After a hard fought 2-1 victory over Everton at home, Sean Dyche’s Burnley, who have not been in great form recently, will look to build on that result this weekend, when they travel to London Stadium, to face a West Ham side that have had their own issues this season. The Hammers suffered back to back 4-1 losses against Liverpool and then Swansea City and will have to work hard to get back to winning ways.
Burnley, who are comfortable in the 7th place in the points table will want to put pressure on Arsenal for the 6th place. But West Ham have not been easy to beat at home and are sure to put up a fight. Here is the predicted lineup Dyche might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, the Clarets are still without the services of Tom Heaton, Jonathan Walters, Steven Defour and Robbie Brady, all of who are ruled out for this game. Scott Arfield is closing in on full fitness but is not expected to play a role this weekend.
Expected lineup (4-4-1-1):
Defence:
In the absence of Tom Heaton, Nick Pope has done an excellent job under the bar for Burnley and should keep his place in the side for this tie. James Tarkowski and Ben Mee have established one of the most consistent CB partnerships in the league and will look to put on a solid show against the likes of Arnautovic and Hernandez in this game.
Matthew Lowton and Stephen Ward are both first-choice full-backs for Dyche and will also have a tough task against a dominating West Ham attack.
Midfield:
The manager has also been able to stick to a fixed midfield duo and has no reason to tinker with it this season. Both Jack Cork and Ashley Westwood put in superb shifts against Everton and will look to have a similar outing this weekend.
January buy, Aaron Lennon is yet to hit the ground running for Burnley but should start this game on the wing, along with Johann Berg Gudmundsson, who has been a key figure for the Clarets.
Attack:
Chris Wood scored the winner against Everton last game but might not find a place in the first team this weekend. Dyche should stick with Jeff Hendrick playing in the no.10 role, just in behind Ashley Barnes, who should lead the line. Barnes also scored in that game and will be the danger man for the Hammers.
Here is how they might line up:
