Burnely will look to break free from the shackles of their disastrous home record when they host London natives West Ham in the hope of sparking a revival in their disappointing season.
The Battle of the Clarets takes place this Saturday at Turf Moor, as Burnley and West Ham meet for the first time this season. Vincent Kompany, a rookie in his first Premier League season, hopes to draw blood from veteran David Moyes.
Despite wearing the same colors, the two clubs are having different seasons. Burnley will enter Turf Moor knowing they have lost all six of their Premier League home games this season, a mental hurdle they will be attempting to overcome. Being at the bottom of the table means confidence will be at an all-time low; Kompany will be desperate to secure his first Premier League victory at home.
In contrast, despite a few injury concerns, the Hammers will be encouraged to maintain their strong form ahead of the international break. Moyes’ side has won three of their last four games in all competitions, most recently triumphing in a thrilling five-goal thriller against Nottingham Forest.
A two-week international break has provided the Clarets with a valuable opportunity to regroup and dust themselves off. As Christmas approaches and a critical period in the Premier League calendar approaches, Burnley must mend their masts and gather any momentum they can to save their sinking ship. Fundamentally, a win at home would lift Burnley out of the relegation zone, depending on other results.
Burnley team news:
After missing Burnley’s defeat at high-flying Arsenal despite being available following suspension, Lancashire-based fans will be watching to see if Kompany brings midfielder Joe Cullen back into the side.
Jack Cork and Arijanet Muric are not expected to play tomorrow, but there is hope that Hjalmar Ekdal and Manuel Benson will. Lyle Foster, the club’s centre-forward, keeps his distance as he continues to receive treatment for his ongoing mental health battle.
West Ham: Jamaican international Michail Antonio suffered knee ligament damage while on national team duty recently. Fortunately, his injury was not as severe as had been anticipated. The Hammers thought their talisman would be out until the New Year, but medical reports indicate Antonio will be back in a few weeks.
Jarred Bowen, the East London club’s player of the season, is racing against time to prove he is fit for the match against Burnley. Bowen sat out England’s 0-0 draw in North Macedonia as a precaution due to a knee injury. Fans of the Hammers will be hoping that he is fit to play tomorrow.
Burnley: Trafford; Roberts, O’Shea, Beyer, Taylor; Gudmundsson, Cullen, Berge, Koleosho; Amdouni, Rodriguez; Amdouni, Rodriguez
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Alvarez, Soucek; Benrahma, Ward-Prowse, Paqueta; Kudus; West Ham:
Burnley’s James Trafford is a key player.
Burnley currently has the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League, while also having the lowest scoring average. A poisonous combination of leaking goals and a lack of threat makes for depressing viewing. Simply put, with the Clarets struggling to find a consistent source of goals, the defense must improve significantly. Burnley’s manager is James Trafford, who joined from Bolton in the summer for a fee of £15 million.
The 21-year-old will be desperate for his first Premier League clean sheet in his debut season. Trafford must make a stand with his youthful enthusiasm and willingness to be a catalyst in turning around Burnley’s season. As Burnley struggles to outscore opponents, Kompany will look to his defense to lay solid foundations.
With the possible absence of West Ham’s attacking threat Bowen, the England U-21 Euro winner will be hoping for a clean sheet when the final whistle blows.
Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United
With Bowen possibly leaving an offensive void, Kudus could find himself covering his teammate on Saturday. Kudus has settled into a comfortable position on the right wing since his arrival in East London. Depending on Bowen’s match status, Kudus could lead the Hammers’ attack come kickoff. Bowen has been a consistent source of goals for West Ham this season, scoring in every away game.
Kudus has scored twice in nine appearances since joining Eastend from Dutch giants Ajax for £38 million, making a steady start to life in the Eastend. Kudus will look to thrive in this newly familiar position if David Moyes makes him the focal point of their attack. Kudus, who is surrounded by high-calibre playmakers such as Lucas Paqueta, James Ward-Prowse, and Said Benrahma, could be a dangerous threat if given opportunities.
Match specifics:
This game is being played in the following locations:
This game will take place at Turf Moor, the home of Burnley FC.
When does the game begin?
The game will begin at 3:00 PM (GMT) on Saturday, November 25th.
Where can I find a live stream of the game?
Unfortunately, because it is a 3:00 PM Saturday kickoff, it falls during the UK football blackout. Live match coverage will be available only to international fans.
