forest with a mate who's a Brentford season ticket holder. His response: "First time in my life I'm checking Europa Conference League qualification rules. What is happening?"

Fair question.

Team News (or lack thereof)

Still waiting on confirmed lineups for both sides. I'm refreshing Twitter every 30 seconds like a teenager waiting for concert tickets to drop. Will update as soon as they're announced.

I'm particularly interested to see if Amorim rotates after that European night. Thursday-Sunday turnarounds are brutal... and we all remember what happened last time United tried to juggle competitions.

The Weird History Between These Clubs

United and Brentford have had some bizarre encounters recently. Remember that 4-0 hammering Brentford gave them back in 2022? Erik ten Hag made the entire squad run 13.8km the next day (exactly how much more Brentford ran during the match). Felt a bit like watching your dad punish your older brother.

Adn then there was the reverse fixture earlier this season - that chaotic 2-2 draw where VAR spent about 9 years looking at offside decisions.

I feel like this fixture always delivers something unexpected... like finding money in a jacket you haven't worn since last winter.

How to follow if you're not at the stadium

Since the TV overlords have decided we don't deserve to watch this one, I'll be providing updates throughout. Kick-off is 2pm BST. Grab a pint, settle in, and refresh obsessively.

Or... you know... find one of those streams I'm definitely not suggesting you look for.

Lineups should drop about an hour before kickoff. I'm particularly curious about United's defensive setup after that solid European display.

Let the Sunday football begin!