Whispers

Three points the only option for Moyes boys

Three points the only option as Freiburg looms 

West Ham can’t afford to slip up today against Burnley at The London Stadium.

As Premier League fixtures go, they don’t really get any easier than this. Vincent Kompany’s men are rooted to the bottom of the table with a paltry 13 points and seem destined for relegation.

They have a reputation for possession-based football but lack enough menace to justify David Moyes playing ultra-defensive football. If any one of The Hammers’ three ultra-talented  attacking players performs at their highest level, it should be too much for Burnley.

Players will also need rest ahead of Thursday’s Europa League encounter against Freiburg, so I’d be keen to see Michail Antonio start. Lucas Paqueta has just returned from injury and would probably benefit from a rest ahead of Thursday, making Antonio the perfect choice.

Tougher games lie ahead in the Premier League in April, so we need to bank points now. These are the games West Ham must win if European aspirations are to be achieved, and I believe we will. Moyes’ boys should have too much about them at home. I only hope that the result is secured early and maximum substitutions are made.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.