Verdict: Lucas Paqueta over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
In what is a real relegation six-pointer at the foot of the Premier League table, West Ham will welcome Burnley to east London on Saturday afternoon.
West Ham
Starting with the hosts, while West Ham might have broken a string of unwanted records since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, new boss Nuno Espírito Santo saw his squad claim an essential boost last weekend. Springing a real upset in east London, the Hammers secured a 3-1 victory against Newcastle and the former Nottingham Forest boss will be desperate to use that season-best performance as a platform to build on. However, still sat in the relegation zone and coming under serious scrutiny this year, West Ham have continued to gain an unwanted reputation for their struggles at the back. Along with registering just a single clean sheet across any competition so far this season, Saturday’s hosts have shipped 21 Premier League goals and only fellow strugglers Wolves can boast a worse defensive return. Getting this weekend’s fixtures underway sat three points adrift of top-flight safety, Santo will be more than aware that his squad faces a potentially season-defining contest here.
West Ham Team News
Picking up a hamstring injury against Brentford when returning from October’s international break, West Ham will once again be without Greek defender Konstantinos Mavropanos here. Likewise, reportedly keen on securing a January move away from east London, German international Niclas Fullkrug is still sidelined with a muscle issue.
Putting in a Man of the Match performance in what was his first Premier League start, academy graduate Freddie Potts will keep his spot in the middle of the park. Notching three top-flight strikes this season, skipper Jarrod Bowen will play a leading role in attack.
Burnley
As for the visitors, eventually falling to what was an expected 2-0 loss at home against leading title contenders Arsenal last weekend, Burnley will be seeking an immediate response here. While Scott Parker’s men might have opened up the 2025/26 campaign pencilled in as a landslide favourite to be hit with an immediate Championship return, the Clarets should take plenty of positives away from their rugged start to proceedings. Marking their return from October’s international break with consecutive Premier League victories against Leeds and Wolves, the former Fulham boss should find the mood in his camp at a high. Travelling to east London this weekend holding a three-point buffer over Saturday’s hosts, Burnley will be looking to make a real statement in their charge for top-flight safety.
Burnley Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season, Wales international Connor Roberts remains on the sidelines with a muscle issue. Likewise, spending last season on loan at Portuguese giants Benfica, Zeki Amdouni is still dealing with a long-term knee injury.
Now entering his fourth campaign at Turf Moor, former West Ham academy star Josh Cullen will lead out Parker’s side on Saturday afternoon. Making a permanent switch from Manchester City over the summer, England international Kyle Walker will start at right-back.
West Ham vs Burnley Key Factors to Consider
- When West Ham and Burnley last met back in March 2024, Saturday’s opponents played out a 2-2 stalemate in east London.
- Three of the last four Premier League meetings between West Ham and Burnley have finished in a draw.
- The Hammers have recorded just a single clean sheet across any competition so far this season.
- Despite their 2-0 loss against Arsenal last weekend, Burnley have registered six points from their last four Premier League outings.
- The Clarets have shipped 15 goals in their first five showdowns away from Turf Moor.
Conclusion
Claiming what was an essential Premier League boost last weekend as they secured a thumping 3-1 victory against Newcastle, West Ham will be desperately seeking a repeat display here. Knowing that they can skyrocket their way out of the relegation zone, Saturday’s hosts face what is a season-defining showdown in east London. Meeting a Burnley squad who have shipped 15 goals in their first five matchups away from Turf Moor, the Hammers will rightfully be smelling a golden opportunity on home soil.
Verdict: Lucas Paqueta over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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