Predicted: Nuno makes major West Ham change and faces late calls for must-win Burnley clash

West Ham head to Turf Moor to take on Burnley in what has been described by the club’s owners as a ‘must-win’ game and Nuno Espirito Santo will make at least one change.

While every single game and point is precious in West Ham’s bid for Premier League survival, the match against Burnley feels like a decisive moment in the season.

With Leeds beating Nottingham Forest 3-1 on Friday night, West Ham can go to within three points of Sean Dyche’s side with victory over the Clarets.

The Hammers came from 1-0 down to beat Burnley 3-2 at the London Stadium back in November.

Nuno Espirito Santo would undoubtedly take the same result at Turf Moor, where West Ham have a strong record over the years.

Nuno knows Burnley is a must-win for West Ham’s survival hopes

West Ham have won six of the 13 games they have played on the road at Burnley, with the Clarets winning just three.

Burnley were smashed 3-0 by Sunderland last time out, with many feeling they have joined Wolves in being consigned to the drop.

West Ham are in EXACTLY the same position as in their ‘Great Escape’ season! ⚡

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The Hammers looked like they were set to make it three wins on the bounce when they led 2-0 away at Chelsea last weekend.

But a dismal second half collapse saw Nuno’s side lose 3-2 at the death.

Nuno’s negative, defensive tactics have prompted fierce criticism from Hammers fans.

Tomas Soucek also slammed Nuno’s West Ham tactics, urging the head coach to keep pushing for more goals instead of sitting back when the Hammers have the lead.

Especially as West Ham have thrown away a whopping 18 points from winning positions under the manager.

Nuno held his hands up but bit back at Soucek’s criticism ahead of the Burnley six-pointer – now all eyes will be on whether he is true to his word.

Nuno is set to make a major West Ham change and faces late calls for the must-win Burnley clash.

Central to criticism of Nuno’s tactics has been his insistence on bringing flop Max Kilman on in the second half of games.

Nuno makes major West Ham change and faces late calls for Burnley

The £40m centre-back was brought on when the Hammers were leading against the Blues, much to the anger of fans.

And their concern proved well founded as West Ham ended up losing the game and cementing the fact they have the worst defence in the top flight.

How would you feel if Nuno picks THIS team to face Burnley? ⚒️

What changes would you make instead?

Whether to start Kilman represents Nuno’s biggest call at Turf Moor.

Jean-Clair Todibo brainlessly got himself sent off at Chelsea and misses the first of three games – one of which will be the FA Cup clash at Burton.

West Ham signed Axel Disasi on loan from Chelsea on deadline day after a late dash with a deal sheet submitted two hours after the 7pm cut-off.

There have been concerns over the signing given Disasi has not played competitive football for five months.

So Nuno must decide whether to throw the French defender straight in at the deep end or use him off the bench.

Disasi has looked fit in training and Nuno has remarked what good physical condition he is in.

If Nuno selects Kilman and it backfires he will feel the heat but, on the flip side, if he starts Disasi and he is rusty and it costs West Ham then the same will apply.

With games running out, we think Nuno will just get Disasi into the mix straight away by handing him his Hammers debut.

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West Ham’s midfield let themselves down by failing to offer the defence any cover in the second half against Chelsea.

But it has been working well overall of late and Nuno looks set to stick with the same line-up that started at Chelsea – if certain players come through late fitness tests.

Jarrod Bowen passed a late fitness test to play at Chelsea and was then subbed off after being caught on his ankle.

Thankfully the captain has been pictured in training since.

But Nuno stated in his pre-game conference that there are a number of mystery players facing late tests to determine their availability for the crucial game.

January signing Keiber Lamadrid impressed in his first game for West Ham’s development side, scoring a beautiful goal from outside the box.

Lamadrid was not in the Under 21 side for their game on Friday night, leading to speculation he will be in the senior squad travelling to Burnley.

However, a journalist in his homeland Venezuela claims that will not be the case, saying he has not travelled with the group.

Callum Wilson could get a start as he has a superb record against Burnley and while Pablo and Taty Castellanos have worked tirelessly for the team, neither looks a goal threat at Premier League level.

West Ham will be on 23 points with a win at Burnley, three points off Forest with 13 games to play.

Predicted West Ham team to face Burnley:

Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Disasi, Mavropanos, Diouf, Soucek, Fernandes, Summerville, Bowen, Pablo, Taty.

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