GSH Hot Takes: West Ham Take On Burnley at London Stadium
By Justin Wasik
West Ham resume Premier League action as they attempt to end a three-match losing run against Burnley. Who takes the points in this one?
West Ham return to Premier League action as Sean Dyche and Burnley visit the London Stadium. Burnley have won the last three meetings between these sides, with West Ham failing to score in each of those three matches. Our Green St. experts discuss who they think will take the points in this matchup.
Justin: West Ham 1-1 Burnley
As mentioned, West Ham haven’t had a good run of form against Burnley. The Hammers have lost the last three matches against the Clarets and have only found a way to win once in the last six meetings between the two clubs.
Burnley started off the season slowly but they have found a good run of form over the last six weeks. They only lost one from six in December and won three of those matches, including victories against Arsenal and Wolves.
Furthermore, Burnley’s defence is once again a well-organized and disciplined unit, allowing only 21 goals so far, the same number of goals West Ham have given up. The Clarets, however, have struggled to put the ball in the net.
All that said, Burnley strikers Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes, and Jay Rodriguez have all scored against West Ham in the last three meetings and West Ham’s defence have simply struggled to contain the size of Wood, the strength of Barnes, and cunningness of Rodriguez.
I do think both teams have a goal in them. I do believe West Ham may even strike first in this one. But, I hesitate to say the Hammers will pick up all three points against an up-and-coming bogey team. 1-1 for me.
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Adam: West Ham 1-0 Burnley
After scouting Burnley in their match against Manchester United, it is clear the Clarets will be a tough team to break down, but that has been the case ever since Sean Dyche took over as manager. Defence first was certainly the game plan against United but Dyche is likely to implore his team to take more risks even though they are the visiting team.
I think the dynamic counterattacking team that David Moyes sets up, even in a 4-2-3-1, will be able to poke holes in Dyche’s team. Soaking up pressure from a team that doesn’t usually have possession will cause Burnley players to get caught out and burned on the counter. It’ll be tight but West Ham, the REAL clarets will take it.
Jeremiah: West Ham 2-1 Burnley
The thought that the Hammers can keep this ball rolling might be a bit optimistic, but it’s not far off. West Ham has been solid at the back for close to a month now, and they will be facing a side with similar traits.
Burnley have been a killer to us in the past, and I don’t see this being any different. The main exception is the Antonio difference. Michail is back and seemingly healthy, meaning trouble for the Clarets. Expect a slow and at times nervy match with three points to the good by the end of it!
Jack B: West Ham 1-0 Burnley
This is hardly going to be one for the ages, but a huge chance for three points, nonetheless. Burnley impressed mid-week as it took Manchester United until the 71st minute to break the deadlock.
Sean Dyche’s team will look to frustrate the Home side and will take comfort from the fact that West Ham needed 80-odd minutes to beat Stockport County in the FA Cup. Admittedly, the pitch was far from ideal but the Hammers will have to show more creativity to beat a stubborn side and a team they have failed to score or register a point against in their last three attempts.
Burnley have only scored nine goals this season – a joint low in the topflight – so a goal-fest is hardly on the cards. Even with far-from fond memories of Burnley at home – who could forget the corner flag carnage at the London Stadium back in 2018 – I’m backing the Hammers to take three points. Yes, it won’t be pretty, but a win is a win – right?
Jack H: West Ham 2-1 Burnley
Our next run of fixtures will show whether West Ham can compete for Europa League this season or if a mid-table finish is on the cards. If we can get in a striker like Boulaye Dia before the Burnley game it would be a big sign of ambition and give the club a real boost.
The game against Burnley will be a very challenging one and the Hammers will need to show character if we are to get all three points. The Clarets made it very hard for Man United to break them down the other night and our team will have a big challenge in cracking their defence.
That being said, we’ve just had the perfect practice game against Stockport to prepare us for Saturday’s game. We will need to take our chances otherwise we will get punished, especially from set-pieces. If we are serious about getting into the Europa League then we need to be winning this game.
Lou: West Ham 1-1 Burnley
While West Ham should be aiming for maximum points in this encounter, it is certainly no home banker coming up against a Burnley side who have caused the Hammers plenty of problems in recent seasons.
The Irons have struggled in recent home games against sides who have been willing to sit back and frustrate, and Sean Dyche’s Clarets will be no different from that kind of test.
If the Hammers are to win this one, David Moyes will have to figure out a way in which to break Burnley down, which would introduce the suggestion of a start for the likes of Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini who possess the ability to unlock defences.