As the Premier League heads into the final international break of the year next week, all eyes in East London turn to West Ham United who will host Burnley on Saturday, November 8.. Both sides are languishing near the bottom of the table—West Ham in 18th and Burnley just above in 17th—making this encounter a potential six-pointer in the early-season battle against relegation. With a tougher stretch of matches in December, a positive result could provide much-needed momentum for the Hammers after a convincing win against Newcastle United last week.
West Ham, under new head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, finally broke a dismal six-game winless streak (including five defeats) with a spirited 3-1 comeback victory over the Magpies last weekend. Trailing early, the Hammers roared back with goals from Lucas Paquetá and Tomáš Souček, marking their first home win in nearly nine months and Nuno's maiden triumph in charge. This result showcased improved attacking efficiency, with nine of their 16 shots on target under the new boss coming in that single match. However, defensive frailties persist: West Ham have conceded 21 goals this season, the second-worst record in the league behind Wolves (22). Their form reads L-D-L-L-L-W, and they've drawn just one of their 10 league games so far.
Burnley, managed by Scott Parker, have shown flashes of promise but remain inconsistent. They started brightly with wins over Leeds (2-0) and Wolves (3-2), but a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal last time out ended a brief two-game winning streak. The Clarets have struggled offensively, registering the fewest shots in the Premier League (74, averaging 7.4 per game—the lowest since 1997-98), though their 16.2% conversion rate is the second-best behind Tottenham. Away form is a concern, with four losses in five road trips and 15 goals conceded. Their league form is D-L-L-L-W-L, and they've failed to score in six straight games across competitions.
Statistically, West Ham edge it in shots per game (1.1 vs Burnley's 0.6) and aerial duels (49% success vs 46%), but Burnley lead in assists (9 vs 6). Both teams average a 6.6 player rating, highlighting the parity in this matchup.
West Ham are grappling with injuries: Niclas Füllkrug (thigh) and Konstantinos Mavropanos (muscle) are eyeing returns post-international break, although the German striker could be available off the bench. Meanwhile fullback Oliver Scarles (shoulder), George Earthy (hamstring), and Łukasz Fabiański (back) remain out. No suspensions loom, and young midfielder Freddie Potts could retain his spot after his coming out party versus Newcastle.
Possible West Ham XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Diouf; Potts, Fernandes; Bowen, Paquetá, Summerville; Wilson.
Burnley will miss Jordan Beyer (hamstring), Zeki Amdouni (knee), and Connor Roberts (knee), all long-term absentees. Hjalmar Ekdal is available despite a recent black eye, and Lyle Foster has recovered from illness to train fully. Parker is unlikely to make wholesale changes after the Arsenal loss.
Possible Burnley XI: Dubravka; Walker, Tuanzebe, Esteve, Hartman; Ugochukwu, Florentino, Cullen; Tchaouna, Foster, Anthony.
For West Ham, Callum Wilson will no doubt get another start up front. The 33 year-old striker stands out with seven goals against Burnley in his career. While he hasn't scored this season, Wilson played a pivotal role creating more space for his teammates. He'll be supported by the creative flair of Paquetá, who netted a stunner last week, and Jarrod Bowen, whose pace could exploit Burnley's leaky away defense. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Matheus Fernandes and Potts showed their ability to step up against the likes of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, they will need to dominate against Burnley's Josh Cullen and Lesley Ugochukwu.
Burnley's hopes rest on Foster leading the line, potentially replacing Zian Flemming, while Jaidon Anthony's wing play could test West Ham's backline. Their efficient finishing will be key against a Hammers side that has shipped 13 goals at home.