West Ham United face an absolutely huge game against Burnley on Saturday.
Though West Ham United are clearly wanting to look up the Premier League table rather than down it, they cannot risk being overtaken by the Clarets.
Heading into Saturday’s game at Turf Moor, Scott Parker’s side sit five points behind the Hammers in 19th.
The chances of either staying up right now do feel somewhat remote but if there is to be a loser on Saturday, it would surely all-but end any lingering hopes either club have.
Who should replace Todibo on Saturday?! 🤔
Keep in mind that Axel Disasi hasn't played in months 😬
A graphic showing a split image of Max Kilman and Axel Disasi.
Credit: Getty Images/Rob Newell – CameraSport/Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC
While West Ham lost to Chelsea in their last game, there has been a recent revival under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Though supporters may have their grievances, Nuno’s side simply must be considered favourites for the game. Indeed, the Clarets themselves are in crisis after a poor display against Sunderland, while the wait for James Ward-Prowse goes on.
James Ward-Prowse cannot play against West Ham due to loan move as Scott Parker demands reaction
This season has broken something of a trend in the Premier League.
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For the last two seasons, the three teams promoted from the Championship have been relegated.
However, Sunderland and Leeds are currently above the drop zone and while Burnley are in it, they have surely fared better than many would have expected.
Still, Parker – a former West Ham captain of course – saw his side smashed at the Stadium of Light on Monday, losing 3-0 after an insipid performance.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Parker has demanded a reaction.
Where should Nuno play Adama Traore? 🤔
Wing back? Winger? Or on the bench? 😂
A graphic showing Adama Traore playing for West Ham.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
Speaking after the game, he said: “We need to get back to work and reboot.
“We’ve fallen short sometimes this season on quality – but tonight we were miles off the pace and that’s unacceptable.
“It’s a tough place we find ourselves in. No doubt it’s tough for the players too.”
The fact Parker is talking in such terms about his team does not provide a ringing endorsement about their current state. That could play right into West Ham’s hands.
Ward-Prowse did not make his debut, either. The former Southampton midfielder is looking to rebuild his career after a nightmare stint at West Ham and joined the Turf Moor outfit on loan towards the end of the January transfer window.
However, he was not brought on against Sunderland and cannot play on Saturday due to the terms of his loan move.
Asked why he didn’t make his debut on Monday night, Parker told reporters: “We bought James in, but he’s only trained twice, so tonight wasn’t the right time to give him his debut.”
James Ward-Prowse looks on before Burnley's game against Sunderland.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
West Ham’s recent record against Burnley is brilliant
The mood is low again for the Hammers, and Nuno has faced criticism for his team selections at West Ham in the wake of the collapse at Chelsea.
Hammers News subscribers on TalkingPoints, a free and non-toxic platform upon which to discuss everything about the club, believe the 52-year-old has a tendency to go defensive too early.
Still, Nuno does have a great chance of protecting West Ham’s fine recent record against Burnley.
The Irons haven’t lost to the Clarets in seven Premier League games, winning four of them and drawing the other three.
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