The West Ham lineup that should start against Burnley
West Ham's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League rely on one thing and one thing only.
But unlike everyone's favourite superintendent, Ted Hastings, Hammers boss David Moyes isn't relying on catching every bent copper under in the Moss Heath area. Instead, he's only interested in picking up three points - starting this Monday night at Sean Dyche's ever so stodgy Burnley.
The past couple of games have seen valuable points slip away against Newcastle and Chelsea, but there's no need to panic just yet. West Ham remain fifth in the Premier League table, and even though Chelsea may have strengthened their grip on fourth by the time things get underway in Lancashire, the good news is that consecutive games against Manchester City and Arsenal are penned into Thomas Tuchel's fixture diary.
But for any dropped points in west London to matter, West Ham must take care of their own business - so here's how Moyes(iah) should set up the Hammers to do just that.
West Ham predicted lineup
1. Goalkeeper & Defenders
Lukasz Fabianski (GK) - Shocking mistake against Newcastle aside, Fabianski continues to excel at the highest level. Could have a few crosses to deal with.
Craig Dawson (CB) - Suspension for two yellow cards served, Dawson will likely play immediate swapsies with Fabian Balbuena - even though the Paraguayan's ridiculous red card against Chelsea has been overturned.
Issa Diop (CB) - The Frenchman's height will come in handy against a Burnley side who love to plop the ball on the head of Chris Wood. Must be strong and imposing from the off.
Angelo Ogbonna (CB) - The leader of West Ham's defence, there has arguably been few central defenders to outperform Ogbonna this season. Needs to find his pre-injury form levels, sharpish.
2. Wing-Backs & Midfielders
Vladimir Coufal (RWB) - Has an important role to play both going forward and in defence. Dwight McNeil will be a handful, but one way to counter that is to get the Czech bustling down the right with the ball at his feet.
Tomas Soucek (CM) - Really needs Declan Rice alongside him to bring out his true quality, but Soucek remains a more than capable performer. Is also West Ham's biggest aerial threat.
Mark Noble (CM) - The last couple of games haven't gone the way West Ham's skipper would them want to, predominantly because they strengthen the case that the team perform better when he's on the bench. It's sad, but possibly true - even though he's personally played alright.
Ryan Fredericks (LWB) - Playing down the left obviously isn't ideal, but Fredericks' extra experience may be beneficial as West Ham look to eek out three points.
3. Forwards
Jarrod Bowen (RW) - The former Hull forward won't exclusively play down the right flank, and will instead look to scamper in behind James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.
Jesse Lingard (CF) - West Ham's most important player, and one who must get on the ball early to set the tone. Was quiet against Chelsea, largely because he was starved of possession, but looks so good every time he roams forward.
Pablo Fornals (LW) - Burnley are a tough, physical side who will give their all throughout the game. Fornals loves giving 110%, and this game could be right up his technical alley.