Burnley Match Preview
West Ham United have not had the best of results when they have come up against the newly-promoted sides this season, as they have lost to both Sunderland and Leeds United. They will hope that the same doesn’t happen when Burnley make the trip to Stratford this afternoon.
The win over Newcastle United six days ago was a much-needed, though not expected one but having beaten the Magpies, the expectation is perhaps higher for them to go and do the same to a Burnley team who are currently under the stewardship of one of their former idols in Scott Parker.
A win by two clear goals would move Nuno Espírito Santo’s side level on points with their opponents. However, should they score more, they would move above them and out of the relegation zone. That is the aim for them before November’s international break.
The ever-loyal fan base no longer have to keep referring to February 27 as the time when the Hammers last won here. However, they can still point to the fact that the club are now without consecutive triumphs in front of them since the ill-fated days of Julen Lopetegui, when he saw his side beat both Manchester United, as well as newly-promoted Ipswich Town back in September/October.
The visitors will be the fresher of the two sides going into this game, due to the fact that they have had one extra day’s preparation but the home side will hope for another success, following the events of last weekend.
Whilst the Irons are determined to build on that result and performance against Eddie Howe’s team, Parker’s men will be trying all they can to emulate the outcome of their last road trip; a late 3-2 victory over bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Here’s hoping that six days after elation was once again felt in Stratford, it can happen again.
In his pre-match news conference on Thursday, the Hammers’ Head-Coach stated that some of his players picked up knocks after the last match and would need assessing to see if they are fit to go again.
After such an impressive performance in his full debut, Freddie Potts will be hoping to retain his place, while Espírito Santo may decide to make changes with Tomáš Souček pushing to start. Jarrod Bowen is hoping to regain his place so that he can emulate Souček and make his 250th appearance.
Provided he didn’t play in the Development Squad’s home game with Liverpool on Friday, Callum Marshall may be included in the matchday squad.
The match is one of two 3pm kick-offs to take place today and Michael Salisbury will be the referee for this encounter.