The Hammers head to Turf Moor on Sunday for the unseasonably early kick off – mid August – in the Championship season against fellow relegated side Burnley in a tasty curtain raiser.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham side appear largely intact other than still waiting for Tomas Soucek to recover from his nasty ankle injury sustained at the World Cup which suddenly seems a very long time ago.
However Keiber Lamadrid must again be considered a doubt after missing the Carabao Cup fixture last weekend. New recruit Manor Solomon (main pic) looks likely to go straight into the team as the Irons have few other options for the left side of the pitch.
By comparison, the Hammers’ opponents have bigger injury issues with three ruled out even before a ball is kicked in anger.
According to Burnleyexpress.net the Clarets could start the campaign with uptight five players missing the West Ham match:
“Burnley v West Ham early team news: 4 ruled out injured and 1 fitness doubt”
The Clarets will be without: Jaydon Banel (unspecified), Jordan Beyer (knee)and former West Ham player Josh Cullen (ACL) will all miss the first game of the new Championship season.
Betting – for those into that sort of thing: West Ham 13/10, draw 13/5, Burnley 9/5.
Burnley v West Ham – Sunday, 4pm kick off: SkySports.
Season starts at weekend. 150million in the west ham bank. 10 million spent! Same question. Where is all the money?