West Ham United would look to end their terrible season on a better note as they visit Turf Moor to play Burnley. The Hammers faced the wrath of their fans during the 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool last weekend in the last game of the season in their new London Stadium. Despite the debacle this season, the board continues to keep their faith in manager Slaven Bilic it seems, and the Croat boss would be desperate to appease the fans with a win against Burnley this Sunday.
Team News
Burnley- Sean Dyche has done an exceptional task with the Clarets this season especially on their home turf, and his style of play has had little scope for injuries throughout the season. Burnley will play the final game with a fully fit squad except for the long-term injury of Dean Marney. The midfielder is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
West Ham United- Bilic, however, continues to have his limitless injury concerns. The main reason for the Hammers’ downfall from their solid finish last season has been injuries. Of course, poor buys were a significant factor, but Bilic got little help from his core players, who spent most times sidelined struggling to recover.
Skipper and first choice midfielder Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate continue to miss after going through their respective surgeries. An injury boost could be of Andy Carroll, who seems to have recovered from his groin injury. Apart from that, the injury list remains pretty much same- Arthur Masuaku out with a foot injury, Diafra Sakho with back problem, Michail Antonio with a hamstring, Pedro Obiang struggling with his ankle and Gokhan Tore with a serious knee injury.
Predicted Line-ups
Burnley- Heaton; Lowton, Long, Tarkowski, Ward; Boyd, Westwood, Hendrick, Arfield; Barnes, Vokes
West Ham United- Adrian; Fonte, Reid, Collins, Byram; Fernandes, Nordtveit, Cresswell, Ayew; Lanzini, Calleri
Key Players
Burnley- Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes will be Dyche’s main strike force and knowing the unusual dimensions of Turf Moor well, they could use it to their advantage quite well.
West Ham United- Manuel Lanzini has been one of West Ham’s best players this season and one of Bilic’s best buys. The Argentine has been a real poacher in the attacking third with eight goals and two assists. In the absence of Antonio and Carroll, he has held West Ham’s mast steady.
Betting Odds
Burnley @ 2.25
Draw @ 3.50
West Ham United @ 3.40
