West Ham United will be looking for consecutive wins when they face a determined Burnley this weekend. Slaven Bilic’s managerial position has remained shaky and any mishap in this game would only make the road difficult for him.
The Hammers are yet to pick up an away win this season and Bilic would be hoping he can inspire the East Londoners to pick up full points from this fixture. Burnley were particularly ruthless at the Turf Moor last season and are looking pretty menacing at the moment.
The Hammers beat Swansea City as Diafra Sakho came out with a last minute winner just before the international break and there won’t be short of confidence in the side.
They are particularly very enthusiastic about this fixture as they have won all the previous five fixtures and a have all the necessary reinforcements to make it six out of six. Barring James Collins, probably for the first time in the season, Bilic has a fully fit squad to ponder with.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Ham United Starting Lineup against Burnley
Defence
Joe Hart almost saw his career spiralling downwards but the Hammers came calling in the summer to rescue him as they roped in the keeper on loan in summer. The English international will hope to revive his career but he has been pretty error-prone off late which could be a concern for Bilic. He is going to start this match.
It could be a battle of the two New Zealanders. Winston Reid will be at the heart of the defence and will have the responsibility to keep Chris Wood in check. He will be accompanied by Jose Fonte.
Arthur Masuaku looked in great shape against Spurs and should win the race ahead of Aaron Creswell. Pablo Zabaleta will start on the opposite side.
Midfield
In the middle of the pitch, Bilic is likely to go with his trusted pair of Mark Noble and Pedro Obiang. Given Burnley’s attacking prospects they will have to play as a cohesive unit to pick a victory from this game.
Attack
With Manuel Lanzini back from his injury spell, Bilic will have the luxury to use him against the Clarets. Lanzini is likely to fill in the no. 10 position and will be flanked by Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio on the left and right side respectively.
Bilic is expected to go ahead with Andy Carroll given Javier Hernandez’s late return from his international duty with Mexico. This is how they might line up:
