Adrian Clarke looks at an intriguing battle between players who meet in midweek.
Player analysis - Martinez v Toney
Back in Matchweek 2, after a comprehensive 4-0 win for Brentford at home to Manchester United, Ivan Toney described Lisandro Martinez’s half-time withdrawal as a "compliment".
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The Brentford star had given the Argentinian a torrid time in west London, with Thomas Frank’s game plan clearly targeting the defender’s perceived weakness in the air.
Goalkeeper David Raya consistently aimed long clearances in the direction of Toney, who has won more flick-ons than any other Premier League player this season.
Trailing 4-0 at the interval, Erik ten Hag replaced his summer signing from Ajax with Raphael Varane.
On Wednesday night, Martinez and Toney will again go head-to-head at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils seek to avenge that humiliating loss.
Since that memorable encounter, both players have gone on to enjoy creditable campaigns.
Martinez, who won the FIFA World Cup 2022 with his country in December, has settled in very well at Man Utd, while Toney’s 17 goals and four assists have earned him a first England cap.
Everton are the only side to attempt more long passes in 2022/23 than Brentford, so you can be sure Frank’s tactics will be very direct at Old Trafford.
Can Martinez deal with Toney’s aerial prowess better on this occasion? That duel is likely to have a big bearing on the outcome of the match.
