Welcome back for the last time this season, as we head up to our final fixture of the season against Burnley. It’s been a long, hard slog but we’ve got through it relatively unscathed. Hopefully, we can give this game a good go with some of the youngsters seeing their first starts.
The Opponents:
Burnley have not had the best of seasons themselves. They are languishing in fifteenth. However, they are comfortably, and most importantly, mathematically safe. That being said, they are not in fantastic form and like us, won’t be sad to see the back of this season. They have a few decent player but I think this would be a great fixture to introduce some of the youth players.
Form:
Until Liverpool last week, we were on a good run of form. Unfortunately, that doesn’t forgive a torrid turnout in that second half. We can’t afford to continue this form and carry it into next season. We need a solid performance to reward the traveling fans and cap a poor season on a high. Last Sunday aside, we have been pretty solid at the back. Hopefully, we can replicate that defensive form we missed last week.
As I mentioned above, Burnley aren’t in the greatest of form. They’ve won four this year and just two since the end of January. However, whilst we have been struggling this season to keep goals out, Burnley have not been putting theirs away. If we can manage a goal or two this weekend, it may be enough to see off the Clarets.
The Teams:
I’m hoping that after the poor showing last week and the number of injuries we have, we might see a few new faces. Whilst a number may have problems with loan contracts, we could see the likes of Rice and Quina make their debuts. That in mind I would continue with Adrian in goal, resume the back five of Byram, Collins, Fonte Creswell, and Declan Rice. The midfield should include Quina, Lanzini, Ayew with Nordtveit in the defensive role. Fletcher should get a chance up front with Calleri seeming to be on his way out.
Burnley may try a few youngsters of their own but Dyche sounds like he’s out to end the season on a high. I would imagine it will remain relatively unchanged. Heaton should return between the sticks, Lowton, Long, Tarkowski and Ward at the back. Boyd, Westwood, Hendrick and Arfield in the midfield. Barnes and Vokes up front. Whilst I think Burnley lack match winners, Vokes and Barnes can be dangerous.
Burnley:
GK) Heaton (C)
RB) Lowton
CB) Keane
CB) Long
LB) Ward
LM) Arfield
CM) Hendrick
CM) Westwood
RM) Boyd
ST) Barnes
ST) Vokes
West Ham United:
GK) Adrian
LB) Creswell
CB) Rice
CB) Collins (C)
CB) Fonte
RB) Byram
CDM) Nordtviet
CAM) Quina
LW) Lanzini
RW) Ayew
ST) Fletcher
Odds:
Burnley 23/20 Draw 5/2 Liverpool 9/4
– Via Sky Bet
My Prediction:
Bearing in mind our kids get a good run out this weekend, I’m not too fussed about the result. Obviously, I want a Hammers win, but a good showing and a bit of heart will give us some optimism going into the next season. I expect Burnley to put out a good side and aim to end the season on a high. Oh, and do not forget the prize money between 16th and 11th… I’ve read it’s around the nine million mark… not a complete dead rubber then. I think we might surprise Burnley but a win away might be a step too far.
Burnley 1 – 1 West Ham United
Whatever the result this weekend, I wish everyone involved with the club a pleasant summer break (we’ve earned it…) and I’ll be looking forward to producing regular content over the summer. COYI!
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