West Ham face a stern fight ahead of them to retain their Premier League status, after two consecutive 4-1 defeats to Liverpool and Swansea City have sent the Hammers tumbling down the standings.
David Moyes’ side sit just three points above the relegation zone heading into the Premier League’s final few months, with home games crucial to their survival hopes due to the fact that the Hammers have won just twice away from the London Stadium this season.
Fortunately, West Ham are blessed with six home games during their final nine matches but they still have to face Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, which raises the importance of this afternoon’s hosting of Burnley.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has dubbed the match as a ‘must win’ tie for West Ham and he believes Moyes’ side will secure a vital three points, as he predicted a 2-0 victory for the Hammers.
“West Ham have to win. It’s another must-win game for them. I’m going with the win because they have to win it, that’s all I can say. Surely they’ll be playing with a lot more intensity than Burnley. They’ve been getting beaten badly, and they’ve got to get it right. Shipping four at Swansea isn’t good.”
“Burnley are good at keeping it tight, opening it up later on when the home team are getting nervous, but I think West Ham will have that intensity to get through.”
