West Ham face a stern test in the months ahead as they seek to retain their Premier League status for next season, as they enter the final nine matches of the campaign.
The Hammers sit just three points above the relegation zone heading into this afternoon’s crucial hosting of Burnley, which is the first of six remaining home matches for David Moyes side- and they’ll be important given West Ham’s poor form on the road.
West Ham have won just twice away from home this season and the fact they’re still yet to face Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City increases the significance of this afternoon’s clash at the London Stadium.
Victory would provide a crucial boost for the Hammers ahead of a three-week rest due to the FA Cup and international break- and West Ham attacker Manuel Lanzini is preparing for a crucial few months on a personal level.
The Argentine ace has been called-up for his national side ahead of their two matches this month and he’ll look to earn a spot in the South American giant’s World Cup squad, as well as helping West Ham to avoid relegation.
The 25-year-old is confident about his chances though, telling Sky Sports he believes his side will avoid relegation.
“It’s great to be at home playing at our ground where we get great support and we’ll work really, really hard to give our supporters something to cheer about. We need to win all of our games and we need to look forward and be positive.”
“Every game is important to us and we’re not really looking any further than this game [against Burnley]. We’ve worked really hard this week and whatever happens after that we’ll have to see then.”
“I have full confidence we are going to be able to do that. We have a great group of players, a great team and good people too and we believe we can do that. I think we’ll stay up. That’s all I am focusing on at the moment and I believe we will stay up. What happens in my personal future is something else but it’s not something I’m thinking of.”
