.As top European competitions in the Champions League and Europa League concluded their semi-finals 2nd legs, the Premier League is back in action with most teams battling for three points. The likes of Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea aren’t playing a Premier League fixture because they are playing in the FA Cup semi-finals.
On Sunday 17th April , 6th place West Ham United return to the famous London Stadium against relegation threatened Burnley in a 2:15pm Premier League Kick off.
With the Hammers currently in 6th place, they need Southampton to take points off Arsenal the day before, who are just three points in front of West Ham United. However, West Ham have played two games more then 5th placed Arsenal.
West Ham are expected to win against Burnley which will help them in the battle for a European place. Burnley sacked their manager Sean Dyche just days before the encounter which could work for or against them.
The Hammers European Delight
West Ham reached their first major European semi-final in 46 years with a stunning 3-0 UEFA Europa League quarter-final second-leg win over Olympique Lyonnais in France, completing a sensational 4-1 aggregate victory.
West Ham’s Mixed Form
West Ham are currently sixth in the league but want to get back on track in their charge for a top six place, after suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss away to Brentford.
The loss away to Brentford could be down to the fact they were focused on the second leg of their Europa League tie against Lyon. West Ham can’t be blamed for prioritising the Europa League second leg as it has been 46 years since they last played a European semi-final.
Burnley are coming into game following a disappointing 2-0 loss against relegation rivals Norwich City. They are also coming into this game following the unfortunate sacking of Sean Dyche.
West Ham Premier League form: L W L W L W
West Ham form (all competitions): W L D W L W
Burnley Premier League form: L W L L L L
Burnley form (all competitions): L W L L L L
Team News
West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell will return after he was suspended for the Europa League quarter-final win over Lyon.
Kurt Zouma sprained his ankle in the recent defeat by Brentford and could be out for the remainder of the season.
Burnley defender Erik Pieters could return from a knee issue, while injured club captain Ben Mee will be on the touchline among the coach staff.
Probable Starting Lineups
West Ham:
Fabianski; Coufal, Dawson, Diop, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Fornals, Lanzini, Bowen; Antonio
Unavailable: Zouma (injured)
Burnley:
Pope; Taylor, Tarkowski, Collins, Lowton; Cornet, Brownhill, Westwood, Lennon; Weghorst, Rodriguez
Unavailable: Ben Mee (player coach)
Interesting Match Facts
West Ham have failed to score in five of their past eight Premier League matches against Burnley, losing four of those fixtures (W3, D1).
Eagerly Anticipated Prediction
After their 0-0 draw earlier this season, The Hammers are looking for a much better performance this time around that can still help them secure a top 4 spot in the Premier League table.
Bearing in mind that they have played more games than both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, they now know that they need to make this game count. A win over Burnley on Sunday will allow West Ham United to progress past an out of form Arsenal who take on Southampton the day before.
Prediction – West Ham 2-0 Burnley
Hammers fan Brandon Rivers says ‘I have a lot of faith in the boys that they will make us fans proud.’
Important Match Information
Teams : West Ham United vs Burnley
Stadium : London Stadium
Competition : Premier League
Date : Sunday 17th April, 2:15 pm GMT
Channel : Not televised
Referee: Paul Tierney