After victory in the FA Cup, West Ham return to action at the London Stadium to take on Premier League strugglers Burnley this weekend.
West Ham are enjoying one arguably their best season of football since moving to the London Stadium. David Moyes’ side are comfortably sat in tenth place in the League table and could jump up a few places with a win over the Clarets.
Sean Dyche’s Burnley side have struggled this season and currently find themselves only four points above the bottom three. The Clarets have improved in recent weeks and were unlucky to lose against Manchester United in the week.
The Hammers have struggled against Burnley in recent seasons. Dyche’s side have beaten the London based team four times in the last five games between the sides. West Ham’s only win was a 4-2 victory at the London Stadium in 2018.
WEST HAM TEAM NEWS
David Moyes could welcome back as many as four first-team players to the squad for the match against Burnley. Defender’s Issa Diop, Fabian Balbuena and Ryan Fredericks should all be available. The centre-back have both overcome knocks while Fredericks should have completed his self-isolation from COVID-19.
The main player returning from injury, however, is goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The veteran goalkeeper dropped out of the game against Everton during the warm-up. The 35-year-old has had plenty of time to recover and should be back between the posts for the Hammers.
The sale of Sebastien Haller last week will mean that Michail Antonio will be leading the line. Antonio is now the only senior striker in the club leaving Moyes with minimal options. Mipo Obudeko could make a Premier League debut from the bench. The young striker made his first appearance for the first team in the FA Cup.
PREDICTED STARTING XIs
West Ham Formation: 4-1-4-1
L. Fabianski, A. Cresswell, A. Ogbonna, C. Dawson, V. Coufal, D. Rice (C) P. Fornals, T. Soucek, M. Lanzini, J. Bowen & M. Antonio.
Burnley Formation: 4-4-2
N.Pope, M. Lowton, J. Tarkowski, B. Mee (C), E. Pieters; R. Brady, J. Brownhill, A. Westwood, D. McNeil; A. Barnes & C. Wood.
MATCH PREDICTION
West have a habit of underestimating sides, and Burnley definitely fit that description The Clarets league position is deceptive as they do have some very dangerous players that enjoy playing against the Hammers. Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood have a good record against the club, especially Wood.
For Moyes’ side to come away with a positive result, they have to be secure at the back. Three clean sheets in their last three matches would suggest West Ham have tightened up. Craig Dawson has proven to be a solid defender and will have his toughest match to date against Wood and Barnes.
Going forward for the Hammers they will need Michail Antonio to find his form quickly in the match. Antonio has not scored since his overhead kick against Manchester City and is still rebuilding his match fitness from injury.
If Moyes’ side play to their potential, they should have more than enough quality in the team to brush aside Burnley. If the Hammers fail to grab an early goal though the Clarets will fight back into the match and could cause serious problems.