**When West Ham face Burnley on Saturday, boss Nuno Espírito Santo must select the same side that started against Newcastle last weekend.**
The Portuguese gaffer secured his first win as Hammers manager in the Irons’ impressive 3–1 victory over the Magpies at London Stadium, and the correct team selection played a big part in securing a vital three points for the hosts.
Players were deployed in their strongest positions, the midfield was balanced, and overall, there was a solid structure to Nuno’s side. When Burnley come to town this weekend, the 51-year-old must select the same team that started last Sunday.
By sticking with the same eleven, Nuno would be showing faith in Callum Wilson and Mateus Fernandes — players who had previously been benched and were in dire need of a confidence boost.
The decision to give young Freddie Potts 90 minutes against Newcastle was a brave one, but it paid off, as the No. 32 played a blinder and was rightly awarded Man of the Match. Starting him again would show faith in the Academy graduate and maintain balance in the middle of the park. Soungoutou Magassa will be waiting in the wings should he be required.
Striker Callum Wilson also deserves to start the encounter with the Clarets. The 33-year-old put in a solid 61-minute performance against his former side before being replaced by Tomáš Souček, who himself impressed up front for the Hammers.
Despite scoring in stoppage time to seal the victory for the Irons, Souček should start on the bench again for West Ham on Saturday. A similar swap with Callum Wilson would give Burnley a different problem at the back and could provide the Hammers with a new, effective dynamic — as it did last Sunday.
Hopefully, Nuno will do the right thing and avoid tinkering with a winning side. Saturday’s game at London Stadium kicks off at 3 p.m.