West Ham United have been on a bit of a roll this month, winning five of their six matches in the Premier League, and the Hammers will hope to further improve their record when they face Burnley on Sunday.
It will be their final game of the year and Manuel Pellegrini’s men will look to end their 2018 campaign on a positive note, knowing that a win could lift them above seventh-placed Wolves in the league table.
West Ham team news
Pellegrini will continue to miss out on the services of Jack Wilshere, Winston Reid, Manuel Lanzini, Andriy Yarmolenko and Carlos Sanchez. Ryan Fredericks is also unavailable while the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Fabian Balbuena, Javier Hernandez and Pablo Zabaleta are all doubtful.
Predicted West Ham lineup vs Burnley
Defence
With both Zabaleta and Fredericks out injured, Michail Antonio could once again feature in the right-back role for West Ham this weekend. Aaron Cresswell will also retain his place on the opposite flank, having captained the side during their 2-1 triumph against Southampton in midweek.
Angelo Ogbonna will continue to deputise for the injured Balbuena at the heart of the West Ham defence. He is likely to start alongside Issa Diop, whose tally of 80 clearances is only bettered by Balbuena.
Lukasz Fabianski will be the man between the sticks for the Hammers this weekend. The Polish international has been one of the best keepers in the league this term, averaging 3.7 saves per game and his presence will be important as the Londoners look for the cleansheet.
Midfield
Minimal changes are expected in the midfield department, largely due to West Ham’s lack of resources. Therefore, Declan Rice, who has recently extended his contract with the club, will be deployed at the base of the 4-2-3-1 alongside Pedro Obiang. However, the experienced Mark Noble will provide Pellegrini with an additional option, if he needs one.
Robert Snodgrass will be utilised as the lone attacking midfielder. The former Hull City star has been influential in recent matches and will be keen to create chances for his teammates in the final third.
Attack
Andy Carroll could once again lead the line for the Hammers this weekend, in the likely absence of Javier Hernandez, who has a knock.
Carroll will be supported by the wide-duo of Grady Diangana and Felipe Anderson, whose brace sealed all three points for his side against Southampton.
The former Lazio star also leads the team in terms of chances created and will look to torment the Burnley defence, who have conceded the second most number of goals in the league this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
