I have to admit, I was somewhat taken aback by some of the responses to my prediction of a 3–1 victory for West Ham against Burnley in tomorrow’s Premier League game.
Sometimes I’m accused of being overly negative, and maybe there’s some justification in that. But honestly, I’m not trying to sugarcoat reality. However, some in the comments seemed surprised by my prediction and even labelled it ‘bold’ . . . I sincerely hope that’s not the case.
I genuinely believe West Ham United will beat Burnley FC tomorrow.
Despite league positions suggesting there’s not much between the two sides, I firmly believe West Ham possess far superior players. And in truth, this is not a game we can afford to lose. To put it bluntly: if the Hammers fail to beat the Clarets at Turf Moor, we probably don’t deserve to stay in the Premier League.
But based on recent performances, I think there’s every chance we get the job done.
Don’t get me wrong — Burnley, and Scott Parker in particular, have put in some gritty displays this season. However, I very much doubt their squad will be plundered by Premier League clubs should relegation arrive.
Bowen could prove too hot to handle for Burnley
Nuno’s Momentum Gives West Ham Hope
Under Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham are finally playing on the front foot. Three wins in a row have lifted belief, and even the defeat against Chelsea was punctuated by plenty of positives.
Yes, we still look vulnerable when trying to protect leads. Defensive concentration and fitness remain concerns. But those flaws shouldn’t be ruthlessly exposed by a Burnley side that, frankly, don’t appear to be operating at Premier League standards.
For clarity, this isn’t the opinion of an entitled West Ham fan who assumes survival is guaranteed.
I still see our situation as precarious — and if I were putting money on it, I’d probably say relegation remains more likely than not.
That said, I also believe we’ll win tomorrow.
And depending on tonight’s result between Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, it could make for a very interesting weekend indeed.
We have to win end of, no more excuses start like we have done the last 3 games and then try and do more of it with a different formation after Pablo and Taty come off. It’s time we unleashed Kante and Magassa, Soucek can’t keep that up for 90 minutes either but we have Magassa, Kante and Potts to energise the midfield just dont go 3 at the back.
I would go Areola, Scarles, Kilman, Mavropanos, AWB, Bowen, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Taty, Pablo. With Magassa, Potts and Traore to come on for Pablo, Taty, Soucek, Bowen to play up front, maybe give Disasi a run if Kilman tires and Diouf for Scarles late on.
I too think we’ll win but I think close. We must keep a clean sheet at some point and I think it will be tomorrow in a 1-0 win.
I think this has to be a win because there’s no more room for any slip ups. Even if there are no more slip ups at all we could still be down.
Nuno needs to play a blinder for a change, we must not get overrun in the second half and it is Nuno’s job to ensure we don’t. Bringing on an extra defender does not cut it.
Burnley ain’t won for 15 games so we all know deep down what’s probably going to happen! I hope I’m wrong but I’m going for a Burnley win ☹️. Look at the Wolves game, they hadn’t won all season until they played us. We are still the only team they have beaten in the league all season.
I’ve watched Burnley a few times this season and they are not a bad side regardless their position in the league. They will see this game as vital and will give it a right go and I can see this being a draw. Let’s hope I’m very wrong!
Westham must start with the same tactics of high pressing and gain an overwhelming lead after an hour at which time sub Pablo for Traore as CF to force Burnley to play tighter to their own penalty area and therefore dragging Westham away from theirs . This should be the principle tactic for the remaining 14 matches .
Neat piece Gonzo. Agree with everything you’ve written here.
If we can get two nil up at half time against a Chelsea team away, then we should manage to surprise Burnley with a four nil scoreline at a similar stage. Burnley will not be able to change their team and tactics in the way Chelsea did and we should be able to completely shut them out in the second half. Taking our foot of the gas to coast to six nil.
I know it won’t go exactly to this plan and the game is neither straightforward nor simple to foresee. That leads me to think that your prediction of 1-3 is realistic and achievable.
Certainly won’t hold it against you if you’re slightly awry with this score. Hope you are correct with the direction of travel though.
Up to Nuno and the boys now to prove us right.
COYI
I think you could be right regarding the score Gonzo. Burnley don’t offer much of a goal threat so maybe even our defence with or without Killman may be able to cope for the most part.
My only worry is after seeing Nuno’s presser yesterday he carries on playing this more offensive footy at the start and doesn’t revert to the more cautious way to conserve players energy. As he said it is impossible to keep the hi tempo up for longer that 50-60 minutes. I hope is isn’t thinking of going back to the bad old days
Let’s hope you are right ! And, I do agree with your assessment – but this is West Ham; who knows what will happen ?
Well Gonzo I’m actually with you only with a different score line. I’m going for 2-1 West ham win with one of the new forwards scoring. No clean sheet without Todibo and it will be a struggle. Still plenty of work to do and unless the Chelsea centre back is a surprise and plays well we will go down anyway. Yes I will say it again this is down to Sulivan.