A disciplined performance against Liverpool kept West Ham United out of the relegation zone for the moment. After their heroics at Old Trafford, the Hammers produced yet another positive away performance at Anfield where they held a roaring Liverpool side to a 2-2 draw.
However, the biggest concern for the Hammers have been their dismal home performances. They have collected just 8 points from 7 home games this season so far and it seems it will take longer than expected to get settled in their new stadium. And they host Burnley next in the midweek fixture, a game that they won’t be expected to lose.
Their recent record against Burnley isn’t that bad. They have won 3 of their four previous Premier League games against them. Their only home defeat to the Clarets in their last 11 games came way back in 2011. Burnley have never won a Premier League match in London. Everything seems to be on Slaven Bilic’s side except their recent home form.
Defence
After an embarrassing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal, where Randolph was often found failing to keep the ball out of the net, the Irish international doesn’t seem to have got back his composure. Although he couldn’t do much about the first goal, his ball collection from the cross looked horrible for the second that was a gift for Liverpool. Except a decent save from Henderson’s stunning shot, Randolph looked nervy. We expect Bilic to start with Adrian this time, who is fit.
Bilic didn’t take any risk against Liverpool and went with a safe four at the back. We think that the probability of West Ham United losing a home game is much more and Bilic will stick to the four at the back setup.
Aaron Cresswell will start in the left defensive flank with Havard Nordtveit taking the right-flank. The Hammers’ central defensive duo of Angelo Ogbonna and Winston Reid look pretty solid on paper and regular time might get them clicking. James Collins is yet to get back to training.
Midfield
Bilic’s 5-man midfield looked quite stable against Liverpool. He chose not to isolate his playmakers and build up the counter from the deep. It meant more work for Dimitri Payet and Andre Ayew on the wings, and they looked comfortable with the fast-flowing game.
Payet was once again a standout performer and will take his place on the left-flank with Andre Ayew on the right-flank. Mark Noble will start as the anchorman. The central playmakers’ role will be taken by Pedro Obiang and Manuel Lanzini.
Attack
Bilic made the most out of Michail Antonio. He played his most in-form player up front and he didn’t disappoint. Bilic could continue to do that against Burnley. With Andy Carroll back, he has a decent option to bring on in the second half.
