West Ham United have now succumbed to back to back 4-1 losses, the most recent, coming against a struggling Swansea City side. David Moyes’ men are now just three points off the drop zone and will look to gain some ground when they welcome Burnley this weekend. The Clarets have not been too productive away from home this season but are fresh from a 2-1 victory over Everton and will look to consolidate their place in the top half of the table.
West Ham have won just one of their last six league games and cannot afford to drop any more points. Playing at home, they will look to take all three from this game and here is the predicted lineup Moyes might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, the Hammers are still without the services of Pedro Obiang, Andy Carroll, Edimilson Fernandes, Winston Reid and Sam Byram, all of who are injured along with Arthur Masuaku, who is suspended. Angelo Ogbonna is expected to be fit for this game while James Collins is doubtful but may yet make it to the starting XI.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Moyes has stripped Joe Hart of his duties under the bar and has stuck with Adrian for recent games and has no reason to make a change this weekend. Aaron Cresswell has now cemented a place in the backline for West Ham and he should start on the left side of the back-3. Angelo Ogbonna, who missed the game against Swansea, should be back at the heart of the defence.
Winston Reid did a decent job in that game but could be dropped with Declan Rice keeping his place on the right, in the absence of James Collins.
Midfield:
In the last three league games, Moyes has gone with a midfield pairing of Mark Noble and Chiekhou Kouyate and though the duo has not been too effective, they are the best options for West Ham in these roles, for this game as well.
Pablo Zabaleta should also keep his place as a wing-back on the right flank while Michail Antonio, who only came off the bench and scored against Swansea, should start over Patrice Evra on the left flank as a wing-back.
Attack:
Javier Hernandez has started the last couple of games for his side, leading the attack. He should keep his place in the side for this weekend, pushing Arnautovic on to the left flank. Manuel Lanzini was ineffective against Swansea City and could be dropped for Joao Mario, who should start on the right flank in the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
