West Ham United vs Burnley Preview: Must-Win Clash Before the Break
Premier League, London Stadium – Saturday 8 November 2025, 3pm GMT
Building Momentum
West Ham head into this one on a much-needed high after finally grabbing our first home win of the season – a confident 3-1 victory over Newcastle United. Lucas Paquetá and Tomáš Souček both found the net, either side of Sven Botman’s own goal, sealing Nuno Espírito Santo’s first league win in charge.
That result didn’t just earn three points; it gave the London Stadium something it’s been missing for far too long – a bit of atmosphere. The Hammers now have a golden opportunity to build on that by making it back-to-back league wins for the first time since February.
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The visitors are Burnley – newly promoted, sitting just one place above us – and managed by former West Ham midfielder Scott Parker, who’ll no doubt get a warm welcome back in east London.
Nuno was delighted with his reshuffled West Ham team against the Magpies
Team News
Nuno’s been tight-lipped on injuries this week, admitting there were “a few knocks” after the Newcastle win but refusing to give too much away. One thing we do know – Ollie Scarles is still sidelined following surgery on a broken collarbone, while Dinos Mavropanos is out until after the international break. Wantaway striker Niclas Fullkrug is reportedly available for selection.
There’s better news for George Earthy, who’s fit again and could make the bench after returning for the U21s.
For Burnley, Parker says everyone is fit except long-term absentees Zeki Amdouni, Connor Roberts, and Jordan Beyer.
What Nuno Needs
After the Newcastle result, this match feels like a potential turning point. The team looked more balanced, Obi-Wan Bissaka was solid again at right-back, and the midfield pairing of Potts and Fernandes gave us energy and composure.
Now, it’s about consistency. Burnley might not have the glamour of the Magpies, but they’re a hard-working, organised side, and Parker will set them up to frustrate. Still, if Nuno really wants to lift West Ham clear of the relegation zone, these are the games you simply have to win.
Predicted Line-ups
West Ham United (4-2-3-1)
Position Player
GK Alphonse Areola
RB Aaron Wan-Bissaka
CB Jean-Clair Todibo
CB Max Kilman
LB Diouf
CM Freddie Potts
CM Mateus Fernandes
CAM Lucas Paquetá
RW Jarrod Bowen (c)
LW Crysencio Summerville
CF Callum Wilson
Final Thoughts
Burnley are above us in the table for a reason – they’ve shown plenty of fight under Parker. But if Nuno’s Hammers really want to climb clear of trouble, this has to be three points and nothing less.
Confidence should be high after the Newcastle result, and with Paquetá pulling the strings again, I’m backing us to get the job done.
Prediction: West Ham 2–0 Burnley